diff binding/ lsd additive

hpcsvx · #1 04-17-2007, 11:17 PM

Ok, so I tried the lsd additive, but could only find some stuff at Napa - I added 1 ounce, then 2, now i'm up to about 6 ounces and it still binds. When i put in the fwd fuse, the binding goes away. Anybody know where in California to get the Brad Penn additive? If the lsd doesn't stop the binding (it's not looking good), how do I go about repairing this? I've been driving the car about the last 2000 miles in fwd, but gotta fix this soon cause I've gotta sell the car. Are there any "how to's" on this fix?

Thanks

SVeXy96 · #2 04-18-2007, 09:33 AM

When it binds is there a lot of vibration in the center consol of the car? Sounds like the drive shaft. Not too expensive. Couple hundred bucks if I remember.

msvx95 · #3 04-18-2007, 09:35 AM

Sounds like Duty Sol. C not working correctly....but check out this thread thoroughly...this should give you the correct information to find your answer.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...hlight=binding

hpcsvx · #4 04-18-2007, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the ideas guys, but - since the binding goes away with FWD fuse, doesn't that means it's not sol c. Re: driveshaft - it happens mostly on slow speed turns, like turning in my parking garage. If the driveshaft is out of balance, that shouldn't show up at slow speeds, should it?

Still hoping for "the fix"...

Haven

msvx95 · #5 04-18-2007, 11:43 AM

sorry about that...the sol. is working correctly if the binding stops as you place the fuse in to disengage the rear...when the fuse is out, the binding should return in your case as you have said.

I'm suspecting worn transfer clutches....you may also want to check both differentials fluids...maybe replace the fluids too.

SVeXy96 · #6 04-18-2007, 12:32 PM

When my driveshaft went out it would only bind at slow speeds in the beginning...especially when slowing down and yes when turning too. The binding was very rough and my center console would shake really bad.

msvx95 · #7 04-19-2007, 05:41 AM

did you put the correct amount of additive into the transmission like it says on the bottle?.....

svxxx26 · #8 04-19-2007, 05:49 AM

I'm not a mechanic, but I've changed out the rear diff. fluid on several Subarus with the LSD, including the SVX. I've never used any additive so I don't think that is the problem.

dcarrb · #9 04-19-2007, 06:00 AM

A couple of suppositions for consideration:

1) Adding a friction-reducing additive to the transmission seems likely to mask a mechanical problem and diminish the effectiveness of the AWD system, which requires mechanical friction to operate properly.

2) I'd think driveshaft U-joint failure could be a consequence of persistent, uncorrected AWD binding, rather than a cause.

dcb

msvx95 · #10 04-19-2007, 08:17 AM

Yes I completely agree...the additive is to cover up the problem temporarily....
There is a mechanical problem somewhere whether it'd be transfer clutches worn or U-joint failure or something else.

hpcsvx · #11 04-19-2007, 08:04 PM

Answer to questions - no center console shake, but i like the idea of checking the driveshaft u-joints before tearing apart the trans. The shake is more like a shudder when doing slow to med speed turns. The sharper the turn, the more shudder. If coasting, the shudder is less, if under power in the turn, the shudder is more.

I also get a little "clunk" when accelerating from a dead stop - but only if car is in awd, with fwd fuse in, no clunk. The clunk location is hard to identify, but seems to be towards the rear of the car. Another good reason to check the u joints.

Re: how much lsd additive - I started with about 1 oz, and have added an oz at a time (every few weeks), hoping to stop the binding. I'm up to about 6 oz now. I'm about to drain the fluid and refill the tranny with fresh fluid, in case i've added to much.

So - how much work ( and how much money) to replace the transfer clutch pack? I can't find anything in the "how to" section, and can't find a thread that discusses this job.

Thanks again

hpcsvx · #12 05-07-2007, 11:28 PM

So i've read all this stuff over and over, but what do I do? I put the additive into the front diff - no wonder it didn't work. I was under the car, looking at the u joints and notice all three drain plugs and it got me thinkin- then BAM! I realize what I'd done. I drain the front diff and refill with mobile one, then I drain the trans fluid (almost 4 quarts), then I add a little of the additive and VOILA - no more binding.

Thanks for all the ideas guys. Hopefully next time I'll think before I act.

msvx95 · #13 05-08-2007, 05:24 AM

yes you were supposed to add it to the transmission, not the differentials.
Glad you found your problem.

Earthworm · #14 06-11-2007, 07:55 PM

At least you know there was no binding in the front diff!

97 SVX · #15 07-10-2007, 11:21 AM

Yes it sounds like the clutch pack..

parts & labour should run under $1k..

I'll have some pics shortly
Ian

So - how much work ( and how much money) to replace the transfer clutch pack? I can't find anything in the "how to" section, and can't find a thread that discusses this job.

Thanks again[/QUOTE]