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2010 Outback steering wheel shaking and hesitation

145 messages,  Last post on Aug 17, 2012 at 7:34 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 8 of 15

#67 of 145 Re: low speed steering wheel vibration in a new 2011 2.5 w/ CVT Outback [clarkkent] by ateixeira

Oct 22, 2010 (9:49 am)

Replying to: clarkkent (Oct 21, 2010 5:30 pm)
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2010/10/2010-honda-crosstour-vs-subaru-out- back-the-numbers.html
 
Outback simply clobbers the Crosstour while costing less. And that's not just Edmunds' opinion - it's true in Consumer Reports as well. Even the 4 cylinder Outback easily outscores the Crosstour.
 
It also costs less than a similarly equipped Venza, and again, CR rated the 4 banger Outback higher.
 
So I dunno about the "better than OB" and "less in cost" part.
 
If you're not happy with Subaru, I can't blame you for buying something else next time, though.
 
Personally I'd like to see the Koreans try harder - their sedans get DI engines but their crossovers get weaker versions of the same engines, and they're not as powerful nor as fuel efficient. Disappointing.

#68 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [priggly] by xwesx

Oct 22, 2010 (10:00 am)

Replying to: priggly (Oct 21, 2010 9:42 pm)
It was the hideous appearance of the new Outback, as well as the bloated price, that steered me away from it last year when I purchased a Forester. I had previously owned three Outbacks, but wouldn't even consider the new one.
 
If this was a brand new company to the automotive industry, I can maybe understand something like this steering shake issue, but there is really no reason why it should be so persistent and pervasive on a model that is in its fifth generation.

#69 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [xwesx] by saedave

Oct 22, 2010 (10:58 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 22, 2010 10:00 am)
If this was a brand new company to the automotive industry, I can maybe understand something like this steering shake issue, but there is really no reason why it should be so persistent and pervasive on a model that is in its fifth generation
 
Wes,
 
This shake comes with introduction of a new "frame" (front unit body parts). No one has discussed the possibility of a front end unit body problem. I'm reminded of my 1965 Mustang V8 which developed the shakes when the lower firewall had thinned from rust. I replaced all suspension components, but that didn't help.
 
A shock tower brace kit like those installed on some WRXs might be a way to determine whether the front unibody is the source of the shake.
 
Dave

#70 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [saedave] by xwesx

Oct 22, 2010 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: saedave (Oct 22, 2010 10:58 am)
Dave,
 
Thanks for posting that! After I keyed the last message, I began to think along the same lines. It's not the components, it's likely the structure to which they are attached.
 
It makes sense, too, especially with regard to the problem becoming increasingly worse over time. If this is the problem, I hope they address it soon because if the shake does grow worse, it will eventually cause a structural failure that could prove disastrous if it occurs at the wrong time.

#71 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [xwesx] by saedave

Oct 22, 2010 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 22, 2010 1:12 pm)
Wes,
 
I'm glad we both are just spectators in this debacle; our new Foresters not only look better than the Outback but are more reliable too.
 
If it is indeed the front unibody, the resultant recall will make the Toyota fiasco a distant memory. I wonder if there are any Toyota parts involved?
 
Dave

#72 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [xwesx] by priggly

Oct 22, 2010 (4:07 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 22, 2010 10:00 am)
Wes and Dave,
 
Apart from better appearance and reliability compared to the latest generation "shaking" Outback, how else do you like your Foresters?
 
Can you comment on cabin noise levels at highway speeds, stock audio system quality, NAV system if you have it and ride quality? Normal 2.5 engine adequate or is the turbo the ticket?
 
I am in the situation of finally deciding to turn my "back" on the Outback because I will absolutely not chance getting a shaker and then the hoops I would have to jump through to get a "fix!" [Reminds me of a Subaru joke: Q. How is a new Outback owner like a heroin addict? A. They are both desperately looking forward to their next "fix!"]
 
Thanks for any info you can provide.

