OK....The squeak in my '98 OBS never went away so again I tore apart the brakes looking for the problem. Nothing. But when I turned the rotor by hand, I heard a dry noise up in the trans-axle assembly.

I took it to Byers Mazda Subaru this morning and told them that I don't think the Technical Service Bulletin had been taken care of by my old dealership even though they said they did it (it doesn't show up on the service records). For those that aren't aware of what TSB I'm talking about, Subaru issued a TSB in '98 on '98 models about the trans-axle grease liquifying and seeping out of the assembly. They suggested completely dismantling the assembly and repacking it. However, Byers maintains that it doesn't need to be dismantled to be repacked. Are all dealers idiots?

Well, they wouldn't take my car today (Tues.) and told me to come back Thursday so I'll let you guys know what happens. My OBS has 74,000 miles on it, but I'm not aware of any other problems that arise at that mileage.

Sean

TTT

OK....Subaru e-mailed and said that they did in fact take care of the TSB.

Does anyone know if Subaru uses Polypropolene (sp?) bushings in there axle assemblies?

From what I hear polypropelne squeaks when it gets older and hot and dry. I think this may be my problem. I hope....I hope....I hope!

Sean

For anyone that cares... The dealer found my squeaks from the front of the car. They were due to dry axle seals as I had finally suspected after reading a post on the Miata board. So, if your car squeaks while coasting and when it is warmed up and not wet out, it is most likely your seals. Supposedly Subaru does use the nasty polypropolene.

Later,
Sean

Would the sound be like...flubber? Ever see the original Disney movie, The Nutty Professor, where the flubber makes a noise like something needing to be oiled? My tranny makes that sound every once in awhile when I cold-start the car. Would this be the same problem?

-Chris

Yep, that's the one. The squeak sounds like it stays constant with the speed of the car but only up until around 20 mph and then it goes away or you just can't hear it from the inside of the car.

They are charging $80 parts and labor to replace and grease the seals.

i am interested in what the sound is like.

i have a whirring sound that could be associated with a dry seals, but i also thought i could be my rear diff being unhappy.

another thought is my hubs are going again...i guess i should take it in for a check up.

let me know how yours works out!

shuman

Well, so far so good. They replaced the axle seals and the axle nuts and it doesn't seem to make any noise.

Sean

This problem is usually referred to as the CV joint leaking. It is not uncommon, and usually when it leaks grease you can smell it burning up front.