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Subaru Legacy/Outback

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  • scubadvrscubadvr Member Posts: 13
    I just had time to catch up on the board and I want to say thanks, everyone, for all the feedback on the (yet another) brake squeak question. My Outback is the 2001 Bean, so after a call to SOA and a follow up to my dealer, I then trust that my dealer will be well enough informed to fix the problem.

    If only they read the Subaru board! :)

    Colin
  • kmcleankmclean Member Posts: 173
    Went to do the usual under-hood check yesterday, and found what looked like a leaf compost pile sitting on top of the engine (new since last weekend). Now, admittedly, we had a pretty strong blow out here on Saturday, but this looked pretty suspicious. Cleared the debris out of the way, and looked things over carefully. A couple of wires (the two small ones on top of the alternator, and one ignition wire) had been gnawed on - the little ones down to copper. Fixed things up with electrical tape, then set some traps/bait trays out where the car is usually parked (just outside the garage, where it's been for nearly 2 years). I suspect squirrels (due to their being ever-present), but can't exclude mice. Other than moving the car into the garage (and putting my Maxima outside?!), anyone have any handy anti-critter tips? Y'know, like mothballs on the manifold or tabasco on the cable protectors? Talk about aggravating! The good news is that the insurance company said that they'd pay for the repairs - once - if it came to that. I'd rather avoid the problem, personally.

    Thanks for any suggestions!

    Ken in (chomp-chomp) Seattle
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    of a late model subaru alternator wire being knawed on by rodents. Perhaps FHI put in sweet smelling wires?

    -mike
  • paulsgtpaulsgt Member Posts: 30
    Hi,
    I traded my 99 Odyssey EX for the 2001 LL Bean. I replaced the tires on the 99 Ody around 35,000 miles with Bridgestone RE910s and it got much quieter. I STILL think that the LL Bean is a little quieter. I'll bet if I were to swap the OEM tires on the LL Bean for a nice set of Bridgestones (or some such) it would be even quieter. Good luck! I only slightly miss the utility of the Odyssey but I love the LL Bean!

    Wednesday we take it in for 7,500 mile service. They are supposed to fix the squealing brakes. They are REALLY loud first thing in the morning.

    Enjoy!

    Paul in MN.
  • bobarubobaru Member Posts: 1
    I have a '96 Legacy wgn with "Scalloped" tires! I purchased 4 new Michelin XOne's almost 2 years ago, but several months ago they began to make a noise ("womp, womp, womp") and I sooned learned of the phrase "scalloped tires." They still have plenty of tread left, but the noise is too much!

    In the last 2 years, I've had 2 alignments and the struts seem to be fine.

    Has anyone had any trouble with Legacys and tire noise? Is this something that happens to Michelins?

    -bobby
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Did your legacy sit for an extended period of time with normal to low pressure in them? You might try pumping them up to about 5psi over reccomended and see if after a week of driving or (500+ miles) it clears up. Have you rotated them religiously at 5K intervals?

    -mike
  • self_mechanicself_mechanic Member Posts: 95
    Thanks for all the inputs regarding the noise comparison between LL Bean and other cars.

    Alland
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    I have the same outback got mine in early sept and love it . Just turned 3000 miles and I have none of the problems I've read about on here .The only thing that bothers me is I have and engine knock when cold on startup . Goes away when warm so I'm going to wait for the next service to have them look at it .
    Nematode what is your engine knock issue . Just curious because of my noise .

    mike k
  • ccampbell4ccampbell4 Member Posts: 60
    Thanks for the stereo info. One thing I'm wrestling with is the hassle of worrying about a removable face and theft. I might accept fewer features for the security of a factory cd player - they don't tend to get stolen as often. I do want it to sound good, though. Do aftermarket stereos really have more power than the Subaru stock ones? Also, can you tell me more about your tweeter kit installation experience?
  • gdeegangdeegan Member Posts: 3
    I love my new 2001 Wintergreen Outback Limited. I've waxed it twice with Finish First, but have not done anything to the ionized gold alloy wheels for fear of ruining them. They have both polished metal and "rough" metal surfaces. I read on some waxes that they should not be used for "flat" paint. I would think that might also appied to the rought metal surface. Has anyone found a good polish/protectant for these wheels that doesn't scratch the polished surface or leave residue on the rough surface?
    ------------------
  • gdeegangdeegan Member Posts: 3
    I love my new 2001 Wintergreen Outback Limited. I've waxed it twice with Finish First, but have not done anything to the ionized gold alloy wheels for fear of ruining them. They have both polished metal and "rough" metal surfaces. I read on some waxes that they should not be used for "flat" paint. I would think that might also applied to the rough metal surface. Has anyone found a good polish/protectent for these wheels that doesn't scratch the polished surface or leave residue on the rough surface?
    ------------------
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Cool! Another Paul!
    That makes the score Daves (fill in an entirely unlikely high number here), Pauls 2.
    But we're gaining!

