5 speed transmission/differential failure

dawsonmarch · 05-23-2022, 04:23 PM

A while ago I started hearing very loud snapping noises when turning coming from the mid/front of the car. It is worst when tight turning under power. I hoped it might be my CV axles but I replaced them with no change. I suspect my front differential or transmission has failed. My transmission also doesn't like going to first unless I am going dead slow, and pops out and grinds in reverse. Am I correct in thinking it might be differential? And is it possible to fix or replace the differential without dropping out or swapping the whole transmission?
07 turbo 2.5L wrx.
Thanks!

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Unabomber · 05-23-2022, 04:33 PM

Step zero should be a fluid swap. Drain. Fill with 100% Redline Lightweight Shockproof. If you want to save some pennies, do 2 qts then fill with cheap non-synthetic fluid. You should then be able to downshift into first at 100 MPH. If the other noise does not magically get fixed, the cheap fix is likely a new center differential. They are cheap used and can be swapped out without dropping the trans. Front diff issues are a drama festival and you are better off swapping out the whole trans as the front requires a rebuild.

dawsonmarch · 05-26-2022, 03:48 PM

thanks for the advice. I never did a fluid swap because the fluid looked brand new, turns out it was awful and all the junk goop had settled to the bottom, but unfortunately the problem is still there. I actually noticed that on sharp turns the car feels like its braking and the wheels are skidding a little bit.

Unabomber · 05-28-2022, 11:46 AM

Read my post again. It is not a fluid swap. It is a SPECIFIC fluid swap. Use that fluid.

09imprezaHatch · 05-31-2022, 03:45 PM

I've recently gotten ahold of a 09' Impreza 2.5i. I am new to Subaru so this may be an over thought concern/question. Is steady 3500 RPM in 4th gear at 60 MPH normal? and if so, should I go into 5th to cruise at that speed? the car seems to want to cruise at or around that rpm. something in me just feels that is too high.

Unabomber · 06-10-2022, 07:58 AM

5th is ALWAYS your cruising gear at highways speeds.

05-23-2022, 04:23 PM	#1
dawsonmarch Scooby Newbie Member#: 503560 Join Date: Jun 2019	5 speed transmission/differential failure A while ago I started hearing very loud snapping noises when turning coming from the mid/front of the car. It is worst when tight turning under power. I hoped it might be my CV axles but I replaced them with no change. I suspect my front differential or transmission has failed. My transmission also doesn't like going to first unless I am going dead slow, and pops out and grinds in reverse. Am I correct in thinking it might be differential? And is it possible to fix or replace the differential without dropping out or swapping the whole transmission? 07 turbo 2.5L wrx. Thanks! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

05-31-2022, 03:45 PM	#5
09imprezaHatch Scooby Newbie Member#: 530241 Join Date: May 2022	09 Impreza 2.5i Hatchback High RPM? I've recently gotten ahold of a 09' Impreza 2.5i. I am new to Subaru so this may be an over thought concern/question. Is steady 3500 RPM in 4th gear at 60 MPH normal? and if so, should I go into 5th to cruise at that speed? the car seems to want to cruise at or around that rpm. something in me just feels that is too high.

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05-23-2022, 04:33 PM	#2
Unabomber 👏 Big Ron 👏 Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	Step zero should be a fluid swap. Drain. Fill with 100% Redline Lightweight Shockproof. If you want to save some pennies, do 2 qts then fill with cheap non-synthetic fluid. You should then be able to downshift into first at 100 MPH. If the other noise does not magically get fixed, the cheap fix is likely a new center differential. They are cheap used and can be swapped out without dropping the trans. Front diff issues are a drama festival and you are better off swapping out the whole trans as the front requires a rebuild.

05-26-2022, 03:48 PM	#3
dawsonmarch Scooby Newbie Member#: 503560 Join Date: Jun 2019	thanks for the advice. I never did a fluid swap because the fluid looked brand new, turns out it was awful and all the junk goop had settled to the bottom, but unfortunately the problem is still there. I actually noticed that on sharp turns the car feels like its braking and the wheels are skidding a little bit.

05-28-2022, 11:46 AM	#4
Unabomber 👏 Big Ron 👏 Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	Read my post again. It is not a fluid swap. It is a SPECIFIC fluid swap. Use that fluid.

06-10-2022, 07:58 AM	#6
Unabomber 👏 Big Ron 👏 Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	5th is ALWAYS your cruising gear at highways speeds.