4EAT in other Subarus?

[davew833]

Sorry, I know this post probably goes in the "Not exactly SVX" forum but that one's not terribly active. I'm wondering if Subaru continued to use the 4EAT in its post-2000 cars (Specifically the 2001 Outback) and if any of the failure issues common to the SVX 4EAT are still a problem in those. Not planning a swap, just thinking of getting an '01- '04 Outback H6 automatic for mom to drive. Some of the higher- mileage ones are going pretty cheap and I hear the engine is pretty durable, but I don't really want to replace a tranny right out of the gate. If anyone has any experience with them I'd appreciate it.

[North Ursalia]

4EAT is just a generic designation (like 5MT or 6MT)- it is not a Subaru transmission model code. The automatics in the 2000+ Outbacks are 'phase II' transmissions (easily distinguished by the external spin-oil tranny filter) and the largest problem you usually find with them is the clutch packs in the extension. Drive the car in tight circles and see if you feel a binding/slipping. Not a 'common' problem but it can happen.

[1986nate]

The Phase 1 4eat was used in 90-98 legacy, 93-98 impreza, the SVX as well as the XT6(different bellhousing though) and includes the submodels for those years. They varied in amount of friction discs in the clutch packs depending on application and also had varied gear ratios depending on the car.
In mid 98 they changed to the Phase 2 4eat which have a spin on external filter. These have very different electronics and wiring and are a completely different transmission. Again, these were used on all Subies mid 98+ and they eventually also made a 5eat starting in the 05? Legacy GT 2.5.

The SVX transmission has problems for a few reasons, but it is basically the same transmission (and technically stronger believe it or not) than the transmissions used in all other subarus of the era that last well past 200k miles.

[Green1995SVX]

The transmissions in the H6 outbacks do not have any common problems. Those are great cars, and are so much more refined than the 2.5 outbacks. Don't hesitate to buy one!

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by davew833

Sorry, I know this post probably goes in the "Not exactly SVX" forum but that one's not terribly active. I'm wondering if Subaru continued to use the 4EAT in its post-2000 cars (Specifically the 2001 Outback) and if any of the failure issues common to the SVX 4EAT are still a problem in those. Not planning a swap, just thinking of getting an '01- '04 Outback H6 automatic for mom to drive. Some of the higher- mileage ones are going pretty cheap and I hear the engine is pretty durable, but I don't really want to replace a tranny right out of the gate. If anyone has any experience with them I'd appreciate it.

Dave I have a 04 30R Liberty/Legacy Auto. The box works very well, with no problems. Because of the 5 gears the torque converter has an easier time, produces less heat. If only it did not have such a delayed throttle action, it would be great.

Harvey.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

The transmissions in the H6 outbacks do not have any common problems. Those are great cars, and are so much more refined than the 2.5 outbacks. Don't hesitate to buy one!

The H6 outbacks seem to be very good all around. Engines are very solid compared to the 4-cyls of the time, and they have the 5EATs, which should also be very good. My father in law had one and seemed to be pretty pleased with the gas mileage as well (though I don't recall any numbers to share).

[Green1995SVX]

The US market 01-04 H6 outback has a 4EAT, not a 5EAT.

[davew833]

Thanks for all of the good responses. I drove it today and while it shifted smoothly, it did seem to have some torque bind in tight circles and backing into a parking space. Owner also volunteered that he has to let it warm up before shifting when it's cold (as in outside temperature) or it clunks into gear. With 170k miles (probably... the odometer has been replaced so mileage is iffy) I'm either going to pass or make him a lowball offer. In Utah, Outbacks command a premium price and he's asking $5500. KBB says in 'fair' condition it's worth $4200 so I might see if he'll take $4k even.

[Tapani]

Anybody really know what the "direct control" 4EATs are? Starting in the Forester in 2004 ->.....

They have no accumulators - all done by the valve body + solenoids.

Are all 5EATs "direct control" too?

Tapani