How would you recommend redesigning the circlip? The groove in the casing is is only so big, you couldn't make the clip thicker.
& how would you recommend that Subaru implement such an undertaking? Most dealerships charge close to 1k just to just replace the diff bearings, so should they eat the expense to replace this part?
Bottom line is it ain't gonna happen. I've had 1 fail @ 115k and another last 220k. If the majority outlast the warranty then a recall is unlikely.
There is some debate about whether the circlip fails first or if it fails because the internals or xfer bearings are failing. A little wobble creates a lot of friction... There is also some belief that these are more prone to failure if the bearings have been swapped out & the spacers weren't resized properly.
Can anyone prove their center diff failed without abuse or other extenuating circumstances?