Automobile / Subaru / Forester

Subaru Forester Repair Question and Answers

Question:  2002 Subaru Forester 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 73,000 miles. In mid December, my temp gauge shot up all the way. My mechanic said it was the water pump. After it was fixed, I smelled a strong coolant smell. They checked it over and said everything was fine. Three weeks later, my temp gauge shot up again. This time, it was the radiator hoses that needed to replaced, which they said were fine when they replaced the water pump. I went two days after the second repair with no coolant smell -- but now it's back. Both my husband and my brother looked for and couldn't find any source of a leak, but could smell it as well. Until now, my car has been very reliable. 1) What could the coolant smell be? 2) Should I continue to trust my mechanic or are they missing things they shouldn't be missing?

Answer:    I would be concerned that the mechanic is not doing all he could to repair you car. Normal practice is to pressure test the cooling system after a repair. as this will show up and further leaks, If the hose was defective enough to fail shortly after the repair of the water pump this should have been pick up. I would be getting a pressure test on the system now, this will show up any external leaks that you can smell. I would find a new mechanic if you are not happy.

Question:  2001 Subaru Forester 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Manual 230,000 miles, is there a bolt or pin on trans end of the cv as it wont pull out or lever out ? I cant find my manual.

Answer:  Hi there, Subaru's normally have a knock in pin on the in board joint, rotate the shaft and it should be fairly visible.

Answer: you can use a online auto repair manual like this http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm (recommended). Doing a head gasket yourself can save you a few grand. and i suggest its worth it if you know what your doing.

Question:  2002 Subaru Forester 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 61,500 miles. About a month ago, the steering wheel began to shim when coming from a dead stop and accelerating slowly.
The shim was very pronounced in the steering wheel but not felt in the rest of the car (like a high speed front end shim). The shim appears to occur when it is still cold and within the first few miles. The speed range seems to be in the 10-20 mph range. As you accelerate, and the car is driven further, the shim dissipates. Until present, the problem is has only been sporadic. Also, no shimming is experienced at normal or highway speeds. The steering pump fluid level is normal and belt condition and tension appear good. If any additional information is needed, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

Answer:   Two things to check, front end parts, and tires! You might have a shifted belt, or a defective tie rod, or ball joint...

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