Edmunds Answers questions

2008 suburu Legacy-Metal noise in lft ft wheel-been checked twice-brakes were realigned-still have it-any idea

cjean — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:58:26 GMT

noise is not always there--sometimes loud--sometimes quieter--have there been similar problems with this model

How can you fold down a back seat on a 2001 Subaru Forester with a broken release latch?

gwf1 — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:02:51 GMT

My 2001 Subaru Forester has one of the release latches to the back seat fold down that is broken. Can anyone suggest a tool or method to release the seat back? Not being able to fold down both sides seriously limits the versatility of my vehicle. (and wouldn't you know, it is the wide side)

Does it make sense to get an '08 Subaru Outback when the '10 redesign is near?

kurtamaxxxguy — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:48:36 GMT

I am considering an '08 Outback for its AWD but am not thrilled with current engine choices. It's to get a major redesign in '10 and possibly with a better, more fuel efficient motor. Would getting one now to take advantage of the AWD, and trading to an '10, incur a large amount of depreciation and be considered unwise?

Looking for a Subaru to buy from 1986 to 1989.

mikeangel — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:45:16 GMT

Looking to buy a Subaru Outback from the years of 1986 to 1989.

RE swapping my 98 2.5 Subaru Outback engine with a 2.2l.

glassflow7 — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:51:08 GMT

First of all, thank you for answering my question. I recently asked about swapping a 2.2 engine into my 98 2.5 legacy outback. I didn't mean to offend any subaru lovers, I just heard from the girl I got the car from that the 2.5 engines in those years had problems with more than just the head gaskets. When I got the car, she said she drove the car for three months and it was leaking oil pretty bad but running good overall. She forgot to check the oil for i who knows how long and she said she put 4 whole quarts in! at once and it ran for three more days and it started smoking, making horrible noises and barely running, and she hasn't run it since then. My question is, when this scenario happens, would you rebuild the engine that has been run almost out of oil or get a different used or rebuilt engine? sorry I don't have more details about what is wrong with the engine, but i really apprecitate your advice.
thanks -Dave

How do I reply to your answer about my Subaru Outback?

kmlawrence — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:35:49 GMT

mr shiftright, I am new to this venue and don't really know the ropes. You responded earlier to a question I posted re:“98 Legacy Outback misfires going uphill with a cold engine. Any help?” On the page that opened with your response, I don't see a way for me to reply to you. Is there another way to do that? And is there a place where I can learn the ropes of using a forum .... Like the Thumbs up / down Report it. And what does the Status: Closed mean? I appreciated your suggestion, called my mechanic and they had already checked for head gasket stuff ... from both directions. It was fine. The mystery continues.

Has anyone ever experienced ear pain/congestion in their new car?

sadie13 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:56:44 GMT

We purchased a 2008 Subaru > Tribeca that is making us ill. Every time we are in the vehicle our ears hurt which ranges from ear popping to full congestion of the ear (a.k.a eustachian tube dysfuntion) where we have to use nasal sprays. The vehicle was purchased as a family vehicle but because of the way we feel when in it, my husband is the only one driving it because we don't want our toddler in it and I feel so horrible after being in it that I cannot drive it. We have done extensive internet research and believe it is the new car vocs producing an allergic reaction, but it is not just us that feels it, others who go in our car also experience this same ear congestion. Subaru refuses to help us and we are just desperate over it because if we trade it in we will suffer a huge loss. Have you ever heard of this before?

I'm only getting 60 - 70% of the mileage I should be on my Subaru Forester. Any suggestions where to look first?

gyelland — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:18:34 GMT

It's a 2001 Forrester with 206000 KM and the only major work it's had done recently was the timing belt (172000 KM).

What is that clunking noise when I turn in my Subaru Forester?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:56:14 GMT

Subaru Forester 2000 Noise when turning wheel - I keep hearing a clunking or groaning noise when I turn 90 degrees and the car is still cold (mostly in the morning or when it has been parked all day)

I have mentioned this before when doing oil change at the Subaru dealer and they don't seem to find anything.

