Differential

[Abe]

I’ve read many variations of differential problems and solutions; I believe mine may be similar to others. I begin with the fact that my 2005 Baja A/T has had the tranny rebuilt by a real pro in Tucson, AZ. I didn’t want to go to the dealer under no circumstance for the same reason most of you won’t. My Baja was in two accidents, I’m not certain if the damage came from either of the hits or from the tires not being evenly worn as stated in other postings. Never the less I have the same problem that some you have had. When I initiate tight turns or even gradual ones in parking areas the feeling in the steering is like the tires are grabbing but in a grinding/binding motion. I also developed a whining noise from beneath the center console and can only assume it’s from the differential, three months ago. The engine runs great and I still enjoy the vehicle. I don’t know if I should look for a rebuild kit or consider spending on a new one. I have no idea what either of them cost and the work will have to be done by a trusted mechanic in the area. The mechanics’ advise is to look for a used/refurbished one. I’ve read that flushing may help but the fluid in the tranny is clean since it’s been less than two years and around forty thousand miles since it was flushed. Please post some ideas or your experiences in this area.

[tomato_88]

Fluid change won't help at this point. (assuming the level is fine) How many miles total are on the car? A rebuilt or low mileage one is usually a good way to go.

[Abe]

The truck has 112 k miles. I replaced both front axles last month which fixed another issue that I hope didn't developed from the differential. I'm still not sure where the source for the parts should come from. any advice on that. California has a few good shops online. Have you ever ordered mechanical parts on line?

[Abe]

Anymore replies to the differential problem above?

[gifters]

I had to have all the bearings replaced in my diff at 6X,XXX miles

[Abe]

I had to have all the bearings replaced in my diff at 6X,XXX miles

REPLY: Did you have the bearings done at a specialty shop or the dealership?
I dont trust dealership shops...I took care of the binding during the tight turns by flushing the tranny but the whinning sound, like if I were in low four sound, still remains. A subaru specialist in Phoenix said it was the "C" solenoid and it still may be but I want to gather some facts through sites like this one to find a trend. How is your truck running?
Thanks

[Abe]

In March I started the research for differential repair, I had grinding in the front diff. I found owners/home mechanics havent actually done a 2005 Turbo A/T center/front differntial repair at least similar to the one I own. I read and seen a lot of images of front diffs with viscous couplers so when I opened mine it was nothing like what had been posted. Mine is an open diff. The job itself calls for a puller or something that you can use specifically for pulling the rear reduction gear. I found the best way to do it, after I bought a puller, was to disasssemble the differential pinion gears while in the carrier. To get a better idea I subscribed to the mitchell repair manual on line for 10.00 for 1 week and I was able to burn all the copies I needed. Bottom line, get the right manual for your specific vehicle. The bearing I replaced costed 32.00 through the dealership and I had it over night shipped to me for another 60.00, it was worth it because of the time I lost waiting for the wrong parts in the first place, only because I spoke to the wrong parts monkey in AZ. Hueberger Subaru in Colorado Springs was even kind enough to fax me a diagram of the assembly to ensure I had the right part. The estimated time for the work was 9 hours it took me about 12. Dealerships wont do the bearing work only a good skilled mechanic familiar with Subaru can help or you do what I did and do it youself. Im glad I did cause I learned the beauty of the engineering of Subaru and I cant count on anyone but myself. Runs great again! You can do it!

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SPORT Abe
2005 Baja Turbo
Arizona