1999 V5 WRX Wagon Possible Viscous Center Diff Issues, Advice Greatly Appreciated :)

[Tacoh]

Hey everyone,

For a while now my car has been having an issue where after I have been driving or for an extended period, or driving it hard for a bit, I get a clunking/knocking noise coming from what sounds like the center diff if I do slow maneuvers with the wheel around 3/4 to full lock. After some research, it seems my center diff may be on it's way out. What I wasn't sure about is if my 1999 V5 Wagon has a Viscous center diff, or just an open center diff. if anyone would be able to tell me that would be awesome.

My mechanic reckons it is a viscous center diff and something needs to be replaced. He told me that off the top of his head he reckons a brand new Viscous hub is about $1500 dollars for the unit on its own. This is not an option for me as I also need to put in a new clutch as it is starting to slip quite badly, and unfortunately I don't have a bottomless wallet haha. So would it be cheaper to change the Viscous hub or the whole center diff? Is it ok to get second hand? And how much would I be expecting to pay for all this? If anyone knows where I can get either on a budget I will be forever in your debt haha.

If anyone could give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated.

(Seems this sort of stuff only occurs after that car has been thrashed quite a bit, like donuts and that like, never done anything like that myself so sucks that I seemed to get the car at the end of its clutch/center diff life span...)

Thanks

[Guest]

Just swap the centre for a known good one out of a v5- or other sub phase 2 box. Can swap it out on the garage floor but if you need to do clutch just drop gearbox. It will be a viscous centre and you only buy it complete.

[Tacoh]

Yeah I reckon kill two birds with one stone and do it while the clutch is being swapped. So I can only buy it as a whole other center diff? And what do you mean by sub phase 2 box? Sorry not the most savvy when it comes to this but I am learning Any recommendations on where to buy a center diff for my car? Also was wondering what would be the repercussions if I left it as is, not that I am going to, just interested to see what would of happened if I had neglected it.

Thanks again.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Tacoh

[Guest]

Yep check these links they are pretty good.The early gearboxes -V4 take a different style centre phase 1 so you need a V5/6, forester phase 2 or BE/BH legacy are the same also I think if you want the easiest solution. Unsure on V7- non sti its likely they will also fit. If its grinding I wouldnt drive it until its fixed. If its making no noise and slipping/not working it wont do any damage. PM fbssub1 or subirex on here one of them should have something.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f89/diy-subaru-center-differential-replacement-phase-2-5-speeds-175153/

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f89/center-diffs-how-replace-them-46979/

This might be a good score if the bits you need are sweet then just do the conversion in the bottom link. Guessing youre in auck if you get stuck get hold of subirex.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/subaru/gear-boxes/auction-741107919.htm

http://clubsub.org.nz/forum/showthread.php?14824-Center-diff-gone-in-your-BH-heres-a-VERY-cheap-option&highlight=diff

[Tacoh]

Cool, thanks heaps man, huge help