Any hints and tips on how can I find out what is the problem?

Can you please explain the difference (in meaning) between alternative current Subaru promos?

dcdame — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:10:28 GMT

Subaru currently offers alternative promotions for buyers - choose (1) "cash back" plus APR incentive or (2) "customer cash" - what's the difference? The "cash back" and "customer cash" amounts offered are the same. Is one for people who finance w/dealer and one for those who don't or what? If the former, why not just say "cash back" on all sales, plus APR incentive for those who finance w/dealer, rather than using two terms to describe identical cash offers? I don't get it.

http://www.subaru.com/tools/financialsol...

What are the correct timing marks for a 99 subaru legacy california engine?

vthadley — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:03:26 GMT

We live in Vermont, bought a subaru legacy used. We didn't know that we had a california engine until the first time we tried to replace something. ALL of the parts are different, it seems, and the dealers in this area are basically clueless.

Now, our timing belt needs to be replaced and what do you know? The standard timing marks that came on our belt are wrong. The california timing marks are not included in the part, or in the haynes manual, and we can't find the information anywhere. Can anyone tell me what the marks are for the california engine?

My poor husband is about to throw a belt of his own!

97 subaru outbackhas no brake assist first thing in morning, ok after that, why

bdshafe — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:13:08 GMT

My 97 subaru has no power brake assist the first time you hit the brake pedal the first time in the morning. after that it is fine. seems like it has lost any vacuum for the power brake booster. Is this a problem with the power brake booster, or something in the vacuum line, or what?

2007 Subaru Outback w/AM radio problems under warranty. Subaru say's "It is what it is"

malbro — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:17:28 GMT

I have owned 2 Subaru Outbacks 2004 & 2007. The 2007 has an AM radio problem. We have had this problem for 1 year. We like to listen to Talk Radio. There is a static or loose conection sound when going over cracks and bumps in the road and on a overcast day the car sounds like the horn goes off. The car is under warranty and Subaru will not help they say "it is as it is". The service department said alot of people are having this problem it's the antenna in the back window which they did not have in the previous models and we did not have this problem in the 2004.

Our 2004 needed a head gasket. Subaru would not help. Although we drive alot of miles it didn't matter that the car was not three years old yet. We are not happy with Subaru and worry that our 2007 will have head gasket problems.

Are there any 2007 Outback owners with AM radio problems? When I am at the gas station and I notice someone with a Subaru Outback with the radio in the rear window I ask them to test there radio out. I just can't believe they won't fix the problem or don't know how to fix the problem. And won't honor their warranty.... There is a a design problem in that car!

I liked the Subaru all wheel drive which is why we bought the car twice. I test drove an Chevy Malbu yesterday and the antenna iis in the rear window and the radio does not have this problem.

It is very, annoying and frustrating when you pay a lot of money for a car and its under warranty and the dealer and Subaru tell you "It is as it is" They are actually telling me to bend over and kiss there big fat Japanese butt. I've got your money and I don't care. Well, I've kissed there big butt twice now they can kiss mine..... I'm thinking of creating a bumper sticker and placing it on my car. Maybe if enough Subaru owners recognize they could have headgasket and radio problem they will fix it. And.... the air conditioner and heater stink.... The 2004 had better air and heater as well.... Thank you for listening!

Subaru 97 Legacy wagon L - issue - thumping noise from rear right wheel. Noise starts upon driving. Suggestions?

fergus1 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:35:41 GMT

Noise starts upon driving and does increase in thumping with speed. Does not come from under the car - but from the rear right wheel well. Wheel did not seem "hot" upon touching it after a short drive.

This car has 99K miles on it and was sitting unused for 2 months (Dec-Jan).

Subaru Legacy '93, timing belt went out, how hard it is to replace it? Is it better to take it to a mechanic?

nano7 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:25:45 GMT

I find out the timing belt went out in a subaru legacy 93, I would like to know if it is something that i might be able to fix on my own or it would be better to take it to a mechanic?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Fernando

2003 Subaru Outback with blinking ABS, brake and battery light. Dealer says all is ok. Any ideas

bostonsubaru — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:25:22 GMT

My brake, ABS and battery light intermittent flicker while driving. If at night, front headlights will dim when dash lights flicker on. Dealer has checked alternator, electrical system with no success. Sometimes only brake and battery light flicker without ABS light.