    Bobby: "Scalloped" or "cupped" tires can also be a result of worn shocks/struts. They can "seem" OK and still be bad. If balance & alignment are both OK, that's another potential cause.

    Ken: your varmint story reminded me of the day I went out to start my 78 GL (many moons ago) after a snow/windstorm. Mashed the throttle to set the automatic choke, and the pedal just stayed on the floor. Started the car, engine raced, shut it off. Popped the hood & couldn't see the engine for all the snow that had compacted in there! Had to use my blow dryer (told you it was a long time ago - still had hair!) to melt it all. Obviously too cold for your critters!

    Now...please.. no stories about animals under hoods tangling with moving parts! Eeeeewww!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Chris: I had the same concern when I bought my 2000 Outback, and opted to get the factory CD player and install it myself (I think I paid about $300 online). Very easy to install, blends in, and I don't think anyone would want to steal it.

    In other news, I got an 02 LL Bean today!! What an awesome car. I paid $100 over invoice at Pence Subaru in Richmond VA (they matched the Fitzgerald price I printed out), and had a very pleasant buying experience. The dealership has an excellent selection, with tons of Foresters, Outbacks, and Imprezas in stock. I was tempted by a nice blue WRX wagon, but stuck to the plan and got the Bean. Same color as my 00 Outback (Timberline), so I won't draw too much attention from the neighbors (except the 16 year old motorhead across the street, who knew right away).

    The car is a great cruiser, and very quiet. Hard to tell from the VDC I drove a few weeks ago, so I don't think there is much difference in noise levels.

    I had a couple of goofs when I kept trying to find a clutch pedal and shift gears, but otherwise I don't miss the 5-spd at all. The H6 engine is really wonderful, and among the smoothest engines I have experienced.

    Everything about the car is great -- all of the utility and versatility of my 00 Outback, with some nice ammenities. I'll post back with more comments as time wears on.

    Craig
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm impressed! Same color too... Wow...

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Gene- The alloy wheels of my '98 OB Ltd have spiral grooves on it's face, like a polygraph record and I had great results using Finish First on them. Makes washing them thereafter a whole lot easier.

    -Dave
  • kturner1kturner1 Member Posts: 33
    My 01 L had the base tuner/tapedeck with stock speakers and dealer added single CD. It was OK but I swapped in 4 Eclipse 82461 6 1/2" coaxial speakers for $280. I also got talked into some extra door insulation. I think it ROCKS and I don't worry about theft.
  • mortpeaberrymortpeaberry Member Posts: 69
    I ripped out the factory deck because I wanted a CD player And $300 was a little high. I purchased an Eclipse head unit - sounds great (I already had the tweeter kit), pretty simple to use AND uses a "key" CD for security.
    When the head unit loses power (service, theft etc.) you must insert the "key" CD before it will work again. Installation is a cinch with a wiring adapter - it plugs into the factory harness and has all the correct color wires for the head unit. Very easy with, tougher without.
    Be Advised that you will hear more static from FM with an after market head unit, they have better (higher) response than factory stereos. But CDs sound great. :~)
    My friend who owns a stereo shop says that to get significant upgrade from factory stereos it often runs $600 or more ($200 for the head unit, $250 for 4 speakers + install (not including an amp)) but a head unit makes a big difference and there is always christmas for speakers (for your wife!)
    hope the long post helps.
    Steve-V
  • ob11ob11 Member Posts: 28
    Hi folks, I purchased a set of snow tires and wheels and discovered this while changing them over. All of the original alloy wheels had body under coating overspray on them. In some areas it was heavy enough to be globs. (this was on the inside, therefore not visible) I have read several posts concerning new car alignment/wheels balance issues,and thought this could be a reason. Any ideas how to get this off without harm to the alloy finish?
    Thanks
  • dukephotodukephoto Member Posts: 49
    Congrats on the Bean. You will love the H-6 even more over time. On the ride to work this morning, I had the VDC up to 4000 rpm (on a VERY slight downhill part of I-70), and was crankin' at 110 MPH.
    Before everyone starts yelling at me, it was 6 in the morning, no one on the road (I'm pretty far out west past civilization) and once in a while you just have to let this baby CRANK! As soon as it hit that speed, I immediately slowed back down to 70 mph, and let the adrenaline slowly exit my system. The car is just so smooth, even at that speed.

