Legacy Advice Please

[rtgreer]

Hello,

 

I recently purchased a97 Legacy wagon, auto, 2.2, with 146K on it for $750. After driving it for a week I noticed that it becomes very sluggish when cornering at slow speeds.

 

I took it to the dealership and they told me the previous owner drove it with different sized tires and the remedy to fix the problem is a new "transfer clutch" for $2100.

 

I took the car home, looked online for the part (couldn't find it), looked up the part and how to change it in my haynes (couldn't find it). Were they just feeding me an expensive line of BUll? What is the solution?

 

I have since put the fwd fuse in and changed the tires, but I would like to fix this if I can afford it.

 

Thanks!

[wtdash]

Unfortunately, the dealer is correct. It's 'torque bind', infamous and well-covered on here. If you're handy, you can fix this yourself. And if the FWD did fix it, it's a mechanical issue - not electrical.

 

Check this LINK for repair info.

 

Td

[idosubaru]

I'll save you $1,000 - I'll do it for $1,100. When are you available?

 

Okay, well avoid that dealer or tread very carefully around them. $2,100 is a complete rip off for this job. The transmission doesn't even have to come out to do it, a few hours tops and parts are not that expensive.

 

It's well documented here, I've recently replied to numerous threads on how to address this issue.

 

Search for "torque bind" practice using the search function. With proper care you might get away without putting any work into it. I just helped a friend fix one, the torque bind went away with a few fluid changes.

 

You'll find this isn't all that bad and you have a few options. Spend some time reading and then ask questions once you have a basic idea of your options.

[rtgreer]

Thank you for the replies.

 

I will start with fluid changes. I'm thinking (the obvious) transmission fluid, and rear Diff.

[bheinen74]

i fixed my fubarred 93ss auto center clutches for about 70 bucks in parts total, all new transfer clutches (about 55 bucks shipped), new transfer output seal, new seal for the rear output tail sector, and new fluid.

 

For sure most places will charge and make like 1g profit on this or more. ....they say its a hard jobm but it is not. that is how they make money

[rtgreer]

Yeah, the dealership is for rich people. I only went there to have the problem diagnosed. They reassured me that they're insane when I was told a new tailpipe would cost $988. I had already priced it at $125.

 

AWD transmission fixes are new to me though. Assuming I do need to replace the transfer clutches could you tell me where you got yours?

[idosubaru]

It's one thing for dealers to be high, but to charge $2,100 for that job is legalized white collar theft. They are intentionally trying to gouge you at that point, which is sad.

 

Cheapest place for parts are the online vendors, there are numerous ones. subarugenuineparts, 1stsubaruparts, liberty subaru, etc. you can look up more on here or ask your local dealer to match those prices (that's what i do).

 

It's not hard to get out of this without any mechanical work.