2006 Baja Sport

Technical Discussions - Got a mechanical problem?

Moderator: bajabob

ZUBAJA
Scoobytruck Master
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:38 pm

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by ZUBAJA »

Start with the easiest and least expensive first. Try just adding the Ford friction modifier. It is made for limited slip differentials (positraction). Limited slip differentials are the same basic clutch pack system as used in your (our) automatic Subarus (my Baja has a manual, which is a different system). This stuff is inexpensive (under 15.00 depending on where you buy it). One version is called "XL-3". There may be an updated version, but it should be the same stuff. To be sure, do a search on Subarus and Ford friction modifier additives. Dennis
Edit: The symptom is called "torque bind". Many say "replace the solenoid". This can be a 500.00 - 1K repair, depending on your shop / mechanic. I believe it requires a MINIMUM of dropping the tranny pan. It has been stated (on several forums) that if pulling the fuse solved the problem, the solenoid is okay. When I did it, I dropped the pan, cleaned the solenoid, removed the tranny extension housing (meant removing driveshaft, heat shield, crossmember, tranny mount, etc), and removed, cleaned, and inspected the clutch pack. I found out later that many have solved the problem by just using the friction modifier.
Also suggested:
Check all 4 tires for same type, same diameter (circumference), proper inflation. One thing you want to do on Subarus (really any AWD / 4WD vehicle is replace all 4 tires at the same time. Tire circumference is important.
Has auto tranny fluid been changed? If not, maybe change that too.
flyboyaviator
Scoobytruck Contributer
Posts: 35
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:30 pm

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by flyboyaviator »

ZUBAJA, thanks for all this info, but how much should I put in there? Thank you very much.
ZUBAJA
Scoobytruck Master
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:38 pm

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by ZUBAJA »

The bottle only holds 4 oz (maybe 6?). Just put it all in. Remember, this was originally for a differential that holds maybe 3 quarts of lube, we're putting it into a transaxle with probably 2 gallons of ATF. Speaking of which, I've had good luck running Valvoline Max-life ATF in mine. Before I retired, I worked for the City and we were using the same stuff in our Police vehicles (except the dextron users, which got bulk ATF). Dennis
flyboyaviator
Scoobytruck Contributer
Posts: 35
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:30 pm

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by flyboyaviator »

Thanks Dennis, are you a retired LEO?
ZUBAJA
Scoobytruck Master
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:38 pm

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by ZUBAJA »

No, 35 years with the City Of St Petersburg (Fl) Fleet. During that time I was everything from Mechanic (all types), shop supervisor (cars, light trucks, and then mainly, Police and Fire fleet, and finished out my last few years as a parts specialist. My Dad was a retired LEO though. Dennis
Redman
Scoobytruck Lurker
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2019 9:20 am

Re: 2006 Baja Sport

Post by Redman »

Thanks for all of the info in this thread. I recently bought an '06 automatic sport with 123,000 miles and a lot of overdue maintenance. I'm doing as much as I can myself but I'm an amateur at best. This really helps with diagnosis.
Post Reply