    And- I'm glad you didn't have to drive to DC!
  • david55838david55838 Member Posts: 55
    Try a product like Prep-Sol or any automotive cleaner - some available in an aerosol can. I assume from your post that the wheels are off the car. Keep a hose handy to wash off the cleaner after you remove the [non-permissible content removed]. Body shops use this stuff so as long as you remove it quickly after use, it should be safe on the aluminum surface.

    David
  • ccampbell4ccampbell4 Member Posts: 60
    Does K&N make a filter that fits the Outback? The horsepower/gas mileage improvements sound attractive, even though small. Any experiences?
  • brett1brett1 Member Posts: 2
    After driving the 2002 Bean for a 1000 miles, I am very impressed with the way it seems to be put together. Very solid and quiet. We have the standard radio ( 8 speaker set up w/ CD player). Has anyone added or have the Subaru subwoofer that goes with the system? Is it worth the price for the added bass. The system sounds good, I especially like the A pillar tweeters. The system needs more bottom end. Any help would be great.
  • oclvframeoclvframe Member Posts: 121
    I cleaned my wheels on my 01 Bean just shortly after I bought it, specifically to remove all that undercoating over-spray. I used Simple Green undiluted and the stuff just melted off. Simple Green is not harmful to the finish of the wheels and does a nice job on the raised white letters on the tires.

    HomeDepot sells gallon size jugs of it....you buy a gallon and fill a generic pump spray bottle...makes for very handy engine/wheel/bicycle drive train....etc. cleaner!

    -r
  • oclvframeoclvframe Member Posts: 121
    Brett,
    I have the subwoofer in my 01 Bean and I love it...it really brings out the nice deep base you miss out on with the regular speakers. I also have the 6-CD changer....love that as well!

    BTW look on the rear most pillars...see those little grilles?...those are rear tweeters for the rear speakers!

    -r
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I had the same question before I had the dealer send my car into prep. I was short on time, so made only a single stop at 'Best Buy'. Their book only showed a rather ugly (yes, just an opinion) Clarion (IIRC) head unit with a CD, but no tape. Wife requested both. The fallback position was to add the Subaru single CD player to the empty dash spot below the existing AM/FM/WB/Tape unit for the ungodly price of $400. You can buy the Subaru CD from one of the mail order parts houses for around $310 plus shipping and install it yourself, or just wimp out and have the dealer do it, as I did. The system sounds OK. Nothing to write home about, but acceptable performance.

    Hope this helps,

    Steve
  • otis123otis123 Member Posts: 439
    I have an 01Bean w/ 14K. The only option I got was the subwoofer. It provides plenty of bottom end bass...
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    When you pop off the covers on the inside of the door mirrors the wires for the tweeters are right there.

    As regards aftermarket head units, JVC, Clarion. Pioneer, and Kenwood, all make combined am/fm cassette/cd units that are a direct fit in Subarus I also have the Subaru subwoofer and am very happy with it.

    Cheers Pat.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Has anyone installed the subwoofer themselves recently? On the 2000 models, I remember reading that you had to run the wire from the radio down under the carpet to the seat area. Is it any different now? I would definitely consider adding the sub if it was a simple plug-in job, but am less enthusiastic about taking the console apart and running wire.

    Craig
  • oclvframeoclvframe Member Posts: 121
    Craig,

    Go to subaru-parts.com There you will find the installation instructions for the Subwoofer...pretty simple install.

    -r
  • ccampbell4ccampbell4 Member Posts: 60
    Okay, so now I'm considering going witht the dealer installed single cd player and getting the tweeter kit and putting them on myself. This will give me 6 speakers and a stock system that isn't as attractive to thieves, but for $250 more than it would cost for a new aftermarket cd player. Those of you with this setup - does it sound good? The negatives are the cost and the power output (about half). If I go aftermarket I lose the tape deck (for books on tape during road trips, etc) and the Weather Band radio. I'm not a major audiophile, I just like good clear sound. I don't need loud or a lot of base. I'm probably making this much harder than it should be, but that's my personality. Thoughts?
  • david55838david55838 Member Posts: 55
    Chris,

    I'm not an audiophile either, but the single CD and the tweeter kit seems just fine for me. It delivers what you're looking for, good clear sound. You won't get the booming bass, but to me, it's just fine. My .02

    David
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    With the Subaru subwoofer you do not get booming bass just nice separation of the bass, anybody looking for booming bass should look elsewhere.

