Boxer Rumble
Ok So here is an update on my in-gear vibration issue....It's solved...well, sort of.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been conducting tests with the Free SSM scanning program. During my somewhat "blind testing". I wasn't really able to find any issues. That said. It is true that from a diagostic standpoint...not having any idea what the readings really mean ( I do not have a FSM..silly)...I was able to determine this:
At normal operating temp, there were almost no variations in any of my test readings when taken in (N-P-D-or-R). HMMM...Points to nothing being wrong.
At least not that I could tell, other than a 150 RPM drop when loaded by the AT. Still in the neighborhood of 630-640 though. My lowest, normal temp, in-gear idle was 582. That was on an engine stumble when I turned on my rear defroster. This is normal for the car as there small voltage drop, then RPM drop as ALT kicks up.
So next, I have decided it can only be either motor or trans mounts at this point. Visually they look great. Not much movement in trans mount. It is hard to get the motor to rock when not running...don't want to break anything. The motor does rock back and forth a good bit when running.
Anyway, decided to have the Mike Shaw Subaru Dealer verify. I wanted them to road test the car as well. They charged me $38 to balance and rotate two wheels they claimed were out of balance AND tell me my mounts are fine.
Since, the unwanted balancing...things are now out of balance. My previously smooth highway rig now shakes at 65mph. GREAT. At least my mileage figures might increase. (I have a right foot/boost problem I been trying to quit)
I'm P****D-Off now.
In my internet fury, I make one last/final effort find someone to take my $$$ and tell me there are many things wrong with my SUBI which will cost me much more $$$.
So, I head to the foothills, to the only city on the planet where there are more Subaru's than people, to Super Rupair in Boulder. I spend a very long time explaining to the service advisor all of the history and everything. I explain very clearly what they are to find wrong with my car. Surely they could find the problem. Surely this would be big.
So, I get a loaner car from them. A 2004 Outback 2.5 4AT. As I stop at the exit to the lot, I step on the brake, I come to a stop...AND...AAAHHHH!
SAME EXACT VIBE....It's that dear BOXER VIBE....Nothing More
NO Sh*t.
I have had 6 Subaru's in my life, all Turbo's. 1 Gen 1 and several from '86-'92. I have never owned an AT before....totally different VIBE with 2 pedals vs 3.
So. It cost me $104 for complete scan, multiple test drives and a severe mount bashing. I finally have to face the fact that I have a GREAT CAR. If one more Subi professional has to tell me "D**m that's a nice car, drives great..relax and drive it". Then shame on me twice.
Re-calibrating the idle, raising it closer to 750rpm when in gear, does improve the situation. However at the moment, I'd rather prep her rear end for the new King Springs and upgraded KYB's all the way around....MMMMM GOOD!
What this new/used project, my 2006 XT has taught me thus far is...if you want it bad enough..you can be satisfied. Don't give up.
However a $20 spot for a cable...and then the help of some great contributions/advice from you-all, can be all you ever need. Thanks All (Cardoc, Rasterman, Seabass, others)
FINALLY, What did I learn most of all.
If "Love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru" Then you D**N WELL better able to feel that BIG, FLAT, HEART BEAT!!!
Cheers and Rumble On.:29:
CK
:gasp:
