subaruleg Posted February 1, 2023 Share Posted February 1, 2023 Hi all, So this winter we have and 08 legacy that we have recently started noticing a vibration/ pulse while turning. It feels like the vehicle is strained under load and the cold seems to make it more pronounced. The first thing I did was check power steering and toped that off. Front suspension arms and tires are all new as of this summer and the vehicle has been aligned. There is a bit of a whiring/ whining sound that I assume to be steering pump related, it only happens when steering. These symptoms are the same when turning left or right, it just seems to be straining and turning the wheel feels like there is more tension to do so. I have tired googling these symptoms and unfortunately most of what comes up is suspension related. What should I be looking for next and does this sound like I am on the right track? Thank you for any advice on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted February 1, 2023 Share Posted February 1, 2023 The center diff is binding and needs to be replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruleg Posted February 1, 2023 Author Share Posted February 1, 2023 The mileage is around 100k,is that the only thing it could be? That seems like quite a repair for so little mileage, is this common with the legacy? Is this a part that is replaced or is it a part needed rebuild/research? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruleg Posted February 1, 2023 Author Share Posted February 1, 2023 The mileage is around 100k,is that the only thing it could be? That seems like quite a repair for so little mileage, is this common with the legacy? Is this a part that is replaced or is it a part needed rebuild/research? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted February 2, 2023 Share Posted February 2, 2023 If it's fine in a straight line, but feels like you need more throttle than usual while making tight turns it's usually the suspect. If it's an automatic transmission a way to really pin it down is to install the front wheel drive (fwd) fuse under the hood. It should be in the fuse block, just take the spare 10a fuse and put it in the empty slot. the AWD light will illuminate on the instrument cluster and only the front wheels are powered. If your tight turn binding is gone, it's the center diff. If it's a manual transmission there is no such test but it's still almost definitely the center diff. Either transmission the parts will need to be replaced. the manual is very easy as it's just a unit you swap out, the automatics have a multi plate clutch much like a motorcycle clutch and is quite a bit more difficult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VespaGTS Posted February 2, 2023 Share Posted February 2, 2023 Is it making a whining noise that sounds like it’s coming from underneath the hood? It could possibly be your power steering, which is hydraulic, is sucking in air. There is a small O-ring on top of the power steering pump. It only costs a couple dollars to repair. I’m not saying that’s what it is but it’s possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruleg Posted February 3, 2023 Author Share Posted February 3, 2023 So today it is above freezing and the car hasn't made any Vibrations or whining sounds. The cold seems to make a lot of difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 Vespa could be on to something with the power steering, once you're steered and holding that angle, does it get easier to move or does it still strain? If it's still straining then I would continue to suspect the center diff. Still don't know if it's an automatic or a manual, but a fluid flush might do you good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VespaGTS Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 As irony would have it, this is what I found when I went to look at my PS pump today. Looks like I am doing a rebuild or buy one. Not to hijack the tread… Just laughing that the advice I just gave is biting my ass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruleg Posted February 4, 2023 Author Share Posted February 4, 2023 My apologies , the vehicle is an automatic transmission. As for it turning it moves easily, the steering is not fighting you and what I'm calling a Vibration is not like tires skipping. It's like someone slightly putting a brake on the serpentine belt and thus it felt like it was loosing power under load. We had the same feeling once, oddly when the radiator sprung a big leak. We will go on a mountain drive today and I'll report back what we notice. I'm wondering if my word choice is sounding like differential symptoms when I may be trying to describe something else. Thank you for all the help, I'll see what we notice today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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