Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

#18821 of 19283 Re: new subaru? [logtrail] by saedave

Aug 25, 2010 (5:40 am)

Replying to: logtrail (Aug 24, 2010 4:53 pm)
There is a new engine in the 2011 Forester that will make 4 cylinders more responsive to drive with slightly better fuel economy and probably better long term reliability. September is said to be the introduction.
 
While I haven't seen measurements, my 2010 Forester's "H" point seems higher than it did when I drove the 2010 Outback. The Outback is enough wider (outside only) that it might be a negative. Inside dimensions for passengers are now almost identical for Forester and Outback.

#18822 of 19283 Re: new subaru? [logtrail] by colin_l

Aug 25, 2010 (7:19 am)

Replying to: logtrail (Aug 24, 2010 4:53 pm)
Subaru has a very nice 2.0L turbodiesel being used in Europe. I certainly hope they are going through US emissions certification for it because it would be a great powerplant for all their vehicles.
 
I haven't heard anything about FlexFuel and honestly I would not worry about it. FlexFuel, the ability to run on normal 87 unleaded or on E85 (85% ethanol), consists of sensors and other modifications to the fuel system but mainly in significantly larger fuel injectors and fuel pump. That's right: E85 usually gets about 30% less fuel economy than 87 unleaded because of the very low chemical fuel content.
 
Even with heavy subsidies E85 costs more per mile than normal unleaded.
 
The only thing useful I see being done with E85 is that high-tech hot rodders are capitalizing on it's roughly 120 octane rating to run engines in an extreme state of tune, such as turbocharging to near/over 30psi. (Typical with 91/93 octane would be no more than 20-22 psi.)

#18823 of 19283 Re: new subaru? [colin_l] by ateixeira

Aug 25, 2010 (10:16 am)

Replying to: colin_l (Aug 25, 2010 7:19 am)
Yep, saw a tuner GT-R that ran exclusively on ethanol and they mentioned the octane. I'm sure they run crazy-high compression on those.

#18824 of 19283 Re: Steering shakes when brakes are applied [phil2000] by fibber2

Aug 31, 2010 (5:16 am)

Replying to: phil2000 (Aug 10, 2010 8:10 pm)
Sorry, Phil, I haven't been on line most of the month.
 
I replaced my originals with Powerslot Cryo's and Hawk HPS pads a few years back. No matter how careful I am, I still get pad material transfer onto the rotor in patches, and that causes the pulsation and steering wheel shake. It's not really 'warpage' as much as it is thickness variation. They just run hot (undersized brakes for the weight of the car), and even a bit of pressure sitting at a light will do it. I try to release, use the parking brake, shift into neutral - it still happens, and only on this car!
 
I have a hill that I use for 'brake cleaning', and this usually strips off the high spots and restores smooth operation. And then a week later it's back....
 
The worst situation is when I put her away wet and she sits for a week (like when I'm traveling). Then I'm left with a beautiful rusted pad impression, or should I say a raised spot (iron oxide is less dense). That takes a bit more effort to smooth out.

#18825 of 19283 Re: Steering shakes when brakes are applied [fibber2] by phil2000

Aug 31, 2010 (7:34 pm)

Replying to: fibber2 (Aug 31, 2010 5:16 am)
The problem only showed up this year. It has been 2k miles since they were replaced and braking is smooth.

#18827 of 19283 08 Legacy seat and hood paint chip by rebel71

Sep 23, 2010 (4:31 am)

Hi all,
My bought (new) Legacy has paint chips on the hood. I tried to cover with touch up paint put it doesn't look good. I got an estimate to paint it between $400-700 depending on if they have to blend the hood to the sides of car. I plan to keep it till it dies. Is it worth the investment to paint hood only to have it be hit by rocks again?It seems like the paint chips easily. I got my first one within a month of owning it. I'm on my second windshield freeway driving is a killer as are large trucks/semi's.The drivers heated leather seat bottom is showing the impression of the round heating element. Would any of you replace this?Yes, this bugs me. I guess in time it'll wear out again, if I replace the seat bottom. The car is under warranty, I don't think this is a warranty item though. It makes the seat look cheap and worn. I don't think the quality of leather is there nor the padding meaning not much of it. I'm stuck with the car and can't trade. You live and learn next time cloth seats without heater. My 96 Impreza was such a joy, held up well. I'm just trying to keep it in good condition. Thank you

#18828 of 19283 Re: 08 Legacy seat and hood paint chip [rebel71] by ateixeira

Sep 23, 2010 (8:44 am)

Replying to: rebel71 (Sep 23, 2010 4:31 am)
I would leave it be.
 
No way would I spend $4-700 only to have a small bit of gravel fall off a landscaping truck in front of me and chip it again.

#18829 of 19283 Re: 08 Legacy seat and hood paint chip [rebel71] by kyfdx HOST

Sep 23, 2010 (4:32 pm)

Replying to: rebel71 (Sep 23, 2010 4:31 am)
I recently bought an '06 car that was in fantastic shape... except for rock chips on the bumper and hood..
 
And, it wasn't so bad.. except the touch-up paint wasn't exactly the right color red, and it wasn't done that well, regardless of color...
 
I took it to the body shop, and they wanted $600 to refinish and paint the hood... But, I'm not really anal about those kinds of things, and the last thing I wanted to do was drop $600 on a car that I just bought...
 
So, he said he would clean out and re-do all of the previous touch-up spots with custom-matched paint.. for..... $100!! That's cheaper than having your car detailed..
 
Does it look good as new? Nope.. but, I'd have to point it out for you to notice... They did a really nice job for basically next to nothing.. and, I'm happy with it..

#18830 of 19283 Re: 08 Legacy seat and hood paint chip [rebel71] by snoogs51

Sep 23, 2010 (8:17 pm)

Replying to: rebel71 (Sep 23, 2010 4:31 am)
Have a 2004 outback sport. not impressed with paint. or just plain paint wear from air friction. seats are cloth and show more than acceptable wear for only 80,000. have a 1996 impala SS with 160,000 miles that shows less wear. Car does handle great in snow, but overall have been disappointed in it. will run it until it is time to junk it.
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