Help! I'm needing some advice on what the best way to tackle a binding centre diff. I've just noticed the issue this weekend, but due to the amount of short distance driving I do, it might have been happening for a little while. Car is a 2001 BE5D manual.
I've been doing a bit of reading, and found some great threads/walk throughs (Rosssub's, Gazzy2000, plus others on other forums) but have a couple of questions:
First up: is it possible for the same symptoms (shuddering on hard lock after warmed up, but fine otherwise) to be related to the rackends being replaced? Probably just a coincidence, but they were replaced recently. As above, symptoms are only after the card is really warm, and as I normally do short distance, the issue may have been there for a while...
Now, if it is the centre diff, there look to be a couple of ways to solve it:
Like for like: Is there any difference between using the exact same model, vs one from a newer model (like Rosssub did?). If going second hand, I guess the newer one will hopefully be in better condition, but is there any other benefit?
Replace with older: Replace the diff, housing and transfer case from an older model which are less prone to failure. I note that Gazzy used parts from a 97-98 STI g/b, but are they essentially the same parts as non-STI gearboxes? will the transfer case from a non-sti bolt straight on? or are the STI parts different and better?
Think that is about it, but sure there will be more questions later. Probably won't be tackling this for a while (Christmas) as the car isn't used much.
Depending on what people think is the best approach is, does anyone know anyone selling any of the above parts?
Thanks in advance