Major gearbox/drive train problems Liberty 2004

Hurdler · Post by **Hurdler** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:44 am

Hi I would love some input on my ongoing problems.

First some history, bought the car less then 2 years ago, one week later had a major breakdown coming down the freeway. Selector pin in gearbox snaps (I think that was the report) resulting in new gearbox front diff and back diff. Covered by statuary warranty luckily.

A month ago the clutch suddenly gives up (snapped clutch fork?) had the clutch repaired but on my way home the high/low range selector suddenly pops out of position, this has happened a couple of times more since. This had never happened before the clutch was replaced but Subaru claims that it has nothing to do with removing the gearbox to replace the clutch and claims that something in the high/low range selector is worn out and gives a price between $1700-$2600 to fix the new problem that wasn't there before they replaced the clutch!

How can so many parts of a "reliable" subaru fail so close together and could it really be a coincidence that the high/low range problem happened right after the clutch was repaired??

Grateful for any help and thoughts

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:15 pm

Mate youre having some really bad luck there

I dont have the experience with to subies to comment on the specifics but i also dont believe in coincidences...

I think you really need to find a Subaru specialist mechanic ...I dont really like dealer mechanics. Too often i've known em to say they've done work but then when you look it hasnt been touched!

HINT: Use a texta to mark nuts/bolts, if the marks still line up then it hasnt been done!

Good luck...i hope you sort it out soon...& with minimum pain lol

Venom · Post by **Venom** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:30 pm

I'm no expert but i don't think dual range selector mechanisms wear out.

Can you still select low and high range? And when it pops out do you mean the car pops out of high range and the car loses drive like its in nuetral?

To do the clutch they don't need to take the gearbox apart, so it seems unlikely they damaged the gearbox internals doing a clutch although anything is possible. it could be as simple as they haven't put the dual range selector linkages back properly (or damaged them?), which seems the simplest and most obvious answer.

I say take it to another dealer and get a second opinion. If they give you hassles and quote stupid prices to replace the whole gearbox then as nachaluva says take it to a mechanic who specialises in subarus for a third opinion. you'll either confirm its something simple and get it fixed, or confirm the gearbox needs to come apart.

If the gearbox needs to come apart i would kick up a stink with the dealer. Tell them you'll go to consumer affairs and call up a current affair. Say you're going to sit out the front of the dealership with a massive bloody sign saying something like "Subaru broke my car and want to charge me 2,000 to fix it!"

As it stands now they probably realise they've broken your car, and are hoping the big quote will scare you away and you won't know any better about a worn selector mechanism. However if you threaten to make a big deal out of it then fixing your car is better for them than getting a bad rep, which will cost them customers.

Hurdler · Post by **Hurdler** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:03 am

Yes the selector moves into neutral causing me to loose drive (and making a scraping noice as it's not completely in neutral) I then have to press the clutch and push it back into high. I have never tried the low range in the car.

I had it done at one dealership (closest to the breakdown) and have since had it in to my normal one who tried some minor realignments without success. They said it doesn't lock in properly which indicates the selector is worn (can't remember the exact name of the part) but this can't be confirmed without taking it apart which they won't do unless I agree to pay for it. But both dealerships say that it could not be because of the clutch repair.

Maybe I'll just ductape the selector down and hope for the best...

Post by **Alex** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:18 am

sounds like worn bushes(unsure how the later models work tho) or even stuffed gearbox mounts to me.

Venom · Post by **Venom** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:31 am

Do you even use the dual range selector? Most people rarely use it so wear seems like an unlikely cause.

I'd take it to someone like Brian at Subabits in Clayton or Volskbaru in Dandenong for another opinion, or give Alldrivesubaru in NSW a call to see if they have any ideas. Alldrive do a lot of gearboxes and should be able to give you details of all the possible causes.

Post by **TOONGA** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:00 pm

It could be a simple thing like the detent bearing falling out of place/ missing, or cable adjustment for the low high selector being wrong.

TOONGA

mattl200 · Post by **mattl200** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:40 pm

isn't there a plug on the side of the box that allows removal of the detent pin and spring
might pay to check that its all still in there
(don't know if this is on the late model boxes but i checked the fsm and its definitely on the early ones)

could have fallen out or a dodgy mechanic could have removed it

cheers
Mat

chubby37 · Post by **chubby37** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:10 pm

Sounds a bit odd.there are some dishonest people out there so anything is possible.check all over the gearbox for any sign of paint or however small,red or yellow.new parts are never marked.it'd common practice to charge new parts and use secondhand or reco.if you had not said it was new I would be thinking damaged older box,,like it had been in a crash.??