Need help with diffs.

[JDMgoodness]

Anyway, If you have read my post about the "clutch problem". I found the answer to that question. The clutch was OK.

The problem was that somehow the driveside rear axleshaft pulled outta the rear diff. Not all the way though. That was the griding sound. So, we used a file and cleaned up the splines on the axleshaft. The bearing on the rear seems ok but the seal took a beating and will be replaced.

My main question is...

It was slipping SO bad that I was having trouble pulling away from a light. It was so bad that I would have to use my flashers.
now, obviously it was not the clutch. So it must have been the rear and or the center diff.

It is possilbe that the center diff is shot?
I drove from the auto X to home. ( all highway so no rear problem) and then to bayshore today (all highway)

Thanks!

[foolio]

Yea. If your axle was pushed out of the Rear Diff then the center diff was taking most of the beating. I have seen the same situation a few different times. When the STi first came out I was with someone who broke a rear axle at atco, then he drove it home in DCCD Lock to Mays Landing and back to work in the morning. Replaced the axle and it was fine. While crewing for Rallispec we broke an axle and Dave was trying the limp the car back to service, same situation he thought the clutch was going, so he drove the car until the Center diff coudnt take it anymore and it overheated. So the car simply wouldnt move anymore. We took out the gearbox, the clutch was fine, so we pulled out the center diff and opened it up (DCCD's are servicable). We could see where the diff got hot however it wasnt all that bad, we replaced the plates just to be on the safe side and everything was fine. You gotta think, if the axle poped out all the controlled power was going to that perticular wheel, Therefore heating up the center diff (glazing it persay). I think in your situation you should be fine after you replace that axle. If you want to have me to have a service your dccd I can do so. PM me for the details, but Im pretty sure you should be ok.

[JDMgoodness]

Thanks very much! But I have a V7 JDM tranny. Its a Non DCCD.

I would have to replace the whole unit right? Any idea on what they cost?


Thanks again. Very helpfull

[foolio]

Yep.. The viscous style are non-servicable to my knowledge. Im sure they are very pricey. I would fix the axle and go from there. If you still having issues you can replace the center diff while the gearbox is still in the car. I also think that cusco makes a center diff which may be the better way to go.

[JDMgoodness]

Ok, so if there is a problems with the center diff I can fix it while in the car?!?

Thanks great news.
Do you happen to have a wright up or is there a pannle on the tranny?

Also, is there anyway to check out the center diff while the tranny is out of the car?

Ill be on the lookout for that cusco unit! Thanks! HUGH help!

Also, when I do get the car back on the ground. What should I look for to see if the center diff is shot?

[foolio]

Basicly you would be removing the rear tail housing of the gearbox. Remove the 10 bolts on the very rear of the gearbox. There is 3 long ones and 7 short if Im correct. Use a rubber mallet and hit it a few times, it should seperate enough so fluid will start to drain, let it drain. Just move it around trying to avoid prying between the surface (although very tempting). Remove the rear section carefully with your hands up and the Transfer output shaft and the center diff will come out together. Nothing should fall out or anything wierd. If you need a PDF file on the process I try to look that up for you. But to test everything after you get it back together just turn from lock to lock in tight circles in a parking lot. This checks for binding and any wierd nioses. Do it in forward and in reverse.

[JDMgoodness]

Dude! You are the most helpfull guy on all three forums I have this on. Thank you!

Ill have it back on the ground sat.


Dont happen to know how to fix my axleshaft problem by any chance do ya!?

[foolio]

Is it poping out? Was this the first time it happened? It looks like the boot is torn. How long was it like that? Replace the axle completely. I know its a little expensive but its probably the right thing to do.

[JDMgoodness]

No. Its not torn. We took it belt off to see if there was any damage in there that would cause it to fall out of the diff.

It is a custom axle from the driveshaft shop (WRX outter and STi innter). I was thinking maybe they made it alittle short? But it was in for 5 months of hard driving.

Then we were thinking maybe the bushing are starting to go in the rear and that would be enough play for it to pop out?

It happend at a auto X. There was a hard launch and then a hairpin turn within about 2 sec of eathother. hitting hte gas comming out of the hairpin turn I had to power and though the clutch was shot.

[foolio]

Well I would check the bushings in the rear crossmember that hold the rear diff in place. They are a real PITA to change if you had too. Other then that I would call the dds and see they have had any other problems similar to your problem.

[JDMgoodness]

yeah I planed on calling them first thing in the morning.

Thanks again. Ill let you know what they say.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JDMgoodness]

update. The car is back together!

It took longer then we though becasue we changed the oil pan gasket. So, we basily had to pull the motor. But no more oil leak.

She drives great. And we got snow today so it was perfect to test!

Thanks for everything!