2004 Subaru Forester - Cruise Control Problem

skierchuck — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:41:10 GMT

Cruise works when first turned on. After 15 to 45 min. of highway driving with cruise on it will drop out. Can reset but will only hold for 3 to 5 min. Cycling power doesn't correct or change time that cruise will work. The time of operation before malfunction does seem to be getting shorter. Talked to 2 different mechanics one independent and one a dealer mechanic. Both told me the same thing, cruise needs to be malfunctioning when I bring it in order to get a diagnosis from computer. This hard to do since drive to work isn't long enough to get cruise to malfunction. I'm usually on a trip when it malfunctions. Since the parts are expensive I don't want just start replacing parts. I would real like to get the cruise fixed rather than waiting until it fails completely.

96 sub leg timing belt. How to hold the camshaft gears while removing bolts.

got2subs — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:50:55 GMT

1996 subaru 2.5L legacy. DOHC timing belt camshaft gears. What do you use to hold them still to remove the bolts? I've tried several things, damaging the teeth on the gear. What are the options?

1994 Legacy 2.2 non-turbo 5 spd over heating.

ih45h — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:17:08 GMT

I bought a 94 legacy wagon with 2.2 L non-turbo, MPFI engine, 5 speed FWD.
It is overheats after driving 10 to 15 miles, pushes the water into and overflows reservoir. It also has a small amount of engine oil in the water but did not see any water in oil pan. This car has 88,000 miles and I think it was a city driven vehicle (Kansas City Mo.)

I have taken engine out and pulled heads, head gaskets are pretty sorry looking but cannot see where they might have been leaking oil or compression into water. Any other suggestions?

This car ran fine with no misfire and could not smell any burnt antifreeze at the exhaust. When I first started this car the check engine came on when it was idleing but would go off above 1400 RPM and quit coming on after it run for 5 or 10 min and has not come on since.

Need Help. Thanks Dave

What exactly was made by Subaru to correct the head gasket problem in the new version of the 2.5i boxer engine?

drbean — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:54:49 GMT

There are numerous complains about problems with the head gasket in old 2.5L subaru engines. Apparently, they corrected the design flaw and cars from 2003 and older should not have this problem. Does anyone know what exactly was made to correct this problem?

My Subaru Forester 5 speed shifts poorly into reverse and 1st gear

robc7 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:56:45 GMT

Someone mentioned it being a synchronizer. Does anyone have experience with this.

Will the 2.5 dohc motor from my 1999 Subaru Legacy fit in my 1996 Legacy with a 2.5 dohc?

drdodge — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:15:22 GMT

Will a 2.5 dohc 4 cyl motor from my 1999 subaru legacy fit into my 1996 subaru legacy w/the same size motor? One car is totaled and the other has a cracked block. They are both outback legacy

I have a 1990 Subaru. It's parked on a hill and stuck in 4th gear; also the wheels are locked up. Help?

chuck1960 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:32:38 GMT

It won't roll with the e brake released and the clutch in.

1983 Subaru wiring diagram

swampy1961 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:32:44 GMT

where to find a wiring diagram

Roof cargo carriers for 09 Subaru Forester, wind noise ok? Regular or extended?

jerbeck — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Subaru 2009 Forester roof cargo carriers

Tires for '03 Suburu Outback Ltd - help!

adbowlin — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:44:29 GMT

I need affordable replacement tires for my '03 Suburu Outback Ltd. We will be living in Indy (long winter of snow/ice) for only one year and then back to warm weather in Louisiana for the remainder of the car's lifetime. A dealer is suggesting Firestone FR710. Will these suffice?

