It does sound like it could be a propshaft problem...


I don't know about the legacy so I am assuming the propshaft is in two pieces - could be that the universal joint front or rear are knackered, or the center bearing is worn..

The problem should be easy to spot if you get it up on a ramp..

Cheers,

Alex

 

Hi all,

I just acquired a 1990 Sub Legacy L AWD with an auto tranny (yuck) and just over 190.000 mi (304.000 km). I have been experiencing a strange, rather violent shaking in the driveline. It is best felt when the car is brought up to speed (any speed), then allowed to coast momentarily, and then the accelerator is lightly pressed. This produces a violent shudder that does not dissipate until the accelerator is depressed further and held for a few seconds. Alternatively if the car is allowed to coast it will disappear almost immediately.

The engine starts and runs well and does not seem to be lacking for power. Sometimes the transmission shifts a bit harshly. I checked the vital fluids (inc auto tranny level) and also flushed and refilled the gear oil in the rear transfer case. All of this had no noticable affect on the situation. Additionally, the drive shaft was found to have about 5 degrees of play when rotated by hand with the car in park. I have not been able to reference the allowable tolerances on this so I'm not sure if this is abnormal.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what may be broken?

Thanks,
SashaV65
(too poor to pay a professional)