CV Joint / Diff ?

[smythie]

Thought I would create a separate thread so as not to completely derail Suff's thread.

My 3RB has been on and off producing a thunk noise/shudder when on or close to full lock. It can be felt at really low speeds through the steering wheel from time to time. Only ever notice it when pulling a u-turn or navigating in a carpark for example. However, it is not consistenly evident.

For example, the week before the drive up to Newcastle for the BBQ and the day of that drive it was doing it. However when I dropped it in for service the day after the drive it decided it didn't want to. The guys said to bring it back when it was playing up and they'd see what they thought.

It behaved all week last week until I went for the drive on Saturday. When I pulled into Bulli Tops (on the way South) the thunk/shudder was back. It hung around on Sunday as well. Yesterday morning I decided to drop it into Denlo for them to have a look at it and what do you know, the bloody thing was behaving. I gave it a good thrashing around the back of Rosehill racecourse trying to replicate some of the Saturday morning driving but nothing. Then when reversing into a tight spot last night it was back. Gone again this morning. ARGGHHHHH!

Help. Please?

[bydant]

Is it a manual? if so it may be your centre diff.

If it is, at first it will only play up when the gearbox is warm i.e. driving for 30 or 40 mins and will only come into play in low speed turns i.e. parking your car and u-turns in either direction.

The clunk that you are hearing is the stress that the rear wheels are transferring through the faulty centre diff to the front diff.

[smythie]

yep, that is pretty much what I have been experiencing. Bugger.

[bydant]

I have replaced one before. $1100 - $1200 for the part new from subaru ($600 second hand) and about 4 hours of work if so inclined.

Just a matter of dropping the prop shaft, pulling off the extension case and replacing the part. No need to drop the gearbox.

Will be happy to provide more info if you want to go down the destroy it yourself path.

[smythie]

I think I'll make use of the extended warranty I have on the car before going down that track but thanks for the offer. Think I'll drag myself out of bed early in the morning and see if I can get enough miles under it for it to be hot enough to play up for the service guys

[bydant]

I have forgotten what a warranty feels like, its been such a long time since I have had one with a car!

[smythie]

First time I have had one on a car too. Enjoyed it on the previous couple of bikes I bought though.

[smythie]

Too lazy to get up early yesterday, plus I figured the run out to Arndell Park and back today would be enough to re-create the problem. Got back to Rosehill and had one of the guys take it for a spin around the carpark and hallelujah!

Initial diagnosis is as Ant mentioned: centre diff. They had a bit of a wild eyed look to them about the situation - like "it should be done now" and "are you local?" "Parramatta? That's good. You probably shouldn't be driving it across Sydney"

They're going to go through their available loan cars tomorrow and get back to me with when I should drop it in. Sounds like I'll be without my car for a week or so

On the upside it looks like it'll be covered under warranty

[Spec B Wgn]

any updates..

my thought could be a wheelbearing ?

[smythie]

That's all I know for now. Won't know for sure I guess until they pull the diff out, which could be sometime next week.

[smythie]

Well, the 3RB has been dropped off this morning and I was given an MY07-08 loaner (2.5i I think).

As soon as I got into the car I was missing the electronic controlled seat. The "resolution" of the manual controlled seat is more than a bit frustrating.

Cruise controls on the steering wheel! I had almost forgotten how much better it is to have them on the wheel spoke rather than the stalk below and behind wheel. Going to have to look at a facelift steering wheel methinks... Heavy steering on this car too

Engine is nowhere near as smooth as the H6 either. Or as eager to get up and boogie. I won't go into the differences between the 4 speed auto and 6 speed manual though. Oh well

So, I'd say I'll have this one for a week, maybe more. Anyone suggest any plans?

[smythie]

Well, got my 3RB back yesterday afternoon. After 5 or 6 days in the 2.5i it was good to be back in a manual with some stonk under the bonnet. And some decent electrical seats! Man I'm spoilt by these seats, I'll never willingly go back The harsher spenshun couldn't even dampen the fun feeling of being back in the beast.

So far it feels good. Need to get it out for a highway run to confirm that the issue has been resolved. Also need to take it back after 1000km for a quick inspection - already did 100km or so last night

[bydant]

5-6 days is pretty bad. They must have mined the silicon and steel and forged it themselves .

Good to hear its back and working. Something like that can really wear out the drive train if it goes on for too long.

You just have to stop doing helis so it doesn't happen again

[smythie]

5-6 days is pretty bad. They must have mined the silicon and steel and forged it themselves

to be fair it was only 2 business days I was without my car which I reckon is pretty damn good for a warranty job on zero notice. the loan car they gave me was taken off their used/demo lot too. pretty happy with the service I have to say

[andyr]

Just thought i'd let you know you got of easy. My Sti is currently waiting for a New rear diff. I've only done 30,000km and don't drive like a nut at all. Subaru are replacing it free of charge but i have to wait TWO WEEKS for it from Japan. I have the same problem as you did. At full lock the car won't turn. This Knocking sound has been with the car from the start so i'm hoping it was faulty and this will be the end of my problems. It's on top of the Cruise control light being Faulty aswell.