I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy. I need the schematics for the exhaust, can anyone help me? Thank you.

dkrupert — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:13:46 GMT

the exhaust is leaking toward the front of the car, i need to know what the piece i need looks like, or do i have to buy the whole exhaust system.

Replacing rear rotors on 98 Subaru Outback. How are the rotors removed from the hubs after caliper & pads are off?

dballhorn — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:06:31 GMT

The replacement rotors appear to slide on over the lug studs, however I do not see the separation on the old rotor, from the hub and rotor. After attempting to dislodge the rotor (banging w/ sledge) the rotor has not budged.

How do I get to mysubaru.com? Janice

janice96 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:03:01 GMT

I have been trying to get to mysubaru.com. The dealer registered me and I am wanting to log in Janice

Tensioner bolt holes on Subaru 2.2.

magnum01 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:20:06 GMT

What is the best way to repair the stripped out tensioner bolt holes on a timing belt job on a 2.2 Subaru??

What is the air gap for rear abs sensor on 2002 Subaru Forester, awd, 4 wheel discs. How to readjust if needed?

frankjyost — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:46:39 GMT

What is the air gap for rear abs sensor on 2002 Forester, awd, 4 wheel disc brakes?

Subaru transmission trouble

ostrich — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:42:26 GMT

My mother-in-law has a 97 subaru. The last time she went to drive it she had trouble going from PARK to REVERSE. Once she got it into reverse and backed out of the driveway, she couldn't get it into DRIVE. She got rough on the gear shift and finally got it into drive and just pulled it back down the driveway. Now I can't get the engine to turn over. The gear shift will only move to NEUTRAL if I use a screwdriver and manually depress the safety switch. Any suggestions to why it won't turn over? Why it won't shift between all the gears? Car has 117K

Did the 2002 Subaru Outback 2.5 have problems with head gaskets?

senturi1 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:00:08 GMT

I was speaking with another Subaru owner today who has a 2000 Subaru Outback 2.5 and he had an issue with the head gasket. They were using stop leak for the problem. I have a 2002 Subaru Outback 2.5 automatic and have not as yet encountered this problem. When was this issue discovered and when was it corrected?

2003 Subaru Outback power steering keep geting tight to a point my wife can't drive it.

andytibor — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:53:07 GMT

2003 Subaru Outback power steering keep getting tight to a point my wife cant drive it. we previously replaced hoses which was frayed on the inside. we just flushed out system again

Approximate cost for a CV boot repair to 2002 Subaru Forester auto transmission in Cincinnati, Ohio?

jay1cee — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:22:06 GMT

2002 Subaru Forester automatic transmission. Triple AAA driver says CV boot needs repair, is cracked. How much approximately does this repair cost? About how long does repair take? One day, many days? Car is in Cincinnati Ohio; difficult to get phone quotes, thus the question.

97 Subaru Outback 2.5 timing belt installation problem, LH cam sprockets misaligned after belt was removed.

glenflen — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:19:32 GMT

I've replaced timing belts on several subarus, SOHC and DOHC but this one has me worried. When I started to put the belt on I was going to align the LH intake sprocket timing marks by rotateing it clockwise and independently and when I was almost lined up the sprocket rotated (clockwise) from valve spring pressure. I stopped right there and don't know what to do next. I know now about the cam sprocket locking tool that I should have used. Can anyone give me some advise on what to do next ? Thank You.

Had tires balanced 3 times on Subaru Outback 2.5i 2006. Car still vibrates above 70 mph. Why?

lgelibert — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:54:33 GMT

tires from discout tires.

Follow up on Subaru Outback tires balanced three times

lgelibert — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:52:18 GMT

tHANKS FOR the imput. The tires are new (2007) mounted and bought at Dicount Tires. They follow factory specs but are Yokohama not Bridgestone. When I bought the car it did not vibrate (steering wheel that is). Starts at around 70mph and still does it at 90mph. Now my wife rear ended her mercedes right on my fornt left wheel while pulling out of the garage. Could it be that the wheel is bent as suggested by somebody else? Can the dealer ship detect that? thanks in advance.

