12 replies to this topic

[PeteS]

Hi all,

I'm not only new here but new to Subarus.

I recently bought an Outback MY08 manual DR and am very happy with it except for one issue.

It is as tight as a drum overall and full lock turns in either direction or forward or reverse are noiseless.

If I drive it several K's it's still fine, but if I drive it for over, say 20 K's, it starts to make what appears to be CV joint noises at full lock, and if I drive it for over 100 K's that noise becomes a knock which can be felt on the steering wheel.

I believe that this is possibly the viscous coupling.

So far I have called a couple of places which specialise in Subaru gearboxes in Sydney, and I have been led to believe that there is some special voodoo involved in repairing this issue. Judging by the prices quoted I would expect it.

My question is whether this is just hot air or whether any good mechanic can do the replacement with the knowledge of the extra parts required which I believe are new bearings and grease.

I am in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney and would really appreciate any recommendations for a good mechanic, if, in fact, there is a need for a specialist.

Whichever way, I would be insisting on genuine Subaru parts.

Thanks.

Pete

[Liberty]

I wouldn't have a clue what the issue is or what parts in particular are causing this, but All Drive Subaroo in Peakhurst specialise in all things Subaru. May be worth giving them a call and sussing things out?

 

I'll be going there for my next service and I have a friend who is a mechanic there.

[Niko]

Benny Custom Works in Bowral may be able to get you the genuine parts, at a good price.

As for doing it, anywhere should be fine, and here is a DIY if interested https://www.scoobyne...easy-to-do.html

Also Youtube have plenty of vids.

[Beckers]

Sounds like a centre diff problem to me.

Contact Corgiworx for a rebuilt centre diff.

Brand new centre diff from Subaru is like $1200

 

My gearbox is doing the same thing as yours,

$325 for the rebuilt one plus freight and fitting if you can not remove and refit it yourself. 

[PeteS]

Thanks for the replies.

 

@ Liberty, I already contacted them and they are certainly expensive.

 

@Beckers, my understanding is that the previous model was able to be rebuilt but not this model. Also, how do I get in touch with Corgiworx - I googled it and all I seem to come up with is references to them on forums!

 

Is there anyone bringing in Subaru parts at  reasonable price?

I'm no convinced that there is no secret voodoo involved in fitting one.

 

@Nicko, thanks, I'll see if I can get in touch with them.

 

Pete

[Beckers]

Thanks for the replies.

 

@ Liberty, I already contacted them and they are certainly expensive.

 

@Beckers, my understanding is that the previous model was able to be rebuilt but not this model. Also, how do I get in touch with Corgiworx - I googled it and all I seem to come up with is references to them on forums!

 

Hey Pete,

Contact them via their facebook page.

[Liberty]

They tend to be on the pricey side but they're work is perfect.

 

I'm pretty sure CorgiWerx can only be found on Facebook, click here for the link.

[PeteS]

Thanks guys.

I have spoken to Corgiwerx and they are very reasonable and say that they will guarantee their work indefinitely.

The only reservation I have is that my model is meant to be a sealed unit, but they assure me that they can be reconditioned.

Anyone have any of these done by Corgiwerx?

Thanks,

Pete

[Niko]

Search the forum for Corgiwerx, but yeah, they have been around for a while and a lot of blokes on here have used them.

[duncanm]

definitely center viscous diff binding. Symptoms are only binds up after a long drive and warming up.

 

Firstly -- check your tyres are all equal (size, brand and wear). Unbalanced tyre diameters front to back will cause center diff overheating.

 

If the tyres are all ok - then diff needs replacement

 

If they're not - fix that, but the diff might still be cactus from overheating.

 

Replacement is simple. Any decent mech should be able to knock it out on a hoist in an hour or so without any special tools. You can do it in your driveway if needs be. No need to remove gearbox or anything.

 

Some are rebuildable -- and some specialists have magic to rebuild supposedly sealed units. Listen to the experts on that.

 

Source a second hand one. Subaru places like http://www.sgspartsplus.com.au/ have them for a hundred bucks or so, and should be able to give you a guarantee that the diff they sell you is good.

[PeteS]

Thanks for all the help.

I contacted Corgiwerx and got myself a refurbished Viscous Coupling. They were very easy to deal with and I would recommend them.

Brought it to an honest mechanic who fitted it for under $250 including oil. A far cry from the ripoff artist in Blackheath who quoted $1400 and then went on to say that a gearbox with 180000kms needs new bearings throughout and quoted $2400!!!

I took it to my daughters place in Rylstone and all is good, so very happy.

Thanks,

Pete

[Jober]

For anyone looking for genuine Subaru centre diff get a hold of Celtic Motorsport in the USA for a quote. Last year I had a brand new unit delivered to Oz for A$700

[duncanm]

Partsouq - $480 shipped to Oz.