transfer clutch problems

[stlbaja]

I have a 2003 Subaru Baja. I took it in to a mechanic because it was making a popping noise whe I would turn into parking spots. The mechanic said it had something to do with the all wheel drive and told me I was better off taking it to a Subaru dealer. So I took it to the dealer they confidently told me I needed an all new "transfer clutch" and that I needed all new tires since there was one that was a little older on my car and that is what caused all of the problems (even though I read that as long as all for tires were certain size and not off by xxx amount I was ok with a different tire). Note: I did call another Subaru dealership to get a second quote and they had no idea what a "transfer clutch" was and only knew of a "transfer case".

I paid $2,100 and they supposedly gave me an all new transfer clutch and 4 new tires. Well instantly it was doing the exact same thing. I took it back and they have had it for 4 days. First they said they were doing transmission flush to see if that was it. They did one flush and said it was better but wanted to do another the next day. Now they say it is only doing the popping a little bit and that when they had put the transfer clutch in they noticed an additive in the transmission fluid and they think it was gunking up the transmission/ transfer clutch. I asked them if I really needed a new transfer clutch if doing the transmission flush is what seems to be fixing it... no really definitive answer. Then they said that the additive might have messed up my car so much that I will eventually need a new transmission. I have no remembrance of anyone ever putting an additive in my car... but to be honest all this car stuff is over my head.

Help! What should I do? Does all this sound right? I already paid them and they are not charging me for the transmission flush, however, it just does not make since to me that my car should be acting the same way after the new part that was supposedly broken on it was installed. Should I pick it up only somewhat working properly? What should I do? Does anyone know of anywhere in St. Louis I should take it to get a second opinion?

[Hawk296]

I am guessing this is an automatic, in which case the non turbo automatic transmission cars uses a form of electronically actuated clutch as a center differential. There have been problems in the past on other models with the solenoid failing which causes binding. you probably just need the solenoid replaced and not the whole clutch assembly. It could also be an axle that is binding or something like that.

[Buck Rogers]

Damm! $ 500 a tire, I'll be sure not to get my tires at that shop

[mowillie]

stlbaja,
so can you let use know what has happened since then?
I am having the same thing happen to mine as well. I have also used up many, many late night hours researching the web for more info. It seems to be a some what common problem with Subarus. It is the center differential, or sometimes called the Viscous Coupling. I have read that the transmission does not need to be dropped for this fix.
I personally took my car (03 baja, manual, non turbo) to a local shop, not dealer, and let them diagnose it for me. I didnt not tell them anything other than the symptoms and drove a mechanic around for a couple minutes, so he could here it. He says he thinks its an axle issue, but let him get it on the lift and take a quick look. after about 45mins, they come in and say it the Viscous coupling....i was glad to here them say it without me having to explain the problem to them, because i am not a mechanic. If they would have said shocks and struts or something, i would have said thank you and left.
they will look into getting parts and let me know what the damage is before i go ahead and do it with them.
good luck.