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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
Actually, the full up install of the 20 mm Sti bar also includes new mounts for the clamps. The Sti clamps won't fit on the stock clamp mounts, at least not on the 2004XT.
The parts list is something like this - actually it is this:
Stabilizer bar - p/n 20451FE100
Rubber bushing (2) p/n 20464AE050
Bracket - Stabilizer p/n 20540FE210 and 20540FE200 - left and right
Clamp, stabilizer (2) - p/n 20466FE00
Nut -(2) - 902350013
Just took those numbers off my invoice.
When you put the bar in with the right clamps and mounts, you may find it necessary to shorten one of the hoses connected to the evaporative canister, so that the bar doesn't rub the hose.
Search some of the other Subaru sites for the install - there's some excellent illustrated step by step instructions out there. Some posted by a fellow named Peaty. Google Peaty and Scooby. Also remember to pay attention to the torque, especially for the mounts. Some folks have overtorqued them and that's no fun at all.
HTH
Larry
It seems that some have used the original bushings clamps and others have gone to the larger clamps, which apparently also requires replacement the stabilizer bracket. I was hoping for the easy-squeezy 4 bolts/nuts job rather than having to replace the brackets (al-la peaty) . I like the KISS approach to my wrenching.
Peaty's description looks like it may require a couple of tools that that I don't have. I would still prefer the easier route - perhaps some one can suggest how ya get those big bushings in the small 17mm clamps. :confuse: . Would a couple of longer 12mm bolts for the clamp might make it easier?
I am open to suggestions and tips from those with experience (Bluesubie are you there)? "Just be careful not to overtighten the nut on the brackets (the bolt is made into the bracket). I snapped mine on the first try and removed it and ordered a new one.". What did you break -- the bolt or the clamp? Did you use the 17mm clamp on the 20mm bushing?
I did not intend to torque the nut & bolts, just get them nice & snuggle. How important is the torqueing?
Thanks everyone for your help!
If you bought the "kit" from allsubaru, doesn't it come with everything including the STi sedan bushings and brackets? I have heard of folks not being able to squeeze the Forester OEM bushings and brackets around the STi swaybar (makes sense because the STi bar is bigger).
Assuming you're looking at Peaty's site, I broke the bolt sticking out of the bracket that is in picture #10. My torque wrench may not have been set properly on the first try.
-Dennis
-juice
rich :mad:
Lemme see if I can get the part number. I think it's two filters, one is smaller, is that what yours is like?
-juice
Thanks!
rich
-juice
-Frank
Thanks for the tip!
rich
Is it easy to DIY? I'm no mechanic but if I have some directions I can usually do fine.
Steve
If you order an OEM filter it comes with directions. I was a little nervous because I have never taken anything apart around the dash. There are several screws and it's pretty easy. I think I did it in 30 minutes being very cautious.
-Dennis
Some of the rattling noises previously reported were traced to worn heat shields--I will be replacing those as soon as they come in.
The miles on my car (108,000+) are probably not typical, but those of you currently drooling over the new '06 model can rest assured that your Forester will run like new in 2010. I am your future.
Mine is a '98 and I know it's different, that's why I could not use the filter - it did not fit!
I don't even remember where I bought it now, what are some common vendors to try to refresh my memory? I think they were on the west coast.
-juice
Kathy
Len
Speaking of head gasket issues, A couple of months ago I had the dealer install the radiator treatment . Since my mechanic (who is not a Subaru dealer) replaced my belt, and probably drained and removed the radiator, do I need to put more gasket protector in my coolant?
I want to buy the Subaru Gold Plus, 7 yr/100K mile 0 deductible warranty for my 2003 Forester. I remember that someone on the Edmund's forums had mentioned buying this for $1000. Maybe it was at the time of the new car purchase. I've spoken to local dealers and the lowest price I can find is $1430 (it lists at $2460).
Are there any other sources where you can buy this warranty? Does this seem like a good price? Thanks for any suggestions.
all the best, ez
First, I saved around a hundred bucks on my hitch because it was tow ready. The mechanics were surprised that the tow harness and pop outs were right there ready for them. I explained that apparently in Australia a lot of people tow with them and maybe it is just cheaper for Subaru to make em all the same. I put the brakes on the trailer in line with Subaru "requirements" for towing anything over 1000 lbs.
Second, the gearing (manual transmission) is perfect for towing with third and fourth able to do everything I needed...at speed. I wonder how intentional that was. Subaru obviously considered towing when engineering these things...
Third, I had around a 150 to 170 hitch weight and it only took the rear of the Forester down around an inch and a half...
Now I am investigating this "load leveling" rear suspension in the LL Bean. So far it appears it is all in the struts. If anyone knows let me know. If it is just the struts, I may consider them in the future. The dealer parts manager is now trying to figure it out himself. They were all intrigued at my "experiment" and helping me out. Figgs Subaru in Topeka Kansas is a rare dealership.
