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Thanks for all the reply's!

Hi All, I just wondered if you use anti-seize compound on sparkplugs when put into an aluminum head? What torque values do you then use? THANKS!

I put BF Goodrich Traction T/A's on my Outback wagon last year. I have put about 25,000 miles on them and they don't look to last much longer. They are noisy, and the traction in the snow, while better than the Potenza's, still sucks. I rotate every 6,000 miles. I would definately not buy them again. I too am looking at the Michelins. Anybody have luck with Goodyears?

My 2003 Otback Wagon with 44,000 miles. I have maintained this car well and driven it carefully: 19,000 miles-new throwout bearing 33,000 miles-two new pistons 36,000miles-new shortblock If this is a typical example, my American brand cars have been MUCH more reliable!

I really don't know what the cost was because they fixed it under warranty. Good luck!

I was wondering if you are more prone to leaks when using synthetics? I used Mobil 1 in my 97 4.0 liter Jeep Wrangler and the rear main seal developed a massive leak at 19,000 miles.I know that seal was a problem with that engine though.

Hi everyone. I'm just curious, but how have the WRX's been holding up? Are there piston slap or head gasket issues with them?

Thanks for all the reply's! The winter was pretty cold here in western PA this year. There were times it sounded like that engine was just going to come apart! Would using synthetics after engine break in help to prolong the reaccurance of the slap?

Hi All. Well they replaced numbers 2&3 pistons 3,000 miles ago due to excessive clearance and they said all was good. Mind you the car now only has 36,000 miles on it. The car has been carefully driven and oil changes and maintenance have been religiously performed. Subaru, as a good will gesture gave us back the money we spent on the 30,000 mile service which was approximately $400.00, which I thought was VERY nice. I took the car back for an oil change at 36,000 miles and guess what??!! Number four piston is now making that wonderful tap, tap , tap noise! Our dealer called today and said Subaru OK'd a new short block to be insalled. Just wondering what you all think and comments. Should this thing last awhile or should I trade it off??

Well at this point we'll see how it holds up. Hey Scoobaroo, nice quote! When I was a kid I used to live near Art Tripp, Zappa's drummer on Freakout.

Just got the car back. The work order says that pistons number 4 and 2 had excessive clearance.

I've been using Pennzoil 5W-30 and changed it every 3,000 miles. Really no sense having another dealer look at it because I could tell it was the throwout bearing before I took it in and I can hear the piston noise.

The two new pistons are due to the "normal" piston slap. It has been a very cold winter and the slap was really bad. I don't know what's up but you can still hear it now, though not nearly as loud as when cold, when the engine is warm.The dealer said that only two of the pistons are making noise when warm and should therefor be replaced, so today they are replacing them. I understand that the pistons have short skirts and therefore some slap is supposed to be "normal". I do find it odd that they don't make this noise when new if it is only a design issue.I almost forgot to add, I run it slow and let it warm up when cold, so no, I don't just run up the RPM's and beat the engine when it is cold.

I drive conservatively! I do live a mile down a dirt road but don't follow other cars closely due to dust and I take care of my cars. I perform all maintenance religiously. My, dare I say, Fords have been MUCH more reliable. I am actually thinking about going back to them. This is definately not a driver issue. You have all read the posts about the bad clutches in the 2002 and earlier Outbacks, so this wasn't bad luck or a driving issue. Just junk parts!

Hi Everyone, just wanted to spread the word about my experiences with junk Subaru's and why I don't plan on buying another. I had a 2002 Outback Wagon which I bought new. It had the garbage clutch of that time period and also had that wonderful burning smell. My dealer was good to me and got me into a new 2003 for a really good price.Well, the throwout bearing in the clutch went at 19,000 miles and today I found out I need two new pistons at 33,000 miles. I am SO happy with Subaru's!! I thought these things were reliable!

Thnks for all the reply's everyone. I do see the reply's are varied as to the buzzing sound staying on after I let up on the pedal though.

Hi everyone, when my anti-lock brakes are activated (we had a lot of snow) I get a buzzing sound that lasts a few seconds after I let off my brakes. This is in a 2003 Outback Wagon. The dealer says it is normal. I don't remember it making the sound last year in the snow. I don't think it should still make noise after I let off the brakes. Any opinions? THANKS!

Hi, when my Outback (2.5 liter) engine is cold I get a "clacking" noise until it warms up. It is louder and more noticeable as you put a load on the engine.It sort of sounds like one of the old VW's. My car only has 25,000 miles on it. Now that the weather is getting colder it is more pronounced. Is this what some have said is the "normal" valve train noise? THANKS!

Thanks for all the reply's everyone! I only drove 12 miles to home so I guess I'm probably OK. Who does a good job of installing tires? I also noticed one of the wheels had a 2 ounce weight on it. I wasn't real happy but drove it 200 miles today with no shakes so guess it is OK. THANKS!

Hi All, I took my 2003 Outback Wagon to Sears today to have new tires mounted( BF Goodrich Traction TA's). I told them that they should only use 72 foot pounds of torque on the lug nuts, I told them this twice. Got the car home and guess what, waay tight. Anyway, I loosened them up and torqued them to the correct torque. My question is this,would them overtightening the lug nuts have damaged anything? Thanks!

I have pretty much decided on these tires for my 2003 Outback Wagon. Any comments or criticisms would be appreciated! THANKS!

My 2003 Outback has done this before, sounds like exactly the same thing. I don't think anything is wrong with the car. I enjoy hunting and collecting old rifles but please don't group me with the people that voted for Bush. I think single issue voting is ridiculous and the bad FAR outweighed any good. By the way, I think my son will be on his way to Iraq in March. Too bad Bush lied too us to get us in a war! Listen to FM music channels on your radio, it is much less frustrating in these times!

Thanks for all the reply's eveyone!

Hi, I'm looking for good all season tires for my Outback Wagon. I want something with good traction that goes well in the snow and rain. The stock tires wore well but didn't have very good snow traction. Any suggestions would be appreciated. THANKS!

Hi, I was wondering where to get some parts and accesories for my Outback wagon (internet)? THANKS!