1998 Subaru Outback 2.5 head gasket repair. What's most common, head or gasket?

mxmccoy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:04:13 GMT

I have this 1998 subaru legacy outback with a 2.5, we have had a new water pump installed and a thermostat. now they are saying I have a cracked head, this car overheats with in minutes of running and blows comp. into the radiator, I'm looking for repair ideas, what is more common on these engines heads or gaskets and if you have any repair info on how to complete this job.

2007 Subaru Forester 17k miles, 3rd set of tires. Is there any one else having problems?

jstrum74 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:59:17 GMT

My Forester is on its third set of tires with less than 18k miles. Per Subaru service it is completely within the Mfr Specs. Wearing the center tread at correct inflation, cupping. What would be my best practice to resolve this issue?

My 92 Subaru Legacy Wagon has transmission fluid in the front differential. What can I do?

rickmurie — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:43:37 GMT

I have been told that this condition is not unusual for Subarus and means the transmission must be repaired/replaced. The car drives okay but I'm told it won't for very long. Does anybody have any information about this problem. Does what I'm being told make sense? If so, is there a reasonable cost solution. The car isn't worth much more than the cost of an overhaul. Thank you

I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy wagon. The tires read that max tire pressure is 44 PSI. Whats a good pressure?

99donnelly — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:44 GMT

Max tire pressure is 44 PSI?

What's a good pressure to keep it at? To save on gas?

Car is only used for street driving.

Does a Subaru Forester all wheel drive have rear bearings?

photojeanna — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:19:02 GMT

I have a 2001 Subaru Forester all wheel drive.

I have a 99 Subaru Forester with about 55,000 miles on it and it has started leaking oil. Any ideas as to why?

bobbie53 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:30:32 GMT

I noticed my forester is leaking oil and is down a quart of oil. Any ideas as to why?

92 Subaru ABS problem

harold25 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:47:31 GMT

The hydraulic actuator on the antilock brake system is humming all the time. I have to disconnet the battery when I park since it runs when the car is off. How can I stop this? I really don't care if I have the ABS or not.

Travel trailer for 2001 Subaru Outback with manual trans and 150K miles? Need one with shower/toilet. Recommendations?

saveanwr — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:51:00 GMT

I have a 2001 Subaru Outback with manual transmission and approx. 150,000 miles (original owner). It is a 4 cyl. engine. I know I can only tow 2000 lbs. and 200 lb tongue weight. I want to tow a travel trailer and it must have a shower and toilet and a refrigerator (not icebox). I will be living in it for 3-4 mos. a year. After alot of searching the only one I can seem to find is the 13' FD LE made by a Michigan company, Cikira. It's weight is 1745 lbs, hitch weight (stated by manufacturer) is 215 lbs. Does anyone have recommendations on trailers? or experience towing a small travel trailer and thoughts on this info? I do know about trailer brakes.

09 Subaru Forester, automatic. Mild 'clunk' sound after driving 10 feet.

michael59327 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:18:12 GMT

When driving after parking (not just stop-and-go), I hear a single, mild 'clunk' sound after driving 10 feet. Is this normal? No observed adverse effects.

Subaru Outback 08 rear speakers upgrade

kust — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:23:55 GMT

I want to upgrade rear speakers in my Subaru Outback 08. Does anybody know what is the diameter of original speakers, what power should be for new speakers without changing the head, best solution? Is it difficult to do the installation by myself? Thank you.

When does the timing belt in a Subaru Legacy need to be replaced and what should it cost?

jimishelter — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:23:43 GMT

When should timing belt in 2001 Subaru Legacy Wagon be replaced and what should it cost?

Is there any way to find out when the timing belt was last changed, if ever? Subaru Legacy.

jimishelter — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:59:19 GMT

When I bought the car, it had 85,846k on it.
One answer said change at 60k, in which case it might have been done and that would give me 7k to go(I currently have 113k on it.

The other answer said 105k in which case I need to get it done right away,Tues morning to be exact.

Would carfax tell me if the dealer doesn't know. Can it be visually inspected
I don't see any mileage number written any where.