I have a 2003 Forester 2.5X, automatic transmission, 179,000 miles. Two months ago the car started shuddering when applying gas. The shuddering stops as soon as the gas pedal is released. If I put the car in park and apply gas, the is no shuddering - it only shudders when the car is moving. At first it started happening when the car was at 60 - 65 MPH speed. Then it started happening at lower speeds - now it even happens at around 45 MPH. The shuddering is more noticeable when going up hill (even in moderate slopes). It does not happen in flat roads unless I press the gas pedal.
This is what I have done during the troubleshooting stage: I have rotated and balanced the tires. The tires are in good shape with no obvious indications of irregular wear, bumps or deformations. The car has been aligned twice. I also put new suspension bushings in the car. The links and motor supports look in good shape. Wheel ball bearings look in good shape. I change the oil (synthetic) regularly and take good care of the care.
A good local transmission mechanic told me yesterday (without testing the car) that based on all the symptoms and troubleshooting, it could be torque converter shudder. He recommended to start by putting "Instant Shudder Fix" in the transmission oil (which I did but the problem has persisted), and if that does not help then have the car transmission checked.
What do you guys think? I have less and less options as what could be causing the problem, but I would also hate spending a substantial amount on money in taking the transmission apart and maybe find out that the torque converter is fine. Does it look like real torque converter shudder? Any other potential problems? Your input will be greatly appreciated!
This is what I have done during the troubleshooting stage: I have rotated and balanced the tires. The tires are in good shape with no obvious indications of irregular wear, bumps or deformations. The car has been aligned twice. I also put new suspension bushings in the car. The links and motor supports look in good shape. Wheel ball bearings look in good shape. I change the oil (synthetic) regularly and take good care of the care.
A good local transmission mechanic told me yesterday (without testing the car) that based on all the symptoms and troubleshooting, it could be torque converter shudder. He recommended to start by putting "Instant Shudder Fix" in the transmission oil (which I did but the problem has persisted), and if that does not help then have the car transmission checked.
What do you guys think? I have less and less options as what could be causing the problem, but I would also hate spending a substantial amount on money in taking the transmission apart and maybe find out that the torque converter is fine. Does it look like real torque converter shudder? Any other potential problems? Your input will be greatly appreciated!
