I'm a bit stuck with this issue, not even sure the thread title is correct, lol...

2002 bug eye WRX.

While driving I can feel a resistance in the car going forward, the feel is just like a brake caliper sticking. It doesn't make any noise at all and is only really noticeable over about 20mph. Makes no difference if the clutch is in or out. I always clock my distance between fuel stops and did about 70 miles less to the same full tank since this started.

I have checked all the brakes over and no issues, disks and pads are all new fairly recently, the calipers or disks don't get hot after a run and if stopped on level ground you can easily push the car forward or back with no resistance. So I have ruled brakes out.

Next i thought wheel bearings, I've checked the fronts as recently replaced both front drive shafts and they are all ok. Don't get any humming/droning noise while driving to indicate this. Haven't checked rears but didn't notice anything wrong when I did the rear brakes.

Starting to think gearbox or diff? Any thoughts on how i can check these? Usual issues? The gearbox oil is at the correct level, not checked the rear diff but it doesn't leak.

Anything else I'm missing, any bright ideas how to check/test?

Thanks for any help!

 

does the engine rev easily as before? Any blockage in the exhaust system could act as a brake on the engine.
Trev

 

Did you replace the rear handbrake shoes when you put discs and pads on? Might need some adjustment if they're binding slightly?

 

if they were is expect to see and feel a heat build up in the disc/hub/wheel.

are any of the above hot after a slow drive with no braking?

 

Engine wise seems fine, performance is as usual. Once on boost the power overcomes any resistance and feels normal.

Handbrake is a good call, i adjusted the travel at the time of doing the brakes but didnt change the shoes, I'll check them over again, no excessive heat though.

 

Handbrake all stripped, checked and adjusted correctly. No difference.

Also checked the rear diff oil and needed a bit adding, again made no difference.

Could this be gearbox or centre diff related without any telltale sounds or clunks?

 

Had this problem on a old fiesta rs turbo many moons ago .. ended up changeing every sensor compression test ect all fine .. got used to it then turbo shat it self .. fitted new turbo and she was back in to full health

 

Jimmy's probably on the right track cause they will boost fine but won't flow any air. Check your compressor wheel to see is everything ok.

 

I think jimmyrallye is onto something and also is the exhaust(cats) all ok.

 

Now that you guys have mentioned turbo it has made me think about something else. Check your pcv and make sure its working properly.

 

If it was the box or centre diff, it would usually be noisy, in my experience.

I've broke a few 5 speeds in different ways.

 

The only thing that is leading me away from engine problems is if I coast along at about 30mph I can feel the resistance whether the clutch is in or out, I'd expect the resistance to go with the clutch down if it was engine?

 

Transmission or brakes then.

 

Had a thought,,could it be anything to do with the brake booster system,maybe somehow getting vac when it shouldn't be?
If the pipe from inlet manifold to brake cylinder had a leak could this cause symptoms like this?

 

Again +1 for osset2k2 thinking out of the box.

 

possible, but again I don't think it's brakes as they don't get excessively hot, I had to drive it it 30 minutes to home like this and afterwards the disks/calipers were only slightly warm. I've had sticking brakes before and you usually end up with glowing red disks

 

It looks quite impressive on an 18T truck.