1991 Legacy Wagon MT AWD binding - Anyone know why?

[ScrappyOF]

My wagon is binding bad at low speeds. It makes sounds when turning and the wheels slip and screech a bit when trying to get into parking spaces. Its fine when going straight, but nasty when slow. Turning into parking spaces it the worst. The car slows and jerks a bit sometimes. Also requires a little power to overcome the binding at times.

Can anyone help? Not sure what the problem is or whether or not I can fix it at home.

Thanks,

T

[Legacy777]

Sounds like the viscous coupling in the center diff is toast. Since the unit is a sealed piece, there's no way to repair it.

Just out of curiousity, are all your tires the same size/model/brand? Have you checked tire pressure?

[ScrappyOF]

Thanks for your response.

When you say center diff, are you talking the one in the rear? I am looking through my repair manual, and I can't find any reference to Center Diff. Is there a technical name for the part? Where is it located?

When I bought the car I put brand new tires on it. All four wheels about 10k ago. I can't speak for what the previous owner may have done though. Thus far, the jerkiness continues even as I monitor tire pressure.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help/response.

[Legacy777]

The center differential is in the transmission. It controls the AWD torque distribution.

Here's some scans from the factory manual that should help clarify things

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... iption.jpg
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... ential.jpg
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... ension.jpg
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... rdiff1.jpg
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... rdiff2.jpg
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... rdiff3.jpg