Expert: All Wheel Drive Auto Date: 8/19/2008 Subject: front differential whine while accelerating
Question I have a 2004 forrester with an automatic in it and a total of 118,000 miles on it. I get a whining noise from the front differential when
accelerating whether easily or aggressively .No signs of slipping, knocking, grinding or anything else. I was wondering if this was a normal
thing after a certain amount of miles and whether I can keep driving it like this. The fluids have been changed regularly and never allowed to
run low. I check the tire pressures at least once a week or more and have maintained proper tire pressures all around.
It is my understanding that only a Suburu dealer can work on this since it requires some specific tools. Please let me know what I should do
and maybe some idea of how much it would cost to do the repairs so I can try and save up some money for them.
Is this is a problem that needs addressing right away or can I keep driving it for a while. Since I am disabled and on a fixed income, I bought
the car for it's known reliability and will be quite disappointed if it turns into an expensive fix. I love the way this car drives and handles and
would not like to go back to any other AWD vehicle.
Answer Hey Frank,
A good Independent Subaru Repair Shop can also service it. We own all of the tools so should any other Subaru shop.
As far as the rest of your Question I cant comment without driving it my self.
there is just no way for me to comment about the severity of your noise or sensation with out a test drive.
There are a lot of things that can and will go wrong in a Subaru Front differential some require immediate attention or the cost to fix will go up.
The price can and will vary so much depending on what is wrong its not practical to advise you there either.
