Differential - 2012 WRX

[ninjaspork19]

Not totally sure if this is where this belongs or not, since it's not really a problem with my warranty or SOA, but here I go anyways

I posted about a year ago with a loud whistling type noise coming from the front end of my then 3-4 month old 2012 WRX. It ended up being the center differential was beat up and there were metal shavings inside which was causing the noise. Warranty covered it and they replaced the center differential. Car ran and sounded great, up until a couple of weeks ago.

I bring the car in again about 2 weeks ago because of another noise coming from the front end. This noise was similar in sound, but not quite the same, but what caused the noise was the same (3rd gear and higher = can hear the noise). They called me the same day and said it was the differential and they needed a week with the car to tear it down and see whats wrong exactly. I dropped it off this morning and they should call me before the end of the day to let me know which differential it is, whats wrong, what parts are needed, etc. Again, this should be covered by warranty.

What I don't understand, and what this dealership found odd also, is that this is twice now within 1 year that the differential has had problems... severe problems. Now maybe this time its not the center diff again.. but so what? Aren't these things (differentials) supposed to last practically forever?? Could there be something wrong with something else that's causing the differential to go bad? I provided this dealership the paperwork from the last dealership that replaced the differential the first time. I bought the car from dealership A, had the differential replaced at dealership A, but now am going to dealership B as they are closer to where I live. I guess I should just wait for their call before posting here, I'm sure they know what they're doing there. It just seems like there must be some underlying problem with my car that is causing this. I drive my car very well and am not rough on it at all. I don't launch from a stand-still, I don't mis-shift or grind the gears, I'm not hard on it at all, so I'm quite sure its not my fault... I have no idea what I would be doing that is causing this to happen again, or even for the first time it happened, for that matter.

I guess I'm just curious if anyone has had similar experiences with parts going bad that shouldn't be. I've owned the car for about 15 months now and have 12,300 miles on it... Nothing should be wearing down or having issues yet in my eyes. I hope they figure out what's wrong and it doesn't happen again...

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[ninjaspork19]

To update anyone that cares.

Apparently after the dealership called SOA and checked on this issue they had two known issues reported with my model. The first being the differential bearings (which was replaced last year when I had this issue) and other other being the differential housing (which is what caused it this time). I guess replacing the housing and bearings will take care of it for good. So I'm told, anyways. Parts have been ordered and I should have it back in a couple of days. I can't wait! The Outback loaner car is nice and all... I guess, but I want my T-Rex back.

Later!

[HeroCrank]

Man sorry to hear this, sounds like they hopefully fixed it for good this time. I've got 12,000 on mine now and have changed the drivetrain fluids once already. Still factory fill on yours when it went?

[ninjaspork19]

Originally Posted by HeroCrank

Man sorry to hear this, sounds like they hopefully fixed it for good this time. I've got 12,000 on mine now and have changed the drivetrain fluids once already. Still factory fill on yours when it went?

As far as I know yes unless they changed it when I brought it in last year. How often are you supposed to do that?

[tuskenraider]

30K mile intervals is typical, not required.

[2011WRX]

Just have my center diff, housing and roller bearing replaced under warranty. Car has 38k miles.
It all started with trans oil leak at the tail end housing, when dealer remove the center diff, found the snap rings on the diff are coming apart.
Did gear oil change every 10k with Extra S. Didn't hear any noise.
There was enough wobble on the diff causing wear on the housing.

Car never been tow, all 4 wheel/tire same size.

Surprise me the center diff went so early...

[garudatwo]

Can someone post the TSB on this?

[2011WRX]

I own various AWD vehicle and this is the first one that required new diff and it's less than 3yrs old and under 40k miles...

[ninjaspork19]

Originally Posted by 2011WRX

Just have my center diff, housing and roller bearing replaced under warranty. Car has 38k miles.
It all started with trans oil leak at the tail end housing, when dealer remove the center diff, found the snap rings on the diff are coming apart.
Did gear oil change every 10k with Extra S. Didn't hear any noise.
There was enough wobble on the diff causing wear on the housing.

Car never been tow, all 4 wheel/tire same size.

Surprise me the center diff went so early...

Sounds like we may have been in the same boat. Not sure about the roller bearing part but ill check the invoice when I get it back and see if that's on there. I never had any leaks I don't think, just nasty noises.

[2011WRX]

Originally Posted by ninjaspork19

Sounds like we may have been in the same boat. Not sure about the roller bearing part but ill check the invoice when I get it back and see if that's on there. I never had any leaks I don't think, just nasty noises.

I am in metro detroit, which dealer did you bring to the first time?

[ninjaspork19]

Originally Posted by 2011WRX

I am in metro detroit, which dealer did you bring to the first time?

I brought it to Delta Imports in Grand Rapids, that's where I bought the car. Williams Subaru in Lansing though is much closer so that's where it is now.