    BTW. Subarus factory unit is rated at 80 watts output into 4 speakers, not a lot, but then not too long ago the output on factory units was about 10 watts total.

    cheers Pat.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Our OB has the tweeter kit (installed myself - very easy), but not the sub. I've thought about getting it, but I figure if I do anything I'd upgrade the door speakers.

    The factory setup isn't bad however. In fact, I think it sounds pretty good. The tweeters helped - you'll notice that difference easily.

    -Brian
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    My 2000 Outback has the stock stereo + Subaru CD player + tweeters, and I think it sounds pretty good. Not as good as high-end systems, obviously, but better than most. I am generally very picky about sound systems, and this one was good enough for me to leave alone. Plenty of bass, and it sounds pretty clean to me. The only time I hear distortion is if I crank up the volume past about 22, but that is pretty loud. Any system without amplifiers suffers this same problem. In my opinion, the stock radio/CD combo will probably sound as good as most aftermarket units. The tweeters definitely help.

    Chris, it definitely makes a more competitive case (in terms of dollars) if you order the CD player online and install the CD player yourself. It comes with instructions, and is pretty easy to do. A number of folks here have done it, and we can offer help or advice on the install.

    OK, back to the Bean! I can't believe how awesome that H6 is! What a sweet engine. Makes me think it's one of the best kept secrets in the auto industry, maybe in the whole world. I appreciated the rumble of the H4, but the H6 has it's own wonderful tune. Very refined, and almost soothing to my mechanical engineering ears.

    I always thought the Bean and VDC were overpriced. That was from the standpoint of owning a base Outback, which I consider to be one of the best bargains around. All it took was a little cross shopping against a vehicle like the Acura MDX to make me realize how awesome the H6 wagons are. Subaru should go out and try to snag more of the customers in the high-end crowd; I really think the H6 wagons can hold their own against the big boys. As for a cheapskate like me, I feel like I got a luxury car with all the capabilities of my previous Outback. Definitely one of the best cars I have ever driven!

    Craig
  • annie20annie20 Member Posts: 6
    We bought the 2001 GT. It is a delight to drive!! And there is snow in the forecast! Yahoo!! Thank you Patti and Juice for your help.

    We have two concerns. :( Sorry if I sound like a whiner.

    Its tires, Bridgestone Potenza RE 92, made the Not Recommended list in the 2001 Lemon-Aid New Car Guide. We had asked the salesman about them and he assured us Subaru only used top quality tires. Apparently not. We are a little worried here.

    Also the heated seats smell a bit like rotten eggs. Will this go away soon??

    P.S to Patti
    Subaru Canada does not have a Mobil-It-Ease program. C'est la vie.
  • hpulley4hpulley4 Member Posts: 591
    Mobile-I-Tease instead of Mobile-It-Ease???

    Sorry, couldn't resist...
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Eclipse does make an awfully good audio system - had one in the ol' Explorer, loud, lots of bass, no distortion... perfect! One of these days I'll upgrade the OB, but probably just do the speakers first, in anticipation of a new deck.

    K&N does make a filter for the 2.5 H4... I had the part number, but can't find it now. Ought to be readily available, perhaps at the K&N website.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Annie: congrats! Glad you found my advice helpful.

    The RE92s are not great tires, but I wouldn't replace them until they wore out. Our 626 had them and they were OK, just not the performance tires that I think the GT is worthy of. They are V-rated and carry the best heat resistance rating there is ("A").

    You are describing Subaru's new car smell. It's the undercoating burning off the exhaust, and thankfully it goes away. Stinks, doesn't it?

    -juice
  • mortpeaberrymortpeaberry Member Posts: 69
    paul, the tweeter kit is important, if only that when you upgrade to separates (mids/tweeters) you have a factory look to the doors while getting the high range speakers closer to your ears.

    juice - typing one handed is an important skill that you need when you have a sleeping toddler on your chest - and you need to keep up with the boards.
    steve-v
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Congrats on buying the GT, I have a 2001 GT wagon and I think it is the best car I have owned.

