Need help!!!

I own a 04' STi and this problem started a few months ago. It first started a howling noise (approx. around 2.5-3K rpm) which I took the car to bikerboy to check it out. bikerboy said that it's the rear diff making that noise due to the cold weather and it should go away when the weather gets warmer. Well, its warm and still making that noise and has gotten worst (not that I don't believe you bikerboy). Now, another problem has develop...everytime coming to a complete stop...pop it to first gear (only happens on 1st gear) trying to make left or right turn from 1st gear...you can feel the car skidding when your feet is still holding on the clutch but once you complete the turn and let go the clutch it stops. I don't know whats going on. It sounds insane but you'll have to drive my car to understand. Anyone have any idea what the problem is?

 

does it sound like the rear tires are being draged when you are turning? If thats the case it would be your differential. But your better off having Matt (bikerboy) look at it, your car would be in good hands if he looks at it or fixes it.

 

it could be a diff issue as matt said. where does the howling seem to be coming from? does it come from any of the tires / corners? i know wheel bearing makes a howling sound but it would have to be pretty bad for it drag while cornering.

keep us posted

 

Is it stock? Still under warrenty?

 

It could be wheel bearings but I don't think wheel bearings has anything to do with my front tires dragging. The noise seems to be coming from somewhere by the passenger side. Good point for the howling problem. No, its not dragging from the rear. Its dragging from the front. No, I don't have warranty on the car. Its a salvage car. I'll definitely contact bikerboy again and go from there on. Thanks guys! much love

 

definitely sounds like a differential problem. I'd try changing the rear diff fluid and tranny fluid and see if it sounds any worse/better

 

Good question Brian, I totally missed out one major point. Thw front tire dragging started after I did my gear oil and rear diff fluid change. I used mobile1 75w90 for gear oil and rear diffs. Could this have cause the problem for my front tire dragging?

 

If your front tire is dragging then its most likely your front diff is hosed. A wheel bearing wouldn't likely cause that and would sound more like a constant humming.

If its under warranty and you've got a stock car I have heard that SOA reps like to claim diff failiure on STi's as abuse, so go in knowing that that might be a challenge you might have to fight. Seeing as how tons of them receive probably more abuse than you've given it (assuming here) and don't have diff problems it might be a mechanical defect and then you shouldnt have any problems.

 

well, lets just put it this way...I'm screwed. The car is making tons of noise. Howling, constant humming (maybe wheel bearing), front tires drags...and the worst part...NO WARRANTY! Maybe I'll take it out this Friday and one you guys can test drive it with me to see what you think.

 

this sounds like a dumb question, but have you looked at your brake pads or checked your rotors for wear?

I lost a pad last week and had terrible scraping noises, locking wheel etc. The rotor looks like you could grate cheese on it now. If this is the case, new pads + new rotor < new differential

 

Thanks Esperunit. But the brake pads and rotor are fine. For now.

 

Brian, Thanks again for the feedback. I just checked for leakage and there wasn't any. I used about 3 1/2 quart for the front and a quart for the rear diff. I will be there first thing tomorrow morning to buy the rear diff fluid that Subaru recommands. I'll drive my subie there and maybe one of the tech can ride along with me.

 

if the fronts are dragging, ide say its either a front diff issue, or a center diff issue, (if both front and back are going nuts)