#73 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [priggly] by saedave

Oct 22, 2010 (5:01 pm)

Replying to: priggly (Oct 22, 2010 4:07 pm)
My Forester Xt has very low engine and exhaust noise at highway speed, but possibly more wind noise than my previous 2005 Outback 3.0R. Ride quality is better than the 3.0R; braking is very much better. 40 to 70 mph accelleration is adequate; 0-40 performance much better than the 3.0R.
 
I don't like the exhaust rap (heard in the cabin) on the naturally aspirated 2010 Forester; it is identical to my long ago 1997 Legacy GT. The 2011 Forester appears to have a new header and exhaust manifold design; it may have eliminated the problem.
 
The 2011 without turbo...if it has the better block design from the turbo...might be a good bet. A test drive will tell.

#74 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [xwesx] by saedave

Oct 23, 2010 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 22, 2010 1:12 pm)
It makes sense, too, especially with regard to the problem becoming increasingly worse over time. If this is the problem, I hope they address it soon because if the shake does grow worse, it will eventually cause a structural failure that could prove disastrous if it occurs at the wrong time
 
Wes,
 
Another possibility that has not been mentioned is engine mounts. One poster said the shake starts after driving quite some time which would correlate to possible change in engine mounts (probably softer) with heat. I had a 1989 Maxima that developed poor steering after an engine mount failed.
 
Dave

#75 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [saedave] by ateixeira

Oct 25, 2010 (9:01 am)

Replying to: saedave (Oct 23, 2010 1:24 pm)
The 2011 Forester got some nice upgrades, too, like a padded dash. I suspect people who shy away from the OB because of this issue will now more likely be just as happy in a Forester.

#76 of 145 Re: Steering Wheel Vibration? [priggly] by xwesx

Oct 25, 2010 (11:21 am)

Replying to: priggly (Oct 22, 2010 4:07 pm)
Priggly:
 
Overall, I am very happy with the Forester. Compared to the last Outback I owned (a 2008 2.5i), it has more passenger room (but a shorter cargo area). Since we have two young children and take relatively frequent long trips (some as long as 4000-5000 miles one way!), passenger comfort was paramount.
 
All 2010 models (four) in which I have ridden have all had door rattles (left and right front doors), but they were easily fixed on my car with one visit to the dealer. The car is perfectly quiet (in terms of rattles) aside from that. There is very little wind noise at speed, even less with the sunshade closed on the massive moon roof. I love the moon roof, though, so that shade is rarely closed!
 
I am not a good source of info on the radio. I think it sounds great, but then I have never owned any cars with "premium" systems in them and have never owned a new car that was not a Subaru. I think it sounds nice, but that may also be a result of the cabin being so quiet. I don't find myself turning up the volume on the stereo at highway speeds unlike any other car I have, such as my Escort, where I will double the volume at speed versus being stopped. When I'm driving, I don't really care about having a sound system with perfect fidelity because the stereo is just a peripheral - I'm in the car to drive.
 
Unlike Dave, I have the normally aspirated engine mated to a manual transmission. I think the engine power is fine, and it is quite peppy when I ask it to be. I haul and/or pull pretty decent loads with it now and again, and it does an admirable job for such a little car. hauled about 1500# (maybe more) 1100 miles last summer on my annual fishing trip, and I was able to run it at speed the whole way, hills/mountains and all. Of course, it only averaged 17.5 mpg on that trip, but I was okay with that given I had stuff on top and was pulling a trailer at 60-70 mph.
 
The Subaru MT is okay. I don't mind the 4-speed AT either but prefer a manual in general. I really liked the locking rear differential on the previous Outbacks (great for the fun factor), but the VSC works well on the Forester. In terms of go-ability, this one is definitely the most capable. I think the new Outback has the same system on it now, though, so that's a non-issue comparing new to new.
 
I run synthetic oil in it on extended drain intervals, and the engine is whisper quiet and smooth. I am not familiar with the "exhaust rap" Dave mentioned. I mean, I can *hear* the exhaust/engine inside the car, but I think I would feel uncomfortable (disconnected) in a car where I couldn't.
 
I would call the ride "firm." It is not a cushy sedan ride, but not uncomfortable at all. I like it.

Messages Page 8 of 15

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