Subaru Repair: Subaru shake in 2nd gear, cv axle, vibration problems

Question
My 1998 Subaru Legacy L with 106,000 miles has started a very subtle vibration just after the auto transmission shifts into 2nd gear. It lasts until it shifts into 3rd, but otherwise accelerates and runs smoothly. I do not feel this in the steering wheel; it just feels like a slight shudder in the lower front of the car, but it's hard to tell exactly what is vibrating. The power steering pump and both front CV axle shafts were just replaced at an independent garage that has always done good work for me. Could either of those repairs cause this? All fluid levels are OK. I’m not entirely sure the care wasn’t doing this beforehand—maybe I just noticed if after the repairs because I was temporarily more sensitive to how it was driving.

Answer
Couple of possibilities.First, as we know at our shop all to well.The current options for axles for a subaru can leave a little to be desired.And we have had to replace axles with vibration problems regardless of the supplier.Even Subaru reman axles have had some warranty issues.So a bad axle is very possible.Second, sometimes the auto transmission on the Subaru can develop a shudder under load.Sometimes this can be resolved with a transmission flush and additive package like the one available from lubeguard.I hope this helps you

Justin
All Wheel Drive Auto