timn29

Hey guys, I have a '98 OBW 2.5 and want to replace the fuel filter. Got 128,000 mi. on it and have no idea when the last time, or if, the fuel filter has ever been replaced. I'm trying to get the best possible mpg out of it. So, is there anything I need to know to do this right? thanks in advance

my '98 OBW does the same thing as the '05 Outback mentioned above.

thanks. I have a problem with the steering wheel jerking to the left at all speeds, but greatest around 30mph. And the steering wheel jerks to the right in reverse gear. weird stuff. the steering wheel jerks the side and rights itself and this speeds up with an increase in mph (sort alike a vibration, but slower and only to the one side). feels like something is bent or rubbing or something...I'm puzzled.

What are the signs/symptoms that my Subie may be out of alignment?

how do you measure tension on belts and what should the tension measure for alt->main, a/c comp.->main etc. thanks

sorry...'98 Outback Wagon 2.5L. thanks

Hey guys, I need a DFW, Texas mechanic who knows Subie wheels. My LF wheel lurches to the Lt. (NOT like it needs alignment) and is worse at lower speeds. Maybe from a pot-hole I hit on the freeway this past weekend? Please help.

Cool (literally), thanks.

Oh boy, I wish I would have read this thread prior to installing a set of Autolite Double Platinums. I was looking to get a set of Champions, but saw the Autlolites and thought, "Double Platinum! They must be good." So, what kind of trouble am I looking at? Should I sweat it or keep 'em in? Please help.

I also have somewhat of AT oil temp light issue. I bought my 98 OBW used and since I've owned the AT OIL TEMP light comes on for about 5 sec.s steady when I start the car. I have experienced no AT problems however.

thanks 99obw!

One more (dumb) question... After draining the ATF where do you pour-in new fluid? Certainly not through the dipstick hole, right?

what's that supposed to mean, Swami? tell your secrets

FYI, I tried the "jack-up one wheel at a time" trick and found that, independently, each one of my rear wheels spins completely free of any resistance. So, what does this mean? My wheels turn.

I have no suggestions, but feel your pain. I had my rear main seal replaced last year and just found that the shop lost my AT dipstick altogether. Of course I made them replace it for free, but the moral is..."double-check the shop's work no matter what, before the drive home." Good luck.

Thanks! So, you're telling me there IS a replaceable filter in my '98 Outback Wagon? Just need to verify due to what I was told by the parts guy at the Subie dealership ("I believe there is no serviceable filter in a '98 Outback")and before I go buy this part and find I can't use it. Thanks.

I'm about to get pummeled for this, but I think the Saab 92-X is nice. I DO agree that thus redesign would cause pain for Subaru dealers because Saab is going to sell Subaru's awesome AWD and engine design out from under Subaru. The only bad reviews I've read about the WRX is that the ride is a bit rough, and if Saab can improve on what seems to be the the only con to buying a WRX then that is a major selling point for Saab. So, yeah, this sucks more for Subaru than anyone else.

I had installed new pads on turned rotors all the way around on my '98 OBW more than a year ago as well to find that the pads I used were not quality (started squealing less than 3 months later). So, when I replaced the not-so-good pads I replaced them with Wagner ThermoQuiet pads ($39 US) and they are fabulous! I highly recommend Wagner ThermoQuiet (not paid to say that BTW).

Thanks for the warning. I should have stressed "temporary" a bit stronger in my post. I do recommend that "trick" for making sure that the noise and vibration is AWD related though.

I'm 100% sure it's not my CV joints. When I tested my AWD system using the method I posted above that confirmed the noise and vibration is coming from the AWD system, but thanks for the thought.

Sorry, I think you're right now that I think about it. BTW would anyone know the amount of ATF I would need to replace once I do a drain and refill? Thanks WAWalker!

I found out a quick, safe and temporary fix for the vibration during turns some are experiencing with the clutch pack system. You can override the the AWD system by inserting a 20A fuse in the single fuse box under the hood near the firewall on the pass. side. This turns your Subie into a simple front wheel drive vehicle...basically it's like castration, but it eliminates the binding-up of the AWD system till you can get the car into the shop and repaired properly. Thanks

Check this out... I went to the dealer to pick-up my replacement AT dipstick they lost and I asked about the AT filter, I was told '98 Outbacks don't have a servicable filter per say, but more like metal screens that are simply flushed when the AT system is flushed which is recommended at the AT service mileage (every 3,000 or so). So it looks like I'll be getting my AT system flushed. Thanks.

interesting comments, because the servicemen at the dealer recommends I bring in my '98 Outback wagon for the 120,000 mi. tranny service with which they'll replace the fluid and filter. I also ask because I told them about my "chattering" turns (viscous couplers going bad?) and they told me the tranny service may fix that too. What to do? thanks

I am about to change the AT filter and fluid in my '98 OBW and would ask the collective wisdom of the group their opinion on the best filter and fluid to replace the old. Any thoughts? Thanks