Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Recommended Posts

2000 Subaru Legacy, 220xxx miles, 5MT (the original with the double roller bearing replaced at around 200k)

 

Heeeelllloooo USMB!  It's been awhile,

 

I lost 3rd and reverse last night, that is, I know exactly where they are, they just don't work.  Can't shift into 3rd at all, I can get into reverse, but the car doesn't move.  When shifted into first, there's a rattling sound that comes and goes.

 

Some background:  This car is a hand-me-down from my parents.  They had the double roller bearing at the back of the input shaft go bad and had that replaced about 20k miles ago.  Since the repair they noticed that it was becoming more difficult to shift into reverse, no idea if the repair job and subsequent shifting problems are related.  After a few months (not sure how many miles, but not more than about 5-10k) getting into reverse was not possible, even with double clutching or jogging the trans in another gear, unless the trans was shifted into third first, then it would pop right in.

 

Last night there was a "clunk," the car stalled and upon restart, reverse was gone and third was inaccessible and when shifted into first, there's a rattling sound of something being kicked around by the spinning shaft.  I'm thinking that a shift-fork broke and the piece is rattling around in there.

 

I'm no automotive genius, but I'm not afraid of projects either.  I've changed the double roller bearing before using the tutorial below posted by Gloyale several years ago, but I've never messed with the gear clusters.

 

Question 1: Does this sound like a broken shift fork?

Question 2: If so, can the fork be changed without having to readjust the front dif?

Question 3: Is a press necessary, or can the hammer/PVC combo be used?

Question 4: Any other pitfalls to look out for?

 

As always, thanks!

Will-

 

Tutorial,

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/117820-easy-transmission-front-seal-replacement/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, I'm looking at some used units, but I'm hesitant since none of the ones I can find that are under $500 have any kind of warranty more than 30 days nor can the sellers give me any kind assurance that they are in good shape.  Both money and time are really tight for me now so the last thing I want is to drop $500+ on a trans, take the time to put it in only to find out the thing has some problem of it's own and has to be pulled out, returned, etc. etc.

 

I can get one for $99 + $30 core charge from the local pick-n-pull, with a 30 day exchange, but again, condition completely unknown and I really want to avoid doing this job twice.  I remember the trans apart wasn't all that bad of a job, so figured I'd research just changing the offending parts.  Of course it's possible I'd pull the trans apart and find other problems, but I know the rear bearing on the input shaft has been replaced, and aside from 3rd/reverse, everything else is quiet and shifts smoothly

Edited by lostinthe202
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, the used transmission merry-go-round.

My 96 is on its 4th transmission.

First two used ones lasted me about a year each. Then the mainshaft bearing monster got them. Neither had decent synchros though, so I just opted to grab another $120 junkyard replacement each time. On the third (current) one I decided to start looking for one with lower mileage. I've had it about a year and a half and have about 25k miles on it now. Time will tell if it was worth $450.

 

I would be kind of afraid of what else might be broken/damaged. I don't remember 3/R sharing a shift fork, bun it's been a while since I've been in one of these.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fairtax, how's ya been?

 

Yeah, I was looking at my pics from the last time I cracked one of these open and I can't remember what's what as far as the gears.  I'm also tempted to get a used one and preemptively change that double roller bearing, that might be the best/cheapest/time-cost effective course of action

 

Yep, the used transmission merry-go-round.
My 96 is on its 4th transmission.
First two used ones lasted me about a year each. Then the mainshaft bearing monster got them. Neither had decent synchros though, so I just opted to grab another $120 junkyard replacement each time. On the third (current) one I decided to start looking for one with lower mileage. I've had it about a year and a half and have about 25k miles on it now. Time will tell if it was worth $450.

I would be kind of afraid of what else might be broken/damaged. I don't remember 3/R sharing a shift fork, bun it's been a while since I've been in one of these.

Edited by lostinthe202
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Busy man, just busy.

Finished school, started a new job, and have been trying to keep some side jobs lined up to bring in some extra $$. How about you? Glad to see you're still around!

 

I'm always reluctant to do anything inside a used transmission until I've put it in the car and know its going to work properly. You might spend half a day and $75 on parts an find out the synchros or some others bearings are shot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cool, it's nice to be on the other side of school huh?  I've got two more GE classes to take and then I'll have a couple of AS degrees, can't wait to wipe school off my shoe if you can smell what I'm typing...  Not that my school experience was bad, just having to work and fit school in and make all the bills is not a fun experience these days.  How badly did you get snow-slammed?

 

Yeah, the only reason I'm considering cracking into this trans is that I know it's history, my folks bought the car new and I know their driving style so it was probably bad luck that the 3rd/reverse shift selector went bad (if that's what it is) but the rest of it is probably in good shape.  Meaning, I'm starting with a (somewhat) known quantity.  That said, I may be crazy for digging into it and just better off getting a used unit.  I'm broke from school and life in the SF Bay Area, so just trying to maximize my dollar.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know that feeling!

 

 

 

The hardest part I found about finishing school is that couple of months afterward when you have to readjust yourself to NOT think about school anymore. It take so much time and effort, and when you're done you just sit back and go... "What the heck am I supposed to now?!?"

 

 

We ended up with 18" of the white stuff here. My Dads place in Great Falls got 32".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...