Subaru SVX Transfer Clutch

[Ted860]

I have a 1994 SVX with a shutter when the car turns. The dealer says it is the transfer clutch although the shutter went away when I put the car in FWD mode (with the fuse). A local mechanic (works on multiple foriegn cars) suggested the rear differential as the problem, since the noise and the vibration seem to be coming from the back of the car. When up on the rack the rear tires do not turn together (or even react when the other is turned).

 

I spoke with the dealers technician and he felt strongly it was the transfer clutch, not the rear diff.. He indicated rear diffs rarely cause the shutter problem. He also mentioned codes coming up on transmission and suggested replacing transm. to avoid problems (and costs) in the future. Said new transfer clutch could accelerate transm. going out.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[NorthWet]

I have a 1994 SVX with a shutter when the car turns. The dealer says it is the transfer clutch although the shutter went away when I put the car in FWD mode (with the fuse)...

Pretty much the definition of transfer clutch/Duty "C" solenoid issues.

[Turbone]

Pretty much the definition of transfer clutch/Duty "C" solenoid issues.

 

I agree.

And it shouldnt be to hard or expensive to fix.

I've replaced the whole housing before.

Got it from the junkyard for $10.50

[johnceggleston]

Said new transfer clutch could accelerate transm. going out.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

 

lots of this going around, it's called torque bind and repair / replace extention housing is the solution. but i've never herd of new clutch causing accelerated trans problems.

 

the dealer can repair for about 1000$, the parts are around 200$ online. you can do the repair without pulling the entire trans, just the rear section.

 

used is an option, but unless you are doing the work your self and don't mind doing something twice it could be risky. this seems to be a wear part and unless you know the part you're getting ......

[Gloyale]

I have a 1994 SVX with a shutter when the car turns. The dealer says it is the transfer clutch although the shutter went away when I put the car in FWD mode (with the fuse).

 

This means that the C solenoid is working, but the trnasfer plates themselves are getting stuck. Probably need to grind out the grooves that wear into the clutch hub.

 

Since the solenoid works, really the whole affair could be fixed for the cost of labor to grind the hub.

 

Replacing the solenoid is only nessecary if installing the FWD fuse doesn't do anything (failed solenoid)

[Ted860]

Would the codes on the transmission be coming up from the problems with the plates? Since I am new to subaru I am not well versed in the AWD in-and-outs.

 

The repsonses so far have given me information to speak with the dealer about. I am afraid they are taking a shotgun approach to the problem trusting the codes 100% although the codes just point to a general area.

 

Sounds like I should ask for the transfer clutch repair ($1,000) and hold off on the transmission - so far.

 

I appreciate the info so far, I'm learning!

[wtdash]

Would the codes on the transmission be coming up from the problems with the plates?

Yes. What codes are you getting?

 

 

td

[4x4_Welder]

and suggested replacing transm. to avoid problems (and costs) in the future.

Gotta love the dealer mentality- Well, you should spend $2k now to avoid spending $2k later.

[idosubaru]

if you have torque bind (sounds like you do), another free option is to install a switch to control the trans. flip the switch for FWD, then flip it the other way for 4WD. use 4WD only in the snow/offroad. i've done it before, works fin and costs nothing.