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2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation

145 messages,  Last post on Aug 17, 2012 at 7:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 15

#1 of 145 2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation issues? by 2010outbacker

Nov 30, 2009 (11:08 am)

Hi Guys,
  
I just placed an order for a 2010 Outback 3.6R limited. I came across some posts on another forum. Some owner of 2010 Outback (especially 3.6R) complain about the following two issues.
  
1. Shaking steering wheel when driving on 65-75mph
  
2. Hesitation when accelerating from low speeds
  
I wonder if any of you guys have experienced similar issues or you are happy with your all new OB?
  
Thanks a lot!

#2 of 145 what I heard from the dealership by 2010outbacker

Nov 30, 2009 (1:35 pm)

All the 3.6 engines that have been delivered to this point need a reflash to fix the hesitation problem. All that are currently coming from the factory have already got it.

#3 of 145 Re: 2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation issues? [2010outbacker] by xwesx

Nov 30, 2009 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: 2010outbacker (Nov 30, 2009 11:08 am)
Do you know if it is only up to 75 mph? If it were something present at speeds greater than 65 mph, it could very well be the wheel balance, but I would not expect that to go away at even faster speeds....

#4 of 145 Re: 2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation issues? [xwesx] by 2010outbacker

Nov 30, 2009 (8:00 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 30, 2009 3:22 pm)
I am not so sure. I haven't got my car yet and what I heard was from another forum of new 2010 Outback owners. People there said neither alignment nor balancing didn't resolve the problem. They also mentioned that SOA is aware of this issue and replaced springs for some of them but it didn't work either.

#5 of 145 Re: what I heard from the dealership [2010outbacker] by rschleicher

Dec 01, 2009 (10:48 am)

Replying to: 2010outbacker (Nov 30, 2009 1:35 pm)
2010outbacker,
 
Is there a TSB out yet on the 3.6R hesitation fix? Do you happen to know if it was a reprogramming of the ECU (engine control unit), or the TCM (transmission control module)? I have heard speculation on both sides of the question of whether it has more to do with engine or transmission programming.
 
With my own car the issue seems pretty minor, but when I have it in for its first oil change in a month or so, I want to get whatever updates there are.
 
(I also have not experienced the steering wheel vibration issue, but my sense of that issue is that it may be a combination of out-of-balance or out-of-round issues with the wheels/tires, coupled with a steering system that is more sensitive to (or revealing of) vibration issues than it should be.
 
There is a lot of discussion of this issue on the www.subaruoutback.org forum. Dealers have been doing a lot of wheel re-balancing as at least part of the solution, and have just recently been doing the so-called "spring" fix, for people who have complained of the vibration. This appears to involve replacement of a small spring that is inside of the steering rack assembly, with a somewhat heavier/stiffer spring. As far as I can tell from the info I've seen, this spring is providing some pressure that holds the sliding/moving part of the steering rack, up against the fixed housing of the steering rack. It is inside of the rack assembly itself, but apparently is fairly quick/easy to replace.
 
But the earliest reports on this spring replacement are that it seems to reduce the vibration felt through the steering wheel, but doesn't necessarily eliminate it. My own guess is that re-balancing the wheels/tires remains part of the fix.
 
It is also not clear how many cars have this issue. I don't experience it at all, but maybe that is just due to luck in having well-balanced wheels and tires. It also MAY be the case that the issue doesn't apply to cars with the base 16" steel wheels. But I don't think that's been firmly established. In any case, it applies to both engine versions.

#6 of 145 2010 Outback 2.5 hesitation problem by tblumen

Dec 01, 2009 (11:38 am)

I recently bought 2010 2.5 6-speed manual outback. I have noticed that there is a slight (but noticeable) hesitation when accelerating into first, and also into second. Dealer said I should just drive it and get used to the way it shifts. I have always driven manuals, and my 1999 outback is much smoother shifting.
 
Has anyone else had this problem? I am growing increasingly frustrated with dealer.

#7 of 145 Re: what I heard from the dealership [2010outbacker] by eps105

Dec 01, 2009 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: 2010outbacker (Nov 30, 2009 1:35 pm)
"All the 3.6 engines that have been delivered to this point need a reflash to fix the hesitation problem. All that are currently coming from the factory have already got it. "
 
2010outbacker: To reinforce the other response above -- Where did you learn this information? No TSB has been issued as far as I know (searchable at techinfo.subaru.com).
 
This is very exciting news and I want to make sure it is credible and that you didn't misunderstand someone telling you that this is what is going to happen if they can fix it.
 
Thanks!!!
 
Elliot

#8 of 145 Re: what I heard from the dealership by 2010outbacker

Dec 02, 2009 (7:15 am)

Hi guys, sorry for the late reply...
 
I also registered for an account on www.subaruoutback.org but it hasn't been activated yet.
 
Basically, I heard it from the dealership that I placed an order for my 3.6R limited OB. I haven't got the car yet. The sales manager told me that he got this info from his service manager

#9 of 145 Re: 2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation issues? [2010outbacker] by zoeman21

Dec 15, 2009 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: 2010outbacker (Nov 30, 2009 11:08 am)
I just got a 2010 Legacy and have been back to the shop 3 times with the steering issue. So far tires have been balanced 2x's, and alignment done once with no success. Not only is there a shake above 60 the steering is cagey and requires lots of over steer and corrections to keep straight. bringing back a 4th time per the dealers suggestion will post and let you know what they do.
 
BTW, the dealer has indicated that I am one of many so far to come back with this issue.

#10 of 145 Re: 2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation issues? [zoeman21] by albert72

Dec 18, 2009 (12:02 pm)

Replying to: zoeman21 (Dec 15, 2009 7:13 pm)
Zoeman21,
 
will be interested if they solve your problem or how they comp you if they cannot get it fixed. '10 Outback is a great looking product, sat it one and loved it but would have concerns about getting one if steering issues cannot get fixed.
 
Any other things about the car you are having difficulties with or subtle things you wish you could change about the car?
 
Thanks,

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