LilRedRu2 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Hey everyone! Just joined the USMB and excited to be here. I have a situation and a question. The situation: my 97 Legacy Outback is lean and clean but the rear gearbox is making a whining noise. It is my understanding that the rear axle assembly is not repairable, only replaceable. Is it worth replacing this with a junkyard part or would this be more a expensive repair than the value of the car? I have another possible option for consideration: I was recently gifted a 2002, very clean Chevy Blazer by a friend. I am wondering if I could sell or trade the Blazer and the Legacy Outback toward the purchase of a used Impreza. I have limited $$ to work with, so if the vehicles could carry most of the financial weight, maybe this could be a win-win for me and one of you subie dudes out there. Last question: I live in NE Pennsylvania. Anyone know of a Subie expert in this area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbhrps Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 LilRedRu2, Your one car is 12 years old and the other 17. As trade ins, even together, they aren't worth very much to a dealer, as they may be to you. Investigate the possibility and see what they offer you? You never know? On the other hand, you say the Subie runs well and is clean and dependable. If that's the case, get a used rear end from a wrecker (use the Blazer towards payment ... and some cash in your pocket?) and maybe get an independent mechanic to do the swap (using the Blazer as payment for the parts and labour, and some other maintenance on your Subie?) You have some options. It'll come down to what you can find that will work for you and the wrecker/mechanic. Within 70 miles of me there is one large wrecker I'm aware of who will sell you the used parts and install them in his own shop. Maybe someone close to you does the same. Swap the Blazer for the parts and work. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upnorthguy Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 A favorite around here is www.car-part.com. See what is near you for parts and then find a local independent shop that will install the rear differential for you (or get dirty and try it yourself if you are inclined and have a garage!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 While the rear axles are replacement only parts, the rear differential can be serviced. Can you describe the noise as little better, and what circumstances it occurs under. What you are experiencing could be a rear wheel bearing or a differential bearing. Either of which can be repaired relatively simply by a capable shop/person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilRedRu2 Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 Thanks to all for the responses. I was thinking along the same lines as gbhrps. Sometimes it's good to hear someone else say what I am thinking. 86bratman - interesting information. I will keep that in mind as I seek a mechanic qualified for the job. (Until recently, I had an independent Subaru expert. He moved, now I am looking for someone else.) The sound is a low pitched siren. The sound will come and go. Lately it seems to be more steady. The noice is not a low hum but more like a dull siren. Hope that description helps. Do you still think it is a bearing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Does it make the noise more when you let off the throttle, like when it's coasting, or is it on acceleration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 any fluid leaks? wheel bearings will go bad with age and use, but diff bearings, maybe trans bearings, usually only fail due to low or no gear oil. i guess you need to locate the noise, and identify it. but in my opinion, a used rear diff, or drive shaft, or even a used trans is a much better , cheaper solution than replacing the vehicle. the cost of repair should be compared to the cost of a replacement car, not the value of the car needing repair. since you have another free car, if the blazer is in good operating condition, it may be a cheaper solution. in this case you have to decide what you want to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilRedRu2 Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 No leaks, johnceggleston. I agree with your opinion, too. We prefer the Subaru over the Blazer. 86bratman: the noise is most pronounced under load (uphill acceleration). After acceleration under load, coasting will enable the noise to quiet down. On a level road surtace, light acceleration has little to no effect on creating the noise. It will usually remain quiet. To all of you: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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