The car is jumping a little when shifting gears?

ZEBBIEG

MEMBER
2003 SUBARU OUTBACK
2.5L
4WD
AUTOMATIC
189,000 MILES

When I release some pressure from the gas pedal to slow down, I feel the car gives slight jerks or jumps. It's happening on and off and seems to be doing it when in the fourth gear and shifting down when gas pedal is decelerated to slow down. Is my transmission going out soon?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

By design, the transmission downshifts when you release the throttle and slow down. However, you normally wouldn't feel it.

Have you checked the fluid to make sure it is both clean and full?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Also, the idea that it only does it in 4th gear is odd. It could even be a failing universal joint or center bearing. In pic 1 below, I highlighted the center bearing and both universal joints. You can inspect those for evidence of wear. Also, pic 2 shows the carrier bearing. That can certainly cause what you described.

The bearing in the carrier is mounted in rubber, so check to see if anything is worn or loose.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 AT 9:27 PM

ZEBBIEG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,

It jumps a little when shifting up in gears also. Now the steering wheel has started turning after I brake from a higher speed and come to a stop, and if I let it go, I can see it steering by itself to the right and I have to pull it to the center before the car goes that way. What has started causing this?

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Monday, December 19th, 2022 AT 3:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

When the steering pulls when braking, in most cases either we have a brake caliper that isn't fully releasing or one that isn't as well as it should.

If you lift the front wheels off the ground, do either seem to have an excessive drag? Also, if you have a helper, lift the vehicle, have the helper press and release the brake while you confirm it releases properly.

Try that and let me know the results.

Joe

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Monday, December 19th, 2022 AT 4:28 PM

ZEBBIEG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,

We have not been able to check any of the issues with the transmission or the brakes as it involves getting under the car or manual check and since we are partly disabled and seniors, we cannot do this. We will have to take it to a repair shop for diagnosis.
Thank you

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Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 AT 6:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

I understand. If you have a chance, could you let me know what they tell you? I'm interested in knowing.

Take care and I wish you a great Christmas!

Joe