[Front brake pads wore differently]

This is common, if not actually normal.

 

If you make sure the guide pins are lubricated properly (lots of copper grease, wipe off and apply new during pad swaps) then you will minimize the problem.

 

Thank you!

[Front brake pads wore differently]

I own a 99 Legacy Outback and had to change my front brakes for inspection. The outer pad was twice as worn as the inner. Common problem? I tow a small boat ( 1200 lbs ) -- not that it should matter. Any ideas as to what is wrong?

 

As always, I apprecriate the responses.

 

Kev

[Outback replacment rotors]

My mechanic told me that it would cost $175.00 labor to replace the front rotors because they need pulled ( not sure what that means ) vs. the rear ( cost $60 ) because they don't need pulled.

 

Sorry I'm such a novice regarding these things, but is the process the same to remove the front and back rotors? Should it cost that much more to pull the front vs. the rear?

 

I'd appreciate any help.

 

Thanks

 

Kevin

[Outback replacment rotors]

How difficult is it to replace the front rotors on a 99 Outback? Should this be left for my trusty mechanic or is it somewhat simplistic?

[Where to purchase OEM rotors?]

99' Outback. Need front and rear. What should I expect to pay?

 

thanks

[Where to purchase a Auto Transimission cooler?]

I have a 99 Legacy Outback.

 

Anyone?

[Trany designed to let fluid escape when hot?]

If you are towing, you should have a tranny cooler installed. The cooler in the radiator is just a small can sitting inside the side/bottom of the radiator. It works O.K. under normal driving conditions, but with the radiator fluid running about 185 degrees or so, can't do a real good job of heat transfer.

 

If you tow regularly, you also need to change tranny fluid more often.

I looked into purchasing a tranny cooler when I originally purchased by boat and I didn't find anyone who markets one for my Subaru. Dealer, internet and I think I posted here and I couldn't find one!

 

Can someone help??

[Trany designed to let fluid escape when hot?]

Most A/Ts have a vent and can push out fluid, this normaly only happens when the fluid gets pretty hot (like when towing) and the fluid is very full. You may have been just a bit over full, if it doesn't happen again you should be fine.

 

Note: I dont know what the rated towing capacity for the OB is (if any), but if you are going to be towing regularly I would look into a external tranny cooler. And, if the trans is a 4 speed with overdrive, I'd probably shift down to 3ed on the hills (even little ones), rebuilding A/Ts is VERY expensive, best to avoid it.

 

Gary

Thanks for your post. You made my day! We had the 60k service recently which would've changed the fluid in the transmission. Like you said, maybe it was a bit too full. I sure hope so.

 

I never was able to locate a tranny cooler for this car.

[Trany designed to let fluid escape when hot?]

I have a 99 OBW automatic. We have only 57k miles on our car. I was towing a boat (1200lbs.) and noticed white smoke coming from the right side engine compartment. Pulled over and found small amount of fluid on the ground and on passenger side of tranny. All fluid levels check okay and it wasn't overheating. I was able to drive it home without problem. AFter two days in the garage -- no leaks found on garage floor. Dealer cleaned engine and added dye to engine and tranny and said to return in 300- 400 miles. Dealer said it was tranny fluid that had leaked and after I told him my leak occurred when towing he said that if the tranny gets hot an escape valve lets the fluid out to avoid damage? Is this bullsh## or what? Never heard of such a claim! Anyway, presently no charge for this service and no receipt for present service. This dealer (Bowser, PA)has been nothing but stand-up until this point. Comments??????

[99 Legacy Outback Wagon engine type]

Your car should have a Phase II block with Phase I heads. It is very very unlikely (but not impossible AFAIK) that your car has Phase II heads. Without knowing the source of the oil it is very difficult to estimate the cost to repair. It could be as simple as a valve cover gasket or as complex as a rear main seal.

I haven't had a chance yet to read all the threads associated with the engine problems. What does having a Phase II block w/Phase I heads mean to me -- better reliability?

 

I'm having bad day dreams because of this problem with my car!

[99 Legacy Outback Wagon engine type]

Where are you located?

 

Unless you have a very oddball assembly, you will have the Phase I DOHC engine. I'm assuming you are in North America.

 

You can tell if it is DOHC or SOHC by looking at the timing belt covers.

 

Commuter

I live in Pennsylvania. If I have the DOHC, then I'm assuming it's a Phase I? Also, any ideas on the oil leak and costs?

 

Thanks

[99 Legacy Outback Wagon engine type]

I have the 2.5 liter engine but, how do I determine if I have a phase I or II engine in my car? Based upon some responses here, the phase II motor is much better. I presently have an oil leak(not sure from where), need service and I'm concerning it's gonna be expensive. Only 57K on my car. My service manual states that the Time belt should be changed every 100k -- is this an indication of which motor I have?

 

Also, I'd appreciate common oil leak causes and costs??

 

Thanks