Newbie with 88 GL and some issues

[Dr. Fresh]

Hey all, I just entered the Subaru world for the first time by recently purchasing an '88 GL wagon with the 5spd, low/high-range 4wd, and SPFI EA-82. I love this car, but it has some issues I can't figure out.

 

When I drive, it makes a very loud rattling noise. You can feel it in both the transmission shifter and the 4wd shifter. The faster the car goes, the louder and more rapid the rattling. At 40+mph, your hand will go numb if you hold onto the 4wd shifter.

 

From the driver's seat, the sound seems to come from the front/center portion of the car. I thought it was the front passenger CV shaft, so I replaced it, but the sound persists (the shaft was worn out anyway). I'm thinking it might be a u-joint, since it's so dependent on vehicle speed.

 

Also, my power steering is having issues. When moving at very slow speeds (parking maneuvers and such) the steering was almost totally unboosted. Once you get out on the road it steers OK but not great. The fluid level appears to be fine.

 

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[mdjdc]

You more than likely have a u joint going bad in the rear drive shaft. The other possibility is that the input shaft bearing for the tranny is bad, but I would look for a newer driveshaft and replace that first. If you cannot find one, let me know and I will go to the local JY and get you one.

[Sonicfrog]

+ 1 on U-joint. I just replaced mine in Red, the $300 Legacy Alpine Wagon.

[Dr. Fresh]

Thanks for the replies. The local yard has several wagons. I might be able to pull a driveshaft from one. Is there anything I should look for to make sure it's a good one? Also, are there differences in driveshaft length or design between different Loyale/GL models?

[Frank B]

Thanks for the replies. The local yard has several wagons. I might be able to pull a driveshaft from one. Is there anything I should look for to make sure it's a good one? Also, are there differences in driveshaft length or design between different Loyale/GL models?

I think all the EA82 shafts are the same. Just make sure you can move the joints around freely without any binding. You may be able to get some new grease in them with an injector needle attachment for your grease gun, just be very careful to get it under the rubber seal without ripping it.

Most parts stores or farm type hardware stores should have one.

[Yo'J]

Its pretty normal before 40? Check your wheel bearings by jacking up the car and shaking/wiggling the wheel, it shouldn't have any play. Check the steering linkages as well, make sure nothing is loose, inner and outer tie rods. A bad repair can ruin someones day. The u-joints for sure. Common probs. Some POs use different specs than book specks so check the axle castle nut for tightness for sure, might need/want bearings then. Ball joints just snap right? I had a bolt come loose once on my knuckle that held the shock on, maybe I didnt notice when I changed a tire and it was the po? That shook the car on the freeway. Thats what my brat came with, the list. Oh, don't hold the shifter, it wears out the trans. Should be a sticky for weird shakes, somewhere...

Edited January 6, 2010 by Yo'J

[Dr. Fresh]

I think all the EA82 shafts are the same. Just make sure you can move the joints around freely without any binding. You may be able to get some new grease in them with an injector needle attachment for your grease gun, just be very careful to get it under the rubber seal without ripping it.

Most parts stores or farm type hardware stores should have one.

 

Thanks, will keep this in mind.

 

Its pretty normal before 40? Check your wheel bearings by jacking up the car and shaking/wiggling the wheel' date=' it shouldn't have any play. Check the steering linkages as well, make sure nothing is loose, inner and outer tie rods. A bad repair can ruin someones day. The u-joints for sure. Common probs. Some POs use different specs than book specks so check the axle castle nut for tightness for sure, might need/want bearings then. Ball joints just snap right? I had a bolt come loose once on my knuckle that held the shock on, maybe I didnt notice when I changed a tire and it was the po? That shook the car on the freeway. Thats what my brat came with, the list. Oh, don't hold the shifter, it wears out the trans. Should be a sticky for weird shakes, somewhere...[/quote']

 

Oh no, the sound and vibration are present all the time, it's just loudest at higher speeds. I think all the steering and suspension is fine as well, but it could use a good going-over. Also, I was only holding the shifter so I could better isolate the vibration.

[markjw]

On the power steering issue,make sure the belt isn't loose/slipping.

[Dr. Fresh]

Yeah, I'm planning on replacing the belt anyway, so I'll start there before I go and replace the pump or some such.

 

 

EDIT: Is it difficult to swap in a manual steering unit? I prefer manual steering in a compact FWD car anyway.

[GeneralDisorder]

Manual steering isn't hard to swap - but you have to find a rack. Not as easy as you might think. It was very *uncommon* to see manual steering in the EA82 models and was not even an option on anything newer. A later 80's DL would be the most likely to have manual steering but that's by no means a gaurantee - I've only seen a handful and I've been at this Subaru game for a long time now.

 

GD