Question on Replacing Rear Diff.

rexrook · 10-10-2008, 10:56 AM

So I need to replace my rear differential
I've hoisted it up to take a look at the rear diff where it goes from the mid section to the back
What I want to know is, is that one whole piece that can simply come off? (one piece besides disassembling it that is)

Also would it be better to replace the rear diff from a used 02 wrx or a 05?

And if so using a rear diff from a different year is there anything you would have to change to make it work?

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Feign · 10-10-2008, 11:33 AM

02-05 any rear diff is fine and will not necessitate any axle swapping or monkey business like that, IIRC.

There's the six 14mm bolts that cover the drive shaft connection. Then four 12mm that connect the driveshaft to the diff. Then four 17mm (?) mm bolts that attach the diff to the rear subframe. Then there's the support in the back and the halfshafts.

You need to find the FSM for the chassis and take a look at page 79.

rexrook · 10-10-2008, 12:43 PM

ok either year from 02-05 works which is good to know
is any newer year from an 02 any better though???

I've taken a look at that, by FSM do u mean just the assembly?

Feign · 10-10-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexrook

ok either year from 02-05 works which is good to know
is any newer year from an 02 any better though???

I've taken a look at that, by FSM do u mean just the assembly?

No, they should be the same all four of those MYs.

You asked this:

Quote:

What I want to know is, is that one whole piece that can simply come off? (one piece besides disassembling it that is)

Yes, that one piece can come off. It's all you need to replace.

Why are you replacing it anyway?

rexrook · 10-10-2008, 01:59 PM

It has been making CONSTANT clicking noises since I bought the car
driven it for 7k miles now and at about 87,000 miles
So i finally hoisted it up, ran it, and went beneath the car finding the noise coming from my rear diff

I changed the rear diff oil and found crap loads of metal shavings, I can post pics up later
with the noise being so loud i'm definitely sure a gear or bearing inside it is broken

I estimated it out for a shop to repair w/ labor, parts, will come out about $600 +
They may either disassemble the rear differential and replace a gear or if its worse than it is, simply replace the entire rear diff with a used one

In that case since im half way mechanical I might as well replace the rear diff with a used one myself without paying labor

Feign · 10-10-2008, 04:25 PM

You bought it even with the click?

Yeah you're gonna have to have it replaced or repaired, no question. $600 is a fair price unless you all ready have a set of hand tools, a way to get the car up in the air, and possibly air to get the really naughty bolts broken loose. It won't really be that hard or much different than changing the rear diff mount bushings. Just a few more bolts and the whole thing drops loose.

niknak · 10-10-2008, 05:15 PM

I've heard that the 2004 wrx does not have a limited slip in the rear. is that true?

rexrook · 10-12-2008, 12:24 PM

Yeah very upsetting as I have learned my biggest mistake
I have to take more time to buy a car, overlook everything not just twice but give it a full inspection
If it was beat verrry bad, i can only imagine what else can break down on the road...

Thanks though Feign for the info

and as for the dead beat picture of the week...bumbumbum...

rexrook · 10-13-2008, 08:54 AM

I have another question Feign if u can answer or anyone else it would be helpful
the entire piece that drops down is the rear differential but is it also known as R160?
anything else i should know about it when looking to buy a used one?

Feign · 10-13-2008, 10:23 AM

Yes, R160. They turn up used here every now and then. Part-out threads too.

Just ask the seller about mileage and when the fluid was changed on it and that no chunks of **** fell out of it like yours.

rexrook · 10-13-2008, 10:58 AM

Ive seen them none currently but going for sometin like 150-200$
a local salvage parts has it for 300$, about 40K miles
I may go through them since its local without having to deal with any hassle

Only had a quick glance at the manual but is there anything else I would need to replace? gasket or anything? I might end up doing a DIY on this

Engmus · 10-13-2008, 11:18 AM

The only good news about buying a beat car, is hopefully (it seems like with you) it will get into the hands of someone who will maintain it and fix its problems.

Giving it years of more service.

Feign · 10-13-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexrook

Ive seen them none currently but going for sometin like 150-200$
a local salvage parts has it for 300$, about 40K miles
I may go through them since its local without having to deal with any hassle

Only had a quick glance at the manual but is there anything else I would need to replace? gasket or anything? I might end up doing a DIY on this

Maybe the axle seals or whatever they're called on the rear diff but that should be it.

rkramer · 10-13-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niknak

I've heard that the 2004 wrx does not have a limited slip in the rear. is that true?

yes, every year up until 08/09 has it. IIRC 08 and later get and electronic version with traction control, but no mechanical LSD.

