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What is the big deal with auto gearboxes ?

My 2005 2.0XT Forester has an auto gearbox problem, most likely the front diff, causing juddering slow speed on lock.

The UK "Main Dealers" are useless, the first said it needed a new rear axle (!!), the next identified the problem by driving it in a tight circle until it wrecked both front drive shafts (outer CV joints), then couldn't wait to wash his hands of it - saying "we don't do gearboxes".

I bought a second hand gearbox, and now cannot find anyone to fit it. There are as many reasons as "specialists" I have contacted, but mainly "don't touch Subarus" or "don't do autos".

Brilliant for a 23,000 mile vehicle.

Reply to
Gilbert Smith
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This seems like a center diff (really, a wet clutch pack) problem. You could use the FWD fuse in the fusebox under the hood (unless they've moved it) untill the problem is repaired. 23,00 seems very low miles for this failure unless you ran different sized tires for extended time on dry surfaces.

In the US - a person in your position 'MIGHT" get some goodwill adjustment by getting a regional manager to investigate. Perhaps you pay for parts and they cover the labor or ??? type deal.

Reply to
1 Lucky Texan

in the us a Ford limited slip additive works sometimes in fixing shudders in tight corners

Reply to
StephenH

Funny, Toyota has had a long relationship with GM in the US, but when you go to a Toyota dealer looking for Limited Slip additive, they send you to Ford!

Reply to
Hachiroku

Ditto this- install the FWD fuse and see if that helps, also check for a transmission fault code with a code reader.

Does the AT Temp light flash a few times at strtup?

Dave

Reply to
Dave__67

no change.

no fault codes.

No.

I did eventually find a garage that would fit my secondhand box, and I am pleased to say that it is now better than when I bought the car.

Of course, it doesn't prove whether it was the front or centre diff, but there is no 'scrubbing' even at full lock and the 'clunk' I got when moving from brake to power has gone too.

Reply to
Gilbert Smith

There is no center diff, just a multiplate wet clutch.

It almost certainly was not the front diff, they never have a limited- slip of any type.

Dave

Reply to
Dave__67

I forgot to say that the dealer did try this, and said it made no difference. Perhaps not conclusive evidence of a front diff problem, but pretty damning.

I am thinking of taking the thing to an auto specialist who says he knows all about them, maybe get a quote to repair it with a view to re-sale. Only problem is transporting it between garages, I would have to re-inforce the floor of the Forester.

Reply to
Gilbert Smith

Could someone have done a transmission fluid service and drained the front diff by mistake? I think very old Soobs can get a 'jerkiness' from bad driveshaft U- joints.

strange

Reply to
1 Lucky Texan

Well, not only is it a 23000 mile Sept05 car, dealer serviced, but the problem was there before its first service (but outside its 12 months waranty, due to my low annual mileage).

I have now found a gearbox company to collect it and quote for its repair, principally to diag the problem. They have offered me £50 for it worst case.

Reply to
Gilbert Smith

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