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Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

10833 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 5:40 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon




Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 1080 of 1084

#10789 of 10833 Trailer Towing with 2.5 engine by dougb10

May 02, 2010 (12:54 pm)

Need some advice here folks....have a 2005 Outback Limited automatic 2.5. We are the original owners...car is like new with only 40,000 km.(25,000 miles).
We are looking at a tent trailer....weight 1200 lbs. empty..with trailer brakes. According to the owner's manual, it can handle the trailer OK.
I know it will be a slug, but trading this car in on something more powerful is a killer.
Is the dealer-installed Subaru frame hitch the way to go? Do I need a special transmission cooler?
Any experienced trailer folks out there with some advice would be greatly appreciated. The trailer we would get is an Aliner Sport.
 
Many thanks,
 
Doug

#10790 of 10833 Re: Trailer Towing with 2.5 engine [dougb10] by ateixeira

May 03, 2010 (8:48 am)

Replying to: dougb10 (May 02, 2010 12:54 pm)
You should be fine, you're well within the limits plus the trailer does have the required brakes.
 
I towed a 700 lb trailer, plus a couple of beds and a couch, with my 98 Forester, and it did fine. I didn't even have trailer brakes. Stopping distances were longer, of course, so I left plenty of space. The engine and clutch did just fine.
 
You have more power and a more substantial tow vehicle, so I can't imagine it'll be a problem.

#10791 of 10833 Re: Trailer Towing with 2.5 engine [ateixeira] by xwesx

May 03, 2010 (11:02 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 03, 2010 8:48 am)
I agree. With an automatic transmission, I will always recommend a supplemental transmission cooler if you are towing substantial distances or frequently, but if you live in the north country, the extra cooler could also result in lower operating temperatures during those cold winter months.

#10792 of 10833 ateixira and xwesx by dougb10

May 03, 2010 (11:55 am)

Hi guys,
 
Many thanks for the feedback on towing. Sounds like we would be good to go.
 
Doug

#10793 of 10833 Re: Trailer Towing with 2.5 engine [dougb10] by lilengineerboy

May 03, 2010 (4:16 pm)

Replying to: dougb10 (May 02, 2010 12:54 pm)
We have used our Legacy 2.5i 5 speed wagon to drag various things about. Haven't had any issues, but I do make sure the trailer is properly loaded, the tongue weight is correct, and we are within the towing limits of the vehicle.
  
We have a "Hidden Hitch" drawbar and a "Hoppy" plug-n-play electrical connector. No splicing or anything, it just plugs in and off you go.

#10794 of 10833 08 Legacy 2.5i noise/wheel bearing? by rebel71

May 07, 2010 (5:15 am)

I've had an intermittent rotational rubbing and what sounds like a metal disc going around very fast in a container with the occasional soft squeak it stops the minute I apply the brakes. This is coming from the drivers side front wheel area. It lasts from 1-5 min. at a time. You can hear it when going under 25mph and the sound gets faster as the mph increases. I've had this issue since 10,000 less than a year of ownership and now at 24,500. It always stops when I get to the dealer, which is frustrating. The tech checked it out 3 times, I thought it might be the wheel bearing and they said it all looked fine. My brakes are good had them checked too.They couldn't diagnose because it didn't make a sound. It's becoming more frequent now. Anyone one else with an 07-09 Legacy having this issue? I've had a wheel bearing go on my 95 Impreza twice but it's been so long that I forgot what it sounds like. I don't feel safe to take it on a long trip and the dealer can't do anything till it hears the noise. I would appreciate any ideas/feedback. Thank you

#10795 of 10833 Re: 08 Legacy 2.5i noise/wheel bearing? [rebel71] by xwesx

May 07, 2010 (9:27 am)

Replying to: rebel71 (May 07, 2010 5:15 am)
That sounds exactly like a wheel bearing to me.

#10796 of 10833 Re: 08 Legacy 2.5i noise/wheel bearing? [rebel71] by ateixeira

May 08, 2010 (5:48 am)

Replying to: rebel71 (May 07, 2010 5:15 am)
It didn't make a sound likely because it's not under load on their lift.
 
I say wheel bearing, too. If I'm wrong I'll buy you a beer next time you're in the DC area.

#10797 of 10833 Re: 08 Legacy 2.5i noise/wheel bearing? [ateixeira] by rebel71

May 08, 2010 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 08, 2010 5:48 am)
I'm stuck now because they won't fix anything till they hear a noise. On three occasions I've taken it to the dealer when it was making the noise and it stopped the minute I pulled in and had the service manager test drive it and wouldn't make a sound. They've put it on a lift checked tires w/ stethescope, moved the tires to see if loose and said "all is fine at this time." The manager assures it's safe to drive. I know something is wrong, safe not sure. What would you do if it were your car? I was told that even though I might think it's a wheel bearing that they won't replace it because what if it doesn't fix the problem. The car is under warranty. They need to hear the issue in order to make a diagnosis. Until then, I'm up a creek without a paddle. The noise is driving me nuts because it's infrequent and feel unsure of it's safety. I'd call SOA if I thought that might help. I think they would just back up the dealer, can't fix what you don't hear to diagnose. I'm irritated that my new car has this issue that is still not taken car of. Again, I really appreciate any ideas. Thanks for the reply

#10798 of 10833 Re: 08 Legacy 2.5i noise/wheel bearing? [rebel71] by ateixeira

May 10, 2010 (7:10 am)

Replying to: rebel71 (May 08, 2010 1:15 pm)
Murphy's Law. It's the plumbing leak that won't leak when the plumber comes, so they can't trace it. Bummer.
 
Dealers says it's OK, so I guess wait and see if it gets worse.

Messages Page 1080 of 1084

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