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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?

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

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?

No issues with CV joints.

Tires and rims are OE.

No codes.

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

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!

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.

fortknoxx wrote: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.