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Subaru Repair Questions and Answers

Answer:  Your may be having trouble with the front tires.  Tire cord separation may have occurred.  Try switching the tires front to back and see if there is a noticeable difference.

Question:  1999 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5 mileage: 20,000.  I've been searching the Internet and have found MANY references to Subaru Outback owners years 98+ that all have the same engine vibration in the 1800-2800 RPM range. Dealers are all giving us the same lame answer -> "That's just how it is.”   Well, for $25K, that's a lame answer.  Do you have any advice on how to pursue this further?  I'm thinking Subaru has a problem on their hands and they don't want to address it.

Answer:  We know how frustrating it is to have a problem that no one seems to be able to resolve.  Checking our records, we cannot find any technical service bulletins that discus your problem.  The closest we got was a drive train vibration at speeds of 65 + mph.  Your best bet here is to call the factory representative and make an appointment to have him/her drive your car.

Question:  1985 Subaru GL 4WD (not turbo) 1.6 mileage: 69,000.  I was driving, and I downshifted, and my clutch "popped" to the floor.   Luckily, I was right by my house, so I drifted to my house.  Now, my clutch just dangles there.  I pull it back; it just goes down to the floor.  I don't know if I need a brand new clutch, or just new parts.  Thanks

Answer:    Check the clutch cable, it sounds like it may have broken.

Question:  1988 Subaru 1800 mileage: 143,000.  My transmission well not engage any gear.  I was wondering could it be a torque converter problem? I have already changed one transmission but I used the old torque converter.  The Subaru is a 1988 GL-10 turbo with a 4-speed auto.

Answer: When we replace an automatic transmission, we always a new or rebuilt torque converter.  The reason for this is that the old torque converter is filled with the shrapnel from the failed transmission.  Therefore, the old torque converter pumps the shrapnel back into the new transmission causing early transmission failure of the replaced transmission.

Question:  1989 Subaru XT 1.8 liter  mileage: 117,363.  My car sometimes, hesitates, lacks power, runs rough, idles rough, and starts then stalls.  I have put on new plugs, wires, distributor cap, and a rotor.  I have also placed in my gas tank CD-2 fuel system treatment, and STP Fuel Injector Cleaner.  I would like to know what else might cause this and what I should do to fix it.  Thanks

Answer:   Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump.  Replacing it and the fuel filter should fix your problem.

Question:  1999 Subaru Outback 4 cyl mileage: 81,000.  My Outback has a noticeable vibration coming from the engine at about 1800-2800 rpm.   It does not seem to be a miss, however.   I asked the dealer to look at it and was told it was an inherent quality of the engine due to not being balanced and having the opposed cylinder engine with dual overhead cams.  I had two dealers say this is the source of my vibration.  Does this sound correct?  Why wouldn't Subaru have corrected this?

Answer:    Try driving another 1999 Subaru and see if it has the same vibration.  This should answer your question, as it is not something we have heard of.

Follow-up: Dear sirs, I have information that may be helpful to other Subaru owners. I have a 1999 Outback-limited wagon, automatic. I had what "appeared" to be an engine miss about 2800 rpm and in the speed range of 20 -30 mph that occurred on incline while accelerating. In reality, it was a vibration in the drive train. I had the vehicle checked at Wyoming Valley Motors Wilkes Barre PA. The fix was replacement of the front axles; the work was covered under Subaru warranty. This car had 46,000 miles on it and the problem started at about 42000 miles. Please post this info in your column as it may help other frustrated Subaru owners. John

Question:  1988 Subaru GL Wagon mileage: 170,000.  The turn signals and power windows suddenly quit at the same time on my 1988 Subaru.  I checked the fuses and they seem to be fine.  What else could be the problem?

Answer: Check fuseable link in the engine compartment.  Also, check the main power wires from the battery or/and starter.

Question:  1984 Subaru GL Hatchback 4WD 1800 mileage: 178,000.  After it warms up there is a flat spot when accelerating from idle to 2200 rpm.  I have rebuilt carburetor, and installed new coil, cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires.  All vacuum lines OK.  Float level good.  Choke setting good.  EGR valve good.   Thermal vacuum valve good.  Vacuum control valve good.  What is the problem?  Please!  P.S. It has the Hitachi carburetor.  Would appreciate any help you could offer.

Answer:   The return spring in the EGR valve could be weak allowing the valve to open to quickly.  Try temporarily disconnecting it and test drive.

Question:  1985 Subaru Wagon GL 1.6 mileage: 190,000. How big a deal is it to change the oil cover gasket on my Subaru repaired? About how much would it cost do you think? If you replace one CV joint on a car is the other one about to go out soon. Thanks

Answer: Changing the valve cover or oil pan gaskets is relatively easy to do. The cost for either one is approximately $125.00. About your C.V. joint, if the other joint has not been replaced, it would be a good idea to do so.

Question:  1985 Subaru, 1700cc, mileage: 71,000. I am trying to figure out if my car has a blown head gasket or not. When I pulled off the intake housing I found water, oil mix on & in my throttle body and in my turbo housing as well all in my breather apparatuses. I always assumed a blown head gasket would not create these kinds of problems. If it isn't a head gasket, what could it be? I live in an area were no one knows any thing about these cars. HELP!!! Thank You.

Answer:  It sure sounds like you have a blown head gasket or cracked head. On your particular vehicle, we have experienced both. Prepare yourself for the worst. There is no way to tell which it is until it is taken apart.

Question:  1990 Subaru Legacy  mileage: 125,000  When I start my car, (‘90 Legacy Subaru Station Wagon) a puff of white smoke or steam comes from the tail pipe. After awhile it goes away. Is this something I should worry about?

Answer:  If your car is not losing coolant, or if it does not puff white smoke while at normal operating temperatures, it is okay.

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