Raster

Hi,

what a nightmare - Earlier ('bout 8:30 ish) i was pulling out of McD's drive-thro' in my 93wrx with a bag of burgers, when as i pulled out onto the main road and lay a bit (quarter throttle) of power down in first gear and all of a sudden a v severe sounding noise started from the n/s/f wheel area.
I could really do with some advice as I'm not very clued-up on mechanics at all, but here's what happened:
I immediately put the clutch in, and coasted to the side. I looked Underneath the front of the car and it seemed ok, it wasn't leaking anything and d/shaft looked ok and the wheel seemed solid when i shook it. convinced it was a drive/transmission problem I decided to start her up gain (very carefully) - engine seemed fine, revved normally up to 3000rpm - didn;t try any higher - in neutral and the clutch/gears seemed to work ok too.
Then i thought i'd just move her a few yards. When moving, even with the slightest touch of throttle the noise sounded like a very squeeky/slightly grindy noise, and turns into a cyclic drone when coasting. It definately changes with the speed of the car, and not the revs of the engine - but it's unbearably serious sounding, even at 3mph

I'm going to have to get it sorted soon as i need it for work, any ideas as to what has happened, and what i need to get/do/go?

Thanks in advance

Paul_H

If it is related to roadspeed it must be something that turns when the car moves, such as a wheelbearing, cv joint, gearbox/diff, or the brake disc.

Take it to a garage, ask them to diagnose it & give you a quote. Then you'll know. You don't have to take the quote of course.

R19KET

It could be several things, but it sounds like it may be a wheel baring.

Mark.

Raster

Thanks Paul, that's what i thought. Where is the gearbox and diff on a 93wrx? I thought/hoped, (although i'm really clueless ) that they were central, and as this noise is definately coming from the n/s/f i hoped it would not be g/box or diff. as that sounds pretty major!

dowser

Also check it's not a stone caught behind the brake disc splash guard

Richard

Raster

BAD NEWS

Earlier I got it towed to the nearest AA service centre, (Halfords). They have just phoned me - they rekon it's the centre diff thats gone, meaning a whole new gearbox!!! FOOOK's sake that sounds well expensive!!! I feel sick, dammit. Only had the car 2 months or so too - i feel I should've stuck to bikes for goin quick.

Raster

Right - i've finished feeling sorry for myself
Just been to hear/see it. I stood underneath the car and there is definately a very unhealthy sound coming from the centre diff, although the n/s/f wasn't making the squeeling sound like before - maybe because the wheels were just spinning in air with no resistance.

The next question is: can the centre diff be replaced independantly of the g/box, or do the two form part of the same assembly? (the Halfords mechanic wasn't sure although he suspected both had to be replaced together). In either case, how £much is this likely to cost?

In the worst-case scenario of me having to replace both the g/box and diff, is it worth me fitting an uprated g/box (Sti, or other), roughly what's the price difference?

Thanks again in these deperate times.

Paul_H

See what Halfords quote you to fix it, and try ringing some of the Subaru specialists too.

I have no personal knowledge of them, but have seen http://www.townendgarage.co.uk recommended by others for gearbox work. A quick glance at their website shows they have exchange gearboxes at £425

I would do some ringing around for the best price.

scoobyboy

the centre diff can be replaced independently of the gearbox and can be done incitujust take the back end casing off and it will fall out with another shaft you will need 1 gasket and a diff at around 400-500 quid

Raster

Thanks for the link Paul , i just spoke to a chap there (Stuart), he was realy helpful and things now seem a bit better than before:

Remember, as helpful as Halfords where, when they heard the noise they recommended replacing the g/box and centre diff without question, costing quote: "well over a grand, and the rest!".

Well, as i was told by Stuart of Town End Garage, the centre diff can be replaced indedpendantly of the gearbox - and they can supply me one for £175+VAT+delivery.
AND....
they rekon even that may not be neccessary, as it could just be the bearing in the diff!! . They recomended sending the G/box and diff up to them for inspection and prognosis before deciding what to do.

It'll be interesting to see what Halfords quote is, they said they'd know exactyl by Monday.

I'll keep you posted...

Paul_H

Sounds like a good deal to me!