Now if I can just keep from running into very large pheasants while tooling down the road at 75 mph, everything will be perfect... grills and headlights are not cheap.
Kavoom
Yes. I would.
Kavoom: good to hear another good towing experience. I've had luck as well.
lsterne: you're welcome. :-)
-juice
I recently purchased my first Subie, Forester X. I was examining the maintenance schedule and am a bit puzzled. Subaru, in its manual and on its site, recommends that I change oil every 7500 miles. They also have a 'dealer specified' schedule on the site, which brings down this number to ~ 3000 miles. Subaru says that the dealer, in his/her wisdom, knows the conditions of the local roads etc and can suggest the optimum schedule to follow.
Which begs the question, which schedule to follow? How to make a fair determination? What do many of you do for your cars? (I'm in the NY/NJ area).
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Sony.
-juice
IMO, the dealer will invariably recommend the shorter interval just so he can make twice the amount of money servicing your vehicle. If you want to change your oil more often just to be on the safe side then go ahead but there's zero evidence that you really need to.
-Frank
-juice
Subaru leaves this recommendation to the discretion of the dealership, which I find to be interesting.
Now, will Subaru give me issues with the warranty if I follow their recommended schedule rather than the dealer's?
Regards,
Sony.
Juice-- I'll get the conditioner into my radiator before I make this trip. Gerald Subaru in North Aurora, IL keeps it in stock.
I did install an interior air filter, that went EZ & smoothly.
My new clutch still seems to shudder a bit (when warm not cold) from a dead stop and when down shifting -- dealer told me to bring it in -- will do soon.
Also took a hint from Frank & have loosened the Hill Holder as I have find seems to make starting a on a slight incline a bit more cumbersome -- sounds like it may need some tinkering, but is easy enough.
I want to install a quick drain valve. Have used the Fram SD 2 in other cars -- works well and is about #10 less than Fumoto one. Anyone know what the thread diameter is on the oil pan bolt?
Got 28.7 MPG on my last tank 45% freeway, 55% city -- I'm pleased
Finally, do splash guards significantly reduce to dirt build up on the lower front door rocker panel area? Can they be installed without removal of wheels?
Thanks
So bottom line, if you follow Subaru's normal service schedule, you'll have no problems ever filing a warranty claim. I believe that all major manufacturers have the same general guidelines regarding service intervals and yes, just a few short trips etc a week would still fall within the paramaters of the normal service schedule.
-Frank
I think it's a 17mm drain bolt? Not 100% sure.
The '06 Forester we drove had a very smooth engine and I noted an improvement in brake feel as well, so he probably got an abused press car.
My review was up a couple of weeks before his, too. :P
-juice
My comment to go with that is "How many of them outperform an XT, and do the other small SUV's really handle that well and have as rich a complement of features compared to a Forester"
I thought that was a little harsh......
Larry
"Overall: Nice small SUV, but there are plenty of those and some are much cheaper."
Translation:"We can't find anything wrong with this car but our regular advertisers are not going to like it if we praise it too highly or forget to mention that there are other small SUVs that are cheaper."
Subaru does so little print advertising and I've seen them minimized or ignored many times in reviews and comparison articles.
I bought my first Subie after talking to friends. It would be interesting to poll this site and find out how many of us are here because of word-of-mouth, vs.reading reviews or watching ads on television.
While I think the world would be happier if everyone drove a Subaru, it's nice to be able to find your car right away in a crowded lot.
1) boxer design and AWD layout much better than anyone else.
2) it had real AWD
3) it was a CR recommended vehicle (good resale value)
4) tons of features for the dollars.
In retrospect, it was one of the better choices I have made. I guess the only ones I talked to were those here at Edmunds. But I read every post I could and that also had a big impact. People really, really liked the Forester.
John
solowalker, "Subaru Forester 2006+" #2, 2 Jul 2005 10:47 am
Let's take the new model talk over there please. And check out our First Drive link there. Thanks,
Steve, Host
My dealer has a demo one w. 8,000 Kms and I want to make sure I get the best deal possible for my wife.
Thanks
Sly
I was reading through the posts I've missed and I don't think the EPA/DOE classify SUVs (including the Forester) as cars. Take a look at Fuel Economy Guide for more information. The "introduction" section has a chart that shows SUVs in the same classification as trucks.
I even looked at my window sticker for my 2004 FXT and see that the EPA considers the FXT a "Special Purpose SUV 4WD" but no definite "car" or "truck" label.
Kevin
Peaty was not lying about the right side being tricky! The old mounts came off pretty quick, but getting the new ones on was dicey. After struggling with things about 20 minutes, I finally took the evaporator off entirely which made it somewhat easier. Even then, getting the rear bolt in was a challenge due to the angle & the inmovable gas tank filler tube to get the rear bolt in - cross threaded it the 1st 2 trys :sick: . It finally went in with the help of prayer and lithium grease.
Still wondering about how good the mud flaps are at keeping dirt of the lower rocker panels & doors & whether they can be installed with the wheels on.