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Downshifting on 2011 Legacy (manual)

13 messages,  Last post on Feb 28, 2012 at 9:56 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Brakes, Transmission, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#4 of 13 Re: Downshifting on 2011 Legacy (manual) [tmcgrotty] by xwesx

Jan 23, 2012 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: tmcgrotty (Jan 23, 2012 3:04 pm)
I find that Subaru clutch material burns at the slightest hint of slippage, so yes, you're most likely smelling burning clutch. It doesn't really hurt anything unless you really overwork it, then you can get material transfer (which leads to "judder" as I've heard it called) or other issues.
 
I agree with Bob that the car is much more responsive to get moving in low traction situations when the VDC is turned off. Otherwise, you have the car trying to out-smart you, and you end up with both the low traction and car fighting your progress.

#5 of 13 Wow .. thanks guys ..... by tmcgrotty

Jan 23, 2012 (3:39 pm)

this is like a live chat ... with the quick responses.
 
I'll pay more attention to my driving and traction conditions over the coming week, maybe try and avoid downshifting as well, but that will be hard as I have been doing it so long it happens subconsciouncisly.

#6 of 13 Re: Wow .. thanks guys ..... [tmcgrotty] by xwesx

Jan 23, 2012 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: tmcgrotty (Jan 23, 2012 3:39 pm)
I downshift on mine as well, and don't have an issue with clutch burn as a result. If yours does it while downshifting, it may just need to wear in a little more.
 
Your timing is good today - you caught me checking posts!

#7 of 13 clutch and AWD by krzyss

Jan 25, 2012 (11:33 am)

My 05 Legacy GT smelled awfull when I was slipping the clutch (avoiding killing the engine in AWD requires a little more left foot work) however it reduced greatly when I mastered its quirks.
In low friction environment center diff fluid (I think Subaru still uses viscous coupling in center diff) starts smelling too, at least in my experience.
 
Krzys

#8 of 13 Re: Downshifting on 2011 Legacy (manual) [tmcgrotty] by gm66montreal

Jan 26, 2012 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: tmcgrotty (Jan 23, 2012 2:11 pm)
hello everyone,
i am a new member and i would like to share my problem that i am have with my 2011 subaru outback. know i know that the outback and the legacy 2.5 have the same tranny clutch and gear box. and i was wondering if anyone has this same problem. when the car is cold and the weather is below -10 i have a problem from first to second gear and also from third to second. it is every hard and i have to apply lots of force. this getts better when the car is full warm and as been driving for about 45 minutes.
please let me know if anyone had this problem and how did you or the dealer fix it.

#9 of 13 Re: clutch and AWD [krzyss] by tmcgrotty

Jan 26, 2012 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: krzyss (Jan 25, 2012 11:33 am)
Thank for the input. I have been watching my downshifting and using the breaks instead of the engin to slow down .. .I like to be in the right gear for a quick takeoff or manuver.
 
So far I haven't smelled anything but then again not traction problems either because the weather has been soo nice. Will drop back in a week or so with more update.

#10 of 13 Re: Downshifting on 2011 Legacy (manual) [gm66montreal] by tmcgrotty

Jan 26, 2012 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: gm66montreal (Jan 26, 2012 3:08 pm)
I have noted the same problem when below zero, I am certain its just the grease in the gear shifter that gets more viscus when cold.
 
My previous manual car had similar, but not as noticable problem. I am living with it at the moment, I expect it will 'loosen up a bit' with more miles on the clock.

#11 of 13 Re: Downshifting on 2011 Legacy (manual) [gm66montreal] by xwesx

Jan 26, 2012 (3:30 pm)

Replying to: gm66montreal (Jan 26, 2012 3:08 pm)
Is the shifter difficult to move, or just not want to slip into gear? If it was not winterized at the dealership, it may have 80w-90 in the transmission. Switching to a 75w-90 synthetic would help significantly in that temperature range. And, if the car is sluggish to move at that temperature, I would also swap out the differential oil while you're at it.

#12 of 13 2010 Legacy Spark Plug Change 2.5l by tsizzle

Feb 27, 2012 (6:03 pm)

I have about 55k on a 4 cyl model, no turbo. The spark plugs look very accessible and I am going to change them. Just wanted to checkin to see if there may be an issue before getting into it. I am definetely not a mechanic - just an oil changer! I've had no problems with this car by the way - definately a good car for me.

#13 of 13 Re: 2010 Legacy Spark Plug Change 2.5l [tsizzle] by xwesx

Feb 28, 2012 (9:56 am)

Replying to: tsizzle (Feb 27, 2012 6:03 pm)
There shouldn't be any problems. They do sit deep into the heads, so you'll likely need one or more extensions on your socket, but I have found it to not be too difficult, even on previous generations, which were much tighter than current. I found that with my cars, I needed to remove the air box on one side and the battery on the other, and use a universal joint directly out of the socket (between it and the extension) in order to clear the frame for the #3 and #4 cylinders.

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