2001 Outback H6 centre diff slop

RodA · Post by **RodA** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:47 pm

Does anyone have experience with apparent looseness in the H6 centre diiff/transfer clutch? I have the slop shown in this video (though this is not my car): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndh2aiE1VI8

The effect is a noticeable jerk when slowing down, just before the car stops. If I shift it into neutral before slowing, there is no jerk. From the photos I've seen, it looks like a sealed unit, until the multiplate units on other models. Is it possible to rebuilt it?

thanks
Rod

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:22 am

Hi and Welcome Rod

The AWD centre packs are prone to failure and in the H6 model they are sealed units but sometimes it's the sensor that fails and stops the TCU telling the clutch pack to release it's AWD grip when decelerating or hard cornering. I would replace the sensor first as this is a lot cheaper than the clutch pack

RodA · Post by **RodA** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:15 am

Thanks for the reply. Which sensor are you talking about and where is it? I'm no thinking that the jerk comes from a downshift on decelerating, not slop in the centre diff.

I did a test drive, and there is no jerk in 1st or 2nd (or neutral as I mentioned), but there is a consistent jerk in 3rd and 4th. Does that suggest a downshift or the torque converter clutch is not unlocking at the proper time? I'm guessing that in 3rd, the transmission does in fact shift down when coming to a stop.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:39 am

No worries. The sensor is on the rear extension housing, close to the top of the housing. It is held in with a 10mm bolt and the wiring goes into the inhibitor switch wiring.

If the car is holding lock as it decelerates, then I'm quite confident that the sensor is not giving then correct info to the TCU. This is what I would try first if the car came to my workshop.

RodA · Post by **RodA** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 1:56 pm

Subaru parts has a solenoid valve assembly for the transfer clutch with inbuilt sensor that sits on top of the housing, held in by 4 bolts, for $180. The sensor is nor sold separately. Does this sound like the right part?

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:49 pm

I think the Subaru guy is talking about the Clutch Pack itself and the has a sensor pickup ring attached (from memory) with 4 bolts. The sensors I'm referring to are off this Subaru parts bearkdown picture below and the one I'm thinking is gone is the top one of the 3 sensors.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 5:28 am

Doesnt the H6 have VTD?

If the car is off, the clutch pack in the VTD would be open as there is no hydraulic pressure to operate it.

If it only does it in 3rd and 4th I doubt it would be the transfer. Have you compared it to another H6 outback?

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:53 am

I'm 99% sure the H6 have the late model boxes with the VTD in the rear.

Rod.. if you could PM me your VIN, I'll get the correct breakdown for your gearbox

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 5:55 pm

RodA wrote:Subaru parts has a solenoid valve assembly for the transfer clutch with inbuilt sensor that sits on top of the housing, held in by 4 bolts, for $180. The sensor is nor sold separately. Does this sound like the right part?

Ok Rod, I think we are on to something here... The guys at Subaru (yours and mine) seem to have sold a few of these Solenoid Valve Assembly (Transfer Clutch Valve) over the years and none of the sensors. I'm guessing this is the fault and at around $180, this may be worth trying first. See pic below with highlighted (in blue) the part number 31942

I have replied to your PM too