Questions and Answers

Subaru Legacy Vibration Q. Hi, I have a 1989 Subaru Legacy station wagon, 2.0 liter quad cam, non turbo, 140,000 kilometers, automatic transmission, fuel injection, no ABS, power steering. The problem I am having is a vibration or more a violent shudder problem. It is intermittent. But generally occurs after 30 minutes of driving or with slightly heavy loads.

It is not felt in the steering and the CV joints are good. Previously I had a similar shudder and discovered torn gearbox mounts. This cured that problem. On this occasion I have found no problems with mounts and bushes in the gearbox drive shaft area. The drive shaft does not appear to have lost any weights.

The shudder occurs at all speeds and is not related to acceleration or deceleration. Is it possible that it could be a stiff universal joint on the drive shaft. If so is there anyway of testing it while on the car. It has had myself and other mechanics stumped for a while. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Regards,
Kent

A. A bad universal joint is a distinct possibility. he best way to check is just to pop out the drive shaft and check them. You might see a lot of rust around the bearing surfaces which will indicate the bearings are dry and U joint replacement is needed.

Any U joint that is sloppy, rusted out or frozen will, naturally, have to be replaced.