Help diagnosing a problem

[Undertaker #59]

I saw the other AWD thread on here and not sure what to make of it. I am not mechanically inclined. Here is my situation:

I have four of the same tires on my 96. I noticed recently that the front tires are showing A LOT more wear than the rear. Also, sometimes when turning, there seems to be a stutter from the front tires as one seems to grab and slip in the turn.

Is there likely a problem?
If so, what is the likely problem and
How much is it likely to cost me at the dealer?


Also, my check engine light has ALWAYS been on since I bought this car. I had the dealer look into it once or twice and replace a sensor or something (O2 maybe) and clear, but it has always come back. I don't mention this to try to get it troubleshooted, I only mention it because I do not know if there is something with the AWD system that might have added something to the code since it is always on anyway.


Thank you for any help.

[Earthworm]

The stutter is likely Duty Solenoid C (AWD) sticking on and locking the car into 4wd (50/50)

You can check all your codes at http://svx-iw.com/

[cbx-man]

The un-even wear could indicate that your AWD is not working ( I had the same problem). ALL the power is going to the front wheels, thus the spinning inside tires on turns. One way to check is find some gravel road (or grassy area) and hit the throttle hard and spin the tires. If only the fronts tear up a nice patch then it's one of the solenoids inside the tranny.
After you get it fixed, you will need to get the rear tires buffed so they are the same circumference, otherwise you ruin what you just fixed.

[Undertaker #59]

Originally posted by cbx-man
After you get it fixed, you will need to get the rear tires buffed so they are the same circumference, otherwise you ruin what you just fixed.

Actually, the front tires are bad enough now that they need to be replaced.


Thanks for the help...what is this likely to cost?

[cbx-man]

Just a guess for tranny $3-400 max. if it's just a solenoid problem. Labor is the biggest chunk.
Buffing the tires approx. $15 ea.

The important thing is to do the tires FIRST.

[svx_commuter]

Buffing the tires? I have been trying to find any place that will do that NJ area. I assume you are talking about removing tire tread so that tire stays round or is rounder. Right?

You still have places that do that? Every one around here got rid of there machines years ago..

[svx_commuter]

Undertaker, You may need a front end alignment too.

[cbx-man]

Originally posted by svx_commuter
Buffing the tires? I have been trying to find any place that will do that NJ area. I assume you are talking about removing tire tread so that tire stays round or is rounder. Right?

You still have places that do that? Every one around here got rid of there machines years ago..

Yep, basically a belt-sander that removes tread to either make it round or just reduce circumference.
I will start a thread to help everyone try to find one in their local areas!

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by cbx-man
The un-even wear could indicate that your AWD is not working ( I had the same problem).

Or, more likely, he just didn't rotate the tires. The fronts will always wear faster than the rears.

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets


Or, more likely, he just didn't rotate the tires. The fronts will always wear faster than the rears.

Yep. Remember, AWD Subarus are mostly powered by the front wheels under normal conditions. We see this all the time:

Customer: "My front tires wear down sooooo fast!"

US: "When was the last time you had them rotated?"

Customer: "Rotated? They rotate every time I drive!"



Dave

[SSSVX]

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets


Or, more likely, he just didn't rotate the tires. The fronts will always wear faster than the rears.

My AWD system works! I haven't rotated my tires for about more than 5000miles now. I can notice the front tires indeed wear down faster than the rear tires alot.

Is it also because the weight distribution is 59:41? The front-end of the SVX is not light too.