Hi all and thanks for reading.
I have a 96 2.2 AWD Legacy Wagon with a 5 speed which means it uses the viscous coupled center differential.
Only in the last few months, I have been experiencing the '4WD Scrub' which means it binds up and shudders when turning a corner (Like my old switch on the fly locking 4WD Loyale)
This does not happen when the car is cold, only when I have been driving it for a while (once it is warm/hot). So... the magic silicone fluid that fills the center diff is getting hot and binding even when it should not. Please note that I REALLY thought it worked off the same 80w/90 gear oil that fills the surrounding gearbox/front differential, but I have read numerous offical subaru dealer notes stating that the center differential runs off a special silicone fluid.
I have all new matched tires which means that is not the problem.
I'm pretty sure I have just burned off/overheated too much of that magic silicone fluid or beaten up my center diff towing too many heavy toys.
I was told 'Yep, it is shot. You cannot fix it, just buy a new one ($450). You have to drop the tranny, pull it apart and replace the diff as a whole unit'
Is this true? Has anyone heard of this? I have SEARCHED the net and come up with very few answers. No one really talks about the viscous center diffs.
Can I replace/refill the silicon fluid? Are these servicable ? Can I buy a used one? Where?
Thanks a lot in advance, Jeremy