1998 Subaru Forester - AWD Binds & Vibrates

[John C.]

We have a 1998 Subaru Forester S, automatic, during slow turns the AWD binds and vibrates. We had another Forester doing the same thing a while ago, changed differential fluids, problem did not go away. Anybody else seen this, and if so what did you do?

[steven kiser]

i've found cv joints jamming up causing issues like this. are the tires the correct and matching?

[ricmorin]

Wheel diameter are real important on these. Don't go by tire size, actually measure the circumference. Tolerance is 1/4 to 1/2 inch I think. Lots of problems with the solenoid in the rear diff. Also, there is an empty fuse holder on the RF shock tower. If you put a fuse in it, it turns the car into fwd only. Helps to isolate the problem. Any codes in the TCM?

[Mark F]

No issues with CV joints.

Tires and rims are OE.

No codes.

Gonna check on rear differential solenoid, when car is in next.

[prestigeauto]

There is a fuse in the engine compartment fuse box labeled FWD. There will be no fuse in that spot. With one of the spare fuses install a fuse. This puts the vehicle into front wheel drive only. If problem is no longer present flush transmission fluid.

This has worked on two Subaru's with the same problem.

I found this fix on Identifix about a year ago. They recommend taking the fuse out and putting back a few times to get the new fluid into the clutches. So, if you have Identifix keyword shudder and you will find it. If you don't have Identifix - get it. Worth the money and then some!

[fortknoxx]

wow, a 1998 with oe tires on it. are they dry rotted? if you meant they have the oe size "195/75/14" or what ever it says on the door. what ric meant was awd vehicles must have all 4 tires replaced at the same time. not 2 new fronts. even though the size on the side wall is the same.

2 year old tires on the back are gonna measure smaller than 2 brand new/ 1 yr old tires in the front. this spells disaster for the transfer case (weakest link). we have a tool from Rockland standard gear. it is u shaped, with a slide out channel measure marked. we open it up. go to each wheel. slide it shut on the outside of each tire and measure.

[John C.]

wow, a 1998 with oe tires on it. are they dry rotted?

Why I oughta...

I hear you, but we do have quite a few customers with these vehicles and only a couple are experiencing this issue. And, believe you me, the tire configurations on some of them are, um, not so good, if you know what I mean.