Chief463

Hi, i drive an impreza sport special x reg, ive had a noise coming from the rear end for a while and it is getting worse, ive had it jacked up and can feel play not in the driveshafts themselves but between the diff and the driveshaft ends, not in and out but back and forth.

Am i right in beliving that is not a good sign??

Does this mean that my diff is nackered?

Can the diff be reconditioned? if so where? I live in bridgend in south wales.

Could i buy a recon kit off the shelf from subaru and get a mechnic friend of mine to fit it?

The gearbox number is HJ-TY54VR1AA, am i right in thinking that some turbo models of the same age have the same number, and does that mean that i could use the diff off a turbo model with my box if i cant sourse one off a sport?

If i could use a diff of a not sport model, does anyone have a list of cars that have the same box, just to widen my replacemnet diff search? because sport imrezas aren't always the easiest things to find in breakers.

I know its alot of writing but i just want to be 100% clear as to what to do next.

Many thanks Alistair

Microstar

Contact a company which rebuilds diffs and gearboxes - there are quite a few in the birmingham area - don't know about wales.

From what you say it sounds like it could be the pinion bearing. A rebuild will involve a new pinion bearing (there are actually two bearings supporting the pinion) and accurate setting of the pinion-crownwheel backlash. This is not a job for the average mechanic, it requires specialist skill and experience (otherwise the rebuilt diff will whine badly). The pinion bearings and oil seal, crush spacer (if fitted) etc can be bought from a dealer, however it may be possible to source the bearings from a bearing factor at a lower price. A specialist rebuilder will source the parts for you.