I have an "interesting" (read disturbing) problem with my '94 Legacy
Turbo. First, some info.

1994 Legacy Turbo - 4 speed EAT all wheel drive
160,000 km (100,000 miles)
New tires

About a year ago I took it to the dealer because there was a definite
hesitation before it would go into drive. I'd move the gear selector to
D, and it might take 10 seconds before it actually kicked into gear.
Wanted the dealer to replace the transmission fluid, they basically told
me the trans was on it's way out. I took it to a local transmission
shop, they changed the fluid and told me it looked very good, no bits of
metal or anything and the fluid was very clean.

Recently (I don't know when it started, I don't drive the car much and
my wife never noticed the problem ???) the problem started. If I'm
backing up or moving forward, if I turn the wheel to lock left or right,
the car acts like the brakes are applied. I asked the dealer for free
advice about it, and based on my description they said it sounds like
the transmission is going, or the rear differential. I have removed the
ABS module (plug in dooby under the hood) and the FWD fuse, and get the
same result. If I turn the steering wheel to full lock it acts like I'm
applying the brakes. When I straighten the wheels it's ok. Oh yeah,
there was a definite whine coming from somewhere on the highway last
night. Couldn't tell if it was from the front or back. Took the back
roads home as it went away if the engine wasn't pulling too hard.

So, has anyone encountered this? What's a rear differential going to
cost me? There's an '05 Legacy GT for sale locally, should I try to dump
the '94 on them and have the car I'd really like to have? :-) I'll tell
my wife you guys said it was the way to go. Sorry for the long winded note.

On 1 Apr, 19:36, Vern <vwv... (AT) shaw (DOT) ca> wrote:
AIUI, the FWD fuse should NOT be fitted for normal, i.e., all wheel
drive. The fuse is
fitted only when it is neccesary to disconnect the rear axle for e.g.
brake testing on a
brake testing roller. Running the car with the fuse fitted gives you
front-wheel drive
all the time, and can, according to the Suberu owner's handbook, do
massive damage
to the CENTRE differential.



If I turn the steering wheel to full lock it acts like I'm
This is because the power steering pump is absorbing a lot of engine
power
when the steering is on the stops.



When I straighten the wheels it's ok. Oh yeah,

Thanks to all for your feedback. I talked to my local mechanic, who
referred me to his favourite auto trans repair shop, who referred me to
the dealer. So, off to the dealer tomorrow. I'll let ya'll know what the
final result is. I fear the worst, that is, I figure I won't get out of
there for less than $1000. Oh well, it's only money, right?

And none of you told me to buy the '05 Legacy GT. I'm very disappointed
in everybody :-)

vern...

Limey Lurker wrote: