Redzircon

Thanks everyone, it's my error:  front tyres are 1/3 worn, rear need replacement.

Hi here duncanm, thank you for your response. Very interesting.

Mismatched tyres might be the cause. I'm using different tyres on the front and back --  ie 2 X michelin on front, and 2 X yokohama on back .

Is this what you meant? If that's the case then the tyre sellers need to know.

Update:

The manual warns the owner. Wish I'd read that.

I'll be buying a new set of tyres.

I am surprised that Bob Janes and Donnellan never mentioned this when they sold me tyres.

The reason they are mismatched is that one was damaged and its replacement was no longer available.

Thanks for the excellent replies to my question

Car was still driveable, but a slight tapping noise was heard, then taken to mechanic to check. First I though it was a stick caught underneath. If only.

On removing the gearbox, he noticed the oil was silver.

Once the gearbox was taken to the specialist in Geelong, the mechanic said he saw the a big 'clip' in the gearbox had broken, and was flying around loose inside, creating all kinds of damage. Total bill $4340

I'm pretty sure oil was changed when timing chain replaced. (I'll need to check)

Is it at all possible that a slightly loose towball and a trailer jerking back and forth has done the damage, or is it possible the new thrust bearing has been installed incorrectly?
 

In any case, i am no expecting anything from subaru.