Legacy Outback Rumbling Through Slow Turns

[dvrcthewrld]

I have a '96 Legacy Outback with an automatic transmission. The problem I have is what I would describe as a mild bucking or rumbling. It feels like the whole car is rumbling. When it happens varies a little. First of all, it only ever occurs during turning. The tighter the turn, the worse it is. It's really only a problem at lower speeds. It seems to be an issue in reverse as well. In winter, it doesn't happen immediately; it starts after 10-15 minutes of driving and gets progressively worse. In warm weather, the rumbling is there from the moment I pull away.

If I am coasting in drive and cut the wheel fully, the car will rumble and come to a stop. If I am in neutral going backwards downhill, which happens when I parallel park in front of my house, there's some rumbling then as well.

Accelerating seems to make it worse. I have recently come across the article on legacycentral.org that describes "torque-binding," and that seems to fit. However, I would like some other opinions. Also, and more importantly, if it is most likely torque-binding, I would like to know how to determine that that is the real issue.

Thanks for the help.

[Wagondude]

What you are describing is called torque-bind. Search the forum for all kinds of information. But you may be ok as far as fixing it. Try changing the transmission fluid (search the DIY section of this forum if you don;t know how). If you can't change the fluid for a while, you can put a fuse in the FWD socket (again, a search is your friend as is your owners manual if you have one) to stop the binding until you can have it serviced. You will, however be in front wheel drive mode and will need to anticipate slightly different handling. This is a temporary measure at best. If the binding continues with the fuse in place, then you have a more serious electrical or mechanical problem.

[1 Lucky Texan]

make certain your tires are the same brand/model and wear. They 'should' be within 1/4 inch circumference of each other. More than that is inviting trouble. (about 2 to 3/32" or so difference in tread wear could be enough to cause torque bind)

Can you use the fuse for FWD and does that solve the problem?

[dvrcthewrld]

I eventually managed to put the car into FWD to diagnose if it was torque-bind or not, and it was; no rumbling in turns while in FWD mode.

I did a couple drain and fills, each time draining about 7 quarts out of the transmission. Torque-bind disappeared. Thanks for the help.

[1 Lucky Texan]

thanx for getting back to the thread. sounds like good news.

how did you get 7 qts out at a time and what brand fluid did you refill with?

[dvrcthewrld]

I was surprised by the volume. I had it parked in front of my house, which is on a slight incline so that the car's front end was slightly higher, and I jacked up the passenger side a bit.

I used Valvoline MaxLife.