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Subaru Forester

1436 messages,  Last post on Feb 04, 2012 at 4:32 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon, SUV

Messages Page 115 of 144

#1139 of 1436 Re: Just bought 2001 Subaru Forester - Need Help with Possible Problems? [acleme2] by ateixeira

Aug 17, 2007 (8:37 am)

Replying to: acleme2 (Aug 17, 2007 8:03 am)
I would probably go ahead and have someone change the valve cover gasket, it's not that hard. You do not have to drop the engine like some myths would have you believe.
 
The rear brakes are drums, so it's probably just collecting some dust inside and causing the squeeking. I would spary in some brake parts cleaner and see if that helps. While you're down there go ahead and spray some lithium grease on the sway bar links.
 
The rear-end jump is probably caused by a bad wheel bearing. Have those inspected. Up until MY2003 that was a common occurence.
 
Good news is I don't think any of those issues are very serious. Enjoy your Forester.

#1140 of 1436 Re: Just bought 2001 Subaru Forester - Need Help with Possible Problems? [a by leo2633

Aug 17, 2007 (5:40 pm)

Replying to: acleme2 (Aug 17, 2007 8:03 am)
I have a 2001 Forester S, purchased new, which currently has 168K miles. The leak around the spark plug is common with these engines. I've found that I've needed to change these gaskets (a rubber o-ring, actually) every other spark plug change, or 60K miles. The shaking sounds like the clutch "judder" problem, which affected several years, including 2001. This would be most noticeable upon a cold start, and more noticeable in damp weather. The fix for this is to replace the entire clutch assembly. Subaru has some newly designed parts, which eliminated the "judder" problem. Some other common problems include defective rear wheel bearings and a leaking head gasket (the number 4 cylinder...check under the car for leaking below the driver's side rear cylinder).
 
My Forester has experienced all of the above issues, and a few more. Despite these problems, all of which have since been repaired, I really love my car, and would probably buy a new Forester again. Best of luck with yours.
 
Len

#1141 of 1436 Re: Just bought 2001 Subaru Forester - Need Help with Possible Problems? [a [leo2633] by paisan

Aug 17, 2007 (6:06 pm)

Replying to: leo2633 (Aug 17, 2007 5:40 pm)
At 88k miles you may be due for a clutch.
 
As for the jumping in 1st gear, it's common that 1st gear really can't be used on a subaru while moving. You can use it to start out but you can't go back into 1st until stopped.
 
Smoke is probably from the valve cover gasket leak.
 
-mike

#1142 of 1436 Re: 60 K service quote [paisan] by brainlessbozo

Aug 22, 2007 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Aug 12, 2007 6:01 am)
I must say, you guys are a splendid resourse. Thanks for all your suggestions/pointers.
 
Finally got new air, fuel and oil filters and the fluids changed (transmission, diffs, brake, coolant, oil). Since the Falkens were worn down to the wear-bars, I finally got the Nokian WRs for $136 each (balanced, mounted, alligned, tire-disposal, free lifetime balancing & rotations). After those Falkens came off, it was like driving a new car.... where was all that road noise? These Nokians are quiet... The car rides smooth. Now I'll sell my Blizzaks, and save the yearly switching expenses.
 
The total for all but the tires was about $365, taxes included. I only provided the oil & filter.
 
By the way, should I always stay with 5W30? I hear people with higher milage going to 10W30. That's not what the manual states. I plan to stay with Mobil 1, and aim to run this car into the ground. If the change is advised, at what milage can this change take place?
 
BB
 
PS: 4-Blizzaks WS50 215/60/16 for sale!

#1143 of 1436 Re: 60 K service quote [brainlessbozo] by paisan

Aug 24, 2007 (6:42 pm)

Replying to: brainlessbozo (Aug 22, 2007 1:21 pm)
If anything I'd run 0w30 in the winter. 10w30 will yield worse milage and generally isn't suggested.
 
Mobile 1 is ok, but I'd suggest going to Amsoil or Redline as they have a better synthetic than M1.
 
-mike

#1144 of 1436 225/55-16 on Forester XT by cgrocho47

Aug 27, 2007 (12:23 pm)

Tire replacement time... I'm thinking of replacing the stock Geolandars (blech) to some 225/55s on the stock 16" wheels on my XT (2006). Anyone know if there's enough wheel well clearance to do this safely? Also, anyone have any opinions on the Conti Extreme Contact? Tirerack seems to like them.
 
Thanks, Chuck

#1145 of 1436 Re: 225/55-16 on Forester XT [cgrocho47] by kavoom

Aug 29, 2007 (4:20 am)

Replying to: cgrocho47 (Aug 27, 2007 12:23 pm)
>>Anyone know if there's enough wheel well clearance to do this safely?<< You can put your head in there if you want. They put 17 inchers on the XT's so you shouldn't have any problem. SubaruForester.org has every question you might have answered...

#1146 of 1436 Re: 60 K service quote [paisan] by brainlessbozo

Aug 29, 2007 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Aug 24, 2007 6:42 pm)
Thanks for the tip. I'm going to look for one of those here in Cincy, OH. I was in South Dakota, and never had an issue with M1 5W30 even in the heart of sub-zero winters. Always had good, smooth starts. Oil analyses were consistently good, without any sign of engine wear or break-down. Oil changes were twice/year in Spring/Fall, and averaging about 7500 miles per change.
 
Maybe, as the engine ages, I'll try the Redline/Amsoil. I plan to change filters every 3.5K miles, and change oil every 7K.

#1147 of 1436 Re: 225/55-16 on Forester XT [cgrocho47] by brainlessbozo

Aug 29, 2007 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: cgrocho47 (Aug 27, 2007 12:23 pm)
Why are you planning to change the size? I wanted to do the same thing, but the feel I got from this forum was there is an argument for and against both options. I did not want to change the full-size spare, so I elected to go with the stock size of 215/60-16. I went with Falkens (512s) 3 years ago. After those wore out, I went with Nokian WRs in the stock size (2 weeks ago). I had forgotten how much fun the car could be, and how quiet it could get. There previous deafening road-noise is history. Just amazing. And the traction is nothing to scoff at. I haven't noticed any drop in milage. I keep the pressures at 38 psi.
 
Other than Nokians, there are the Michelin Exaltos and Bridgestone Potenza G009s to choose from. Hope this helps.

#1148 of 1436 Possible 09 Forester pics by kavoom

Aug 30, 2007 (4:18 am)

Subaru Forester.org has a thread re rumor 09 that may have pics of the new 09. It is from a Japanese magazine...

Messages Page 115 of 144

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