    This coming from someone who has had six Honda Accords and two Civics is high praise indeed.

    Take everything that the Lemonaid cans with a grain of salt,If you have a look at the car recommendations he says the only thing to recommend the legacy is the all wheel drive otherwise it is an overpriced average car.

    Until recent years he was still saying that the Honda Accord was not a great car, this is the opposite of just about anybody else in the world who wring out cars for a living.

    Cheers Pat.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    they suck in wet and snow when they have lost only a small part of the tread but they are hardly low end, they are also OEM on some high end European and Japanese luxury cars.
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Congrats! I'm really surprised that SOC does not have the mobil-it-ease program. Did you write to Subaru of Canada? I'd suggest that you push a bit and get something going. If you decide to write to them, you can ask them to contact me for information on our program and how easy it was to set it up. My last name is Mickel. It just doesn't make sense for them not to do it!

    P. S. - Since it was my mistake, send in the receipt for the modifications to my attention. It is Subaru of America, Inc. P. O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

    Patti
  • ob11ob11 Member Posts: 28
    I am approaching the end of the 1000 mile break-in period and have a couple of questions. Should I gradually exceed the 4000 rpm limit on successive drives? or is it any thing goes? I have not read in the owners manual or gotten a notice from the dealer concerning an initial oil change or service. Should I just follow the service intervals in the manual? I am currently getting 25-26 mpg in mixed 60/40 city-highway driving. I am happy with that, and really enjoy the H4-5 speed combo. I am finally getting used to the clutch-accelerator feel and smooth, low rev take-offs are almost automatic.
    Cheers!
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Some people like to change the oil at 1000 miles, but unless the manufacturer says to do so, "1000" just becomes an arbitrary number. I mean, whose to say it should not be changed at 500 miles, or maybe 1500 miles? Personally, I stick to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance. If I remember correctly, Subaru calls for the first change at 3000, and then 7500, 15000, etc....

    25-26 MPG is excellent, especially during break-in. I never got better than 24 MPG in mixed driving, and ocassionally hit 27-28 on long trips even after the car was broken in.

    I think you can pretty much enjoy yourself with the engine now. Of course, there's not a whole lot going on north of about 4800RPM other than noise. Yes the engine will continue pulling strong, but I think the best part of the H4/5-spd combo is the grunt (and rumble) you get at lower revs. Subaru really improved this on the H4 in the current generation Outback -- there's just a whole lot of power down there now.

    Craig
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    H6 owners -- can anyone give me a clear explanation of what the "ECON" mode in the climate control system does? (accessed by pushing AUTO twice). The owner's manual gave a somewhat confusing and contradictory description. Also, I noticed that the A/C indicator comes on in auto mode even when the system is putting out heat. Does this mean that the A/C is on by default to dehumidify the air, or is the indicator just lit up because the system is in auto mode?

    thanks,
    Craig
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you are getting 25-26mpg with a green engine, I can't imagine how great your mileage will be once it's broken in. That's a keeper, I hope you purchased instead of leasing!

    -juice
  • oclvframeoclvframe Member Posts: 121
    Craig,

    I too have asked the same question about the ECON setting on the A/C...I got no real specific answers..just some guesses as to what it does. I am wondering if setting it to ECON changes how often the compressor kicks in...if so, and, if it is still able to maintain the desired temp, then why isn't econ the default setting? Unless, it isn't able to keep the desired temp setting in which case why have it as an option?

    BTW I believe that when you turn the A/C on full Auto, if it is showing the a/c symbol then yes, it is running the compressor (that should be easy to verify by looking at the clutch on the compressor).

    See, now I am guessing! Sorry, no conclusive answers here!

    -r
  • ob11ob11 Member Posts: 28
    Robert, by this username I assume that you are a bicycle rider. I also ride. Outbacks make great cars for folks who participate in outdoor sports. Now I can put my real ride in the back and out of the rain on the way to and from races.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Econ mode I believe locks the compressor on, rather than cylcing it. On my trooper there is no econ button, the compressor will cycle as needed in auto-mode. Nice thing is that in auto-mode on the trooper I can turn off the A/C button. Can you turn off the A/C button on the H6s in auto-mode?

    -mike
  • goosegoggoosegog Member Posts: 206
    Wow! That is what I call real service!

    > "P. S. - Since it was my mistake, send in the receipt for the modifications to my attention."
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