10-10-2008, 10:56 AM	#1
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	Question on Replacing Rear Diff. So I need to replace my rear differential I've hoisted it up to take a look at the rear diff where it goes from the mid section to the back What I want to know is, is that one whole piece that can simply come off? (one piece besides disassembling it that is) Also would it be better to replace the rear diff from a used 02 wrx or a 05? And if so using a rear diff from a different year is there anything you would have to change to make it work? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-10-2008, 11:33 AM	#2
Feign Scooby Specialist Member#: 68604 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: http://www.indianaimpreza.com Vehicle: 06 STi OBP	02-05 any rear diff is fine and will not necessitate any axle swapping or monkey business like that, IIRC. There's the six 14mm bolts that cover the drive shaft connection. Then four 12mm that connect the driveshaft to the diff. Then four 17mm (?) mm bolts that attach the diff to the rear subframe. Then there's the support in the back and the halfshafts. You need to find the FSM for the chassis and take a look at page 79.

10-10-2008, 12:43 PM	#3
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	ok either year from 02-05 works which is good to know is any newer year from an 02 any better though??? I've taken a look at that, by FSM do u mean just the assembly?

10-10-2008, 01:59 PM	#5
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	It has been making CONSTANT clicking noises since I bought the car driven it for 7k miles now and at about 87,000 miles So i finally hoisted it up, ran it, and went beneath the car finding the noise coming from my rear diff I changed the rear diff oil and found crap loads of metal shavings, I can post pics up later with the noise being so loud i'm definitely sure a gear or bearing inside it is broken I estimated it out for a shop to repair w/ labor, parts, will come out about $600 + They may either disassemble the rear differential and replace a gear or if its worse than it is, simply replace the entire rear diff with a used one In that case since im half way mechanical I might as well replace the rear diff with a used one myself without paying labor

10-10-2008, 04:25 PM	#6
Feign Scooby Specialist Member#: 68604 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: http://www.indianaimpreza.com Vehicle: 06 STi OBP	You bought it even with the click? Yeah you're gonna have to have it replaced or repaired, no question. $600 is a fair price unless you all ready have a set of hand tools, a way to get the car up in the air, and possibly air to get the really naughty bolts broken loose. It won't really be that hard or much different than changing the rear diff mount bushings. Just a few more bolts and the whole thing drops loose.

10-10-2008, 05:15 PM	#7
niknak Scooby Newbie Member#: 175632 Join Date: Mar 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: kirkland/woodinville Vehicle: 2008 Solstice GXP	I've heard that the 2004 wrx does not have a limited slip in the rear. is that true?

10-12-2008, 12:24 PM	#8
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	Yeah very upsetting as I have learned my biggest mistake I have to take more time to buy a car, overlook everything not just twice but give it a full inspection If it was beat verrry bad, i can only imagine what else can break down on the road... Thanks though Feign for the info and as for the dead beat picture of the week...bumbumbum...

10-13-2008, 08:54 AM	#9
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	I have another question Feign if u can answer or anyone else it would be helpful the entire piece that drops down is the rear differential but is it also known as R160? anything else i should know about it when looking to buy a used one?

10-13-2008, 10:23 AM	#10
Feign Scooby Specialist Member#: 68604 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: http://www.indianaimpreza.com Vehicle: 06 STi OBP	Yes, R160. They turn up used here every now and then. Part-out threads too. Just ask the seller about mileage and when the fluid was changed on it and that no chunks of **** fell out of it like yours.

10-13-2008, 10:58 AM	#11
rexrook Scooby Newbie Member#: 186071 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan	Ive seen them none currently but going for sometin like 150-200$ a local salvage parts has it for 300$, about 40K miles I may go through them since its local without having to deal with any hassle Only had a quick glance at the manual but is there anything else I would need to replace? gasket or anything? I might end up doing a DIY on this

10-13-2008, 11:18 AM	#12
Engmus Scooby Specialist Member#: 115645 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: South-East PA	The only good news about buying a beat car, is hopefully (it seems like with you) it will get into the hands of someone who will maintain it and fix its problems. Giving it years of more service.