[MightyQuinn®]

Hey guys! Long time, no see...since before the move. Someone needs to fill me in on that.

I have a potentially large problem with my Subie girl....she's in pain.

To remind everyone who cared...I have a MY98 Forester 'S' model with an automatic transmission.

I had not rotated my tires in a while prior to what I am about to tell you. Maybe 7-9 grand since last rotated.

I was starting to get some shudder/judder when taking tight turns (like in a parking lot or starting a tight turn from an intersection) but only when starting out....not in full motion. Back when the old board was here I had asked a question about it and basically figured it was time to get the tires rotated like now.

Fast forward to today....I take her in for my PA inspection, a rotate and a balance. I tell the mechanic that I am having this issue and need to get rotated badly. I passed the inspection fine, but the mechanic dropped a huge bomb one me. I need some serious advice from the big boys in town.

The mechanic tells me that I need to have my "Transfer Clutches" replaced fairly soon....he tells me that this is the reason for my shudder. He then tells me it's going to be about a grand including replacing a something solenoid that is in there as well.

I did notice a slight increase in the shudder after the rotation so I am hoping that it *IS* just the tires and not the huge deal.

I cant really afford to drop the cash for a set of test tires to confirm nor can I afford the mechanics recommendation.

I am looking for options and opinions from the Subie goddesses and gods.

Thanks for reading.

 

[suby-do]

hi Mighty!

I not one of the experts here but I can honestly tell you to get a second opinion. I recently purchased a 1998 Forester S AT with 107,000 miles on it for $1,500 as is. It had a rumbling noise underneath every time I turned sharply left or right. The first mechanic I went to told me it was going to cost $2,500 to fix so I went for a second opinion. I brought it to a local transmission specialist. He changed the tranny fluid and filters and the car is like new! No more rumbling. My tranny fluid was old and had a brownish color to it. I think that the previous had never changed the fluid. Hopefully you have the same problem. Good luck!

 

[Hondaslayer]

Not really a result of lack of rotation (factory specs 7,500 miles)

Most likely it ios caused by one of two things.

1) Mismatched tires.

2) Worn out transmission fluid.

Have you ever had a flush? SOA specs an inspection ever 15k and replace as necessary (around 45k or so)

Ever had mismatched tires on the vehicle for an extended period or time? This is the exact reasoning behind SOA going to a donut instead of a full sized spare, people treated the spare like it was a replacement tire instead of a temporary use tire and would in turn wear out the diff or the transfer clutches.



Edit: Depending on how bad the biding is you may be able to have the transmission fluid flushed and alleviate the condition.

 

[MightyQuinn®]

Ding, Ding, Ding.....Winner!

Hondaslayer You mention the fluids also...that's great! I have two opinions from two forum members and I am inclined to agree with both of you.

The only reason the tires would be mis-matched is the fact that they were not rotated. I always change all 4 tires at once when needed. Right now they are a set of Goodyear Eagle GPS. The last time, I bought 5...full sized spare is a GPS also.

I used to have a Sams membership and was able to get them rotated often. I only live a mile from the place. I went through a divorce and whatnot and I let the membership lapse.....that's why I went so long without rotation. There IS a difference in tire size though as the front and rear have different wear pattern (not at all caused by spirited corner-taking )

Subydo: I was inclined to think what you are thinking also. The tranny and diffs ar in desperate need of attention. Looks like it's time to get off my rear and change the bloody fluids.....*clicks the fancy search feature* Need to read on up on it again...it's been a while since I was here.

You guys are awesome! I will get to changing the fluids this week and I'll update the thread with the results.

Thanks again folks!!