I hear and feel this grinding sound when making parking lot speed turns, but only after about a 25 minute drive. When I pull into spaces it makes a grind, grounding sound and feel. I thinks its my rear diff. ( Sounds and feel like a kaaz diff that my buddy put into his civic) Just now, I was taking my kayak off of my wrx and I noticed a couple of drops of oil where i usually park. I always park the same way in the garage so it looks like its coming from rear of car. (DIFF area). I look under my car and saw some oil/drip forming on my diff. Anyone know what may be the problem? I am very green to Subies and AWD altogether. I was thinking seals? Also, could this be the cause of my low speed turn sound? (I think so) Thanks in advance.
From what you've described I would say you're right. 25 miles of driving will heat up the diff enough for the lower fluid levels to cause high heat and binding. When you go to replace your diff seals (check the plugs first) make sure they crack it open and inspect the internals. My guess is that they are thrashed. Sorry for the bad news. But it looks like you knew it was coming.
Yea see, I just bought the car a few weeks ago. It didn't do it on test drive, but when i got home I heard/felt it. My honda Crv does this too, but I just change the fluid and it goes away. (no leaks though) Yea, so I'll check it this weekend. Hope, (cross fingers) its not ruined and i can get way with just replacing the fluids.
I'd start with a WTB: Rear Diff ad. Seriously. I'm sure there are a couple sitting in people's garages. I have one but it's a 3.9 and non-LSD.
Dont scare me. JK. It is what it is. So, what exactly am I looking for? So i know what im looking for. Years that fit, G/R and lsd?
The stock gears on an 02/03 are 3.54 final drive. The stockers are VLSD. I don't know if my axle stubs will bolt up to your since it's from a 94 T-Leg.
02-03 wrx is a 3.54 rear. Front (in trans) is a 3.9, but the center diff is a 1.1:1 transfer, so they use a 3.54 rear. *For a M/T Anyway*
Changed my diff fluid. Havent driven it long enough to turn. But, I peeked inside with a flashlight, and everything seems nice and dandy. The drain has normal wear from diff stuck on magnet. Hope all will be okay before i replace the seal. (cross fingers) OH, was a little low also.
