[ScottiE]

Hey all,
My Impreza has been acting funny these past cold days and I wanted to get some
input from you all before I take it to Flatirons Subaru where they like to tell me they don't hear anything. I have been hearing a distinct low grinding sound coming from my gearbox. When I change gears in any manor but perfect, the rear axle will "buck" making a "thump" sound like something is sliding around in my
trunk. (Yes, I checked my trunk to make sure nothing was sliding around) And
yesterday when I was coming to a stop at a light with the car in gear the rear-
end started shaking quite badly, the road was clear and smooth. The odd thing
is today in the afternoon when the weather got warmer it all stopped. The
reason I ask you all is because I don't want to be told I wasn't hearing
anything again. What should I tell them to check for? I just had my 30,000
mile service done (new trans/diff fluid and flushed radiator--But done at Jiffy

Lube) I really appreciate any help and advice anyone has, especially if some
of you other guys with Imprezas have had the same problem. Do you all think my

car just doens't like the cold ?? ) THANKS!!

Scott

 

[LVSUBARU]

Does the rear limited slip diff need special fluid that Jiffy Lube wasn't aware of?

 

[COwannago]

Yeah maybe Jiffy Lube didn't put the good stuff in. My car has the hardest problem downshifting in the morning and sometimes it seems like I have to be stopped for 10 seconds before it will go back into first. I wouldn't trust the stuff they put in your diff, might not have the right viscosity in the morning or something.

Nick C.

 

[LVSUBARU]

My car has the hardest problem downshifting in the morning and sometimes it seems like I have to be stopped for 10 seconds before it will go back into first.

Mine will do that too in the morning. I think that's just cause the fluid is thick and cold!!!

 

[ScottiE]

Yeah, my car has had a stiff gear box in the morning ever since I got it. But most manual trannies do that, atleast with reverse only. My car has also been doing two other weird things. One: when I back out of my parking space every morning the front end shifts like it is sliding on ice. Two: Sometimes (when it is cold) I will hear a noice like a fluid moving around when I take the accelerator. Suburu said they didn't hear it and didn't know what it was. They checked the powersteering though and said it was fine. Thats the END of my list of gripes. We don't have room for me the type all the things I love about my RS (his name is Squiggy).

Scott

 

[LVSUBARU]

The fluid noise could just be fuel in your tank.

 

[yamarocket630]

:run: Jiffy Lube

 

[ScottiE]

Naw, the noice is definetly coming from the engine bay. Near the firewall.

 

[ScottiE]

Oh yeah... The tranny complaints are gone with the weather that is above zero. My best guess is a fluid a bit too thick was put in the tranny and is much to much like syrup when its that cold out. Dealership says not to worry, it won't hurt anything unless I move to Alaska. I am going back soon to tell them I want the right stuff next week though. I have learned my lesson. Pay more for the dealership, and eat less for a week!!

 

[LVSUBARU]

Maybe the heater core?

 

[LVSUBARU]

I am going back soon to tell them I want the right stuff next week though. I have learned my lesson. Pay more for the dealership, and eat less for a week!!

Or just do it yourself!!!

 

[ScottiE]

You come change my transmission and rear diff fluid in the middle of winter in the parking lot of my apartment. Then put the fluid in your car to drive it somewhere to dispose of it. Thanks but no thanks.

 

[LVSUBARU]

I'd just take it to my warm heated shop, put it in the air on one off our racks, and drain the fluid into the shop's waste oil drum!!! :sunny:

 

[ScottiE]

I'm jelous.......

 

[iBlueVirus]

jeffy who? man, becareful with that place. I haven't heard a whole lot of good things about them. I've 'heard' don't know if it's true. They let a car out without remembering to put oil back in. of course the light came on and all, but that is still crazy!