Hi,

I've a 2007 3.0 Outback auto with a strange intermittent slipping rear differential....if that's possible?

When the fault appears it just feels the same as if the gearbox is flaring up & slipping but when completely stationary, brakes on, in gear(forward or reverse) a noise can be heard coming from the rear diff....!? It sounds like a low 'rumbling' as if something is still turning, we've even recorded it from inside & outside the car & it's definitely coming from the diff. The noise goes when neutral is selected.

After a few miles or the next day the car drives absolutely fine, the fault may not return for days, weeks, months....once it took over 1500 miles to return.

I've heard of driveshafts slipping on their splines but surely that would be more pronounced & permanent?

If it was a gearbox fault, which is the first thought when an auto 'slips', then the noise should come from the gearbox not the rear diff.

It doesn't matter which gearbox mode is used or paddle shift.

When it 'slips' it happens in forward & reverse.

It's not an electronic diff.

Anyone else experienced this please?

Clive

 

Has it chewed one of the driveshafts? they are splined and the teeth can break off, or possibly the retaining clip on the driveshaft may have failed so the driveshaft isnt seated properly?

Sounds/symptoms you mention sound likely be centre diff issue, this can sound like a central rear noise & has potential come and go if it control duty effecting type of fault .