97 outback - advice needed on sympton and whether to Resuscitate or Euthanize?

[jmilum]

 

So my trust 97 Outback with 150k miles has decided today was the day to die on me.

 

The transmission had been making a whirring noise and the front wheels were binding on turns.

 

No shop was able to identify the actual problem, but the most reputable seemign said that there was nothing to be done as it was probably a case of "cv joints" and that the "whole transmission would need to be replaced".

 

Now the annoying noises have become unacceptable with huge screeches and seat shaking bucking at even moderate turns.

 

So the first question is, does this seem like a cv joint issue? I'm thinking yes based on the location of the noise and the fact that the wheels just won't turn.

 

Second question is if it is the cv joints, does one replace the "whole transmission"? Or just the cv's? Or do cv's even come with transmissions (as stated by the shop)?

 

And then the big one, is it even worth doing? The quotes I'm getting run over $2k and there is an additional $1k of work surrounding oil leaks in the engine. As the car's bluebook value seems to be around $3.5k I have no idea what to do here.

 

Any ideas about how to do a transmission cheaper? Or miracle fixes? Or what charities take sort of driving cars? Or how to get it stolen?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Jeff

[phil-allen]

search "torque bind"

[Gnuman]

Jeff, what you have is Torque Bind. This is a correctabe condition. PM me and we can talk. I am close to you and can take a look at it