ejlain

Yes Northguy. Any ideas?

Hi Guys. Thanks for the quick replies. It seems to be a constant squeak. I happened to notice it sitting in a parking lot at lunch the other day. It sounds fine idling, but when I turned the wheel to the left or right, I could hear an audible squeaking or creaking. Best way to describe it is like the Tinman in Wizard of Oz. It's not a grinding or gnashing, just sounds like something needs lubrication. I don't know.

Hi. This morning I discovered a "squeaking" noise on my 1998 Legacy L sedan (auto) w/ 102k miles. It sounds like it's coming from the front end of the car when I am driving or turning slowly. I've experienced the chattering sound of a CV boot, so I'm pretty sure it's not that. It just squeaks like an old door opening, like something needs to be greased or oiled. Any ideas on where to start? Thanks

How much did you add to the gas powderhound? And how much in the crankcase? Do i have to drain any oil first? Thanks. Ed

Hey Jeff. You came to the right place to ask your question. I'm sure you'll get a lot of good advice. Here are my 2 cents worth... 1) Take the car to an AutoZone (if you have one near you) or other reliable service shop with ODB Scanning equipment and see if they can "pull the codes" for you. They hook up a device to connectors located under the dash on the drivers side and are able to see diagnostic codes. This can pinpoint the problem for you. 2) Try re-setting the ECU by disconnecting the neg. battery cable for about half an hour and then re-connecting. Start the car as normal without touching the gas and see if the Check Engine Light comes on again. 3) Something simple but worth a shot...Did you fill it up with gas just before the light came on? Make sure your gas cap is seated properly and on all the way. This has been known to cause a Check Engine Light in some Subarus. Hope this helps. Ed

Hi, any suggestions for cleaning out the air vents on a 1998 Legacy sedan? I bought the car back in January so these past few days are the first occasions I had to use the A/C. This morning, after some pretty heavy rain the night before, I started it up and there was a bad smell coming out of the air vents...kind of a cross between horse manure and mold..not good!! Anyway, just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips before I rip the whole dash apart. Thanks Ed

Did you do them yourself or have them done? Is the squeal coming from both sides? What kind of brake pads? Do they seem to stop the vehicle satisfactorily? I would pull off the tires and take a look...the pads could be seated improperly, the rotors might be warped, the shims could be in wrong or not in at all. I think it's worth a quick "eyeballing". - Ed

Hi, here are a few i had in my bookmarks… http://www.allsubaru.com http://www.1stsubaruparts.com http://www.libertysubaru.com http://www.oxygensensors.com http://www.autopartsworld.com Hope these help Ed

Hi Mike. I don't think Haynes has a book out for your MY yet. I have a Haynes that covers model years 94-98 I believe. For my 1998 Legacy L sedan, I rely on it all the time. You might want to pick that one up. I think you'll find that it will answer most of your questions. I don't think there were many changes between 1998 and 1999. - Ed

Hmm, how about sparkplug wires? Did you look at them closely for any breaks/cracks? All plugs seated firmly? - Ed

Possibly fuel filter?

Wow. Not bad. Wanna hire him out? lol I have a 98 2.2 Legacy L auto sedan with 101k that needs a timing belt and water pump. What part of PA are you in? I'm in Delaware County.

Brian...price seems kinda high for the shape it's in. I bought a 98 Legacy L sedan (automatic) with 100k in Jan. for $5000. They're out there, you just have to be patient and keep looking.

I would check the tires. All the same? Properly inflated? Good condition? Balanced? Also, check power steering fluid level. Start there and see if it's something minor. On the major side, I guess the steering rack might be a possibility. I am sure you'll get lots of other ideas from members here. Keep us posted. Ed

Sorry, here's that attachment.

I've attached a "very" rough sketch if it helps. Take off the handle, plastic console cover and then the 4 GOLD screws holding the assembly to the floor of the car. Lift gently and you'll see where the bulb is. Twist it a quarter turn to remove from the housing and replace. Let me know if you have any questions/problems. Ed

Sounds like a good find and the price isn't unreasonable..I'd run a carfax report and then talk to the guy and see if he can tell you or provide you with some service records. Someone already mentioned it, but timing belt's a big thing. Has it been done recently or ever? Take it for a spin if they let you. Check the temp gauge and make sure it stays in the normal (a hair below halfway) range. Make some sharp turns and loops, listen for any CV boot clicking or binding. If you check NADA or Kelley BlueBook you'll see the price isn't bad, but you could probably use any required maintenance/repairs as negotiating points. Let us know how you make out.

I have a 98 Legacy L Sedan and Just FYI... I replaced the bulb that illuminates the gearshift letters (P-R-N-D-1-2-3) at night when you turn on the headlights. I couldn't find any info on it in Haynes or the owner's manual. I was trying to find out what size it was or the part # for it since you basically have to take the whole center console apart to get to it. Well, here it is…it's a 12V, 1.7W bulb and you can get a 2-pack at Pep Boys for $1.99. Hope this helps someone. lol Thanks. Ed

WOW! Those scans were really good Josh. I might actually take on the t-belt job myself after looking at those. Thanks for the post. Ed

Umm, the car next to you at the mall? Just kidding, maybe subaruparts.com or a local junkyard.

Yeah, powderhound is right, since you just got it, do the t-belt/waterpump and seals (also thermostat). There are a few threads on here about interference vs. non-interference..you'd have to take a look at those for your particular model. Personally, I'd also do… air filter spark plugs/wires fuel filter PCV valve and an oil change Enjoy your new ride. Ed

Adwolf..I'll give you the same word of warning I gave someone else when they were pulling their door panels off...BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL when you stick your hands in and out of the access holes. On some vehicles, the metal edges on those holes can be RAZOR SHARP!! Just be careful. - Ed

Yeah, i think you got some good advice..sounds like you need a fuel filter. They're cheap enough and if you do a search, someone just posted step-by-step DIY instructions. I am going to be replacing mine once the weather changes and I plan on using those directions. I'm sure the cleaning probably stirred stuff up. That plus the fact that your gas was low and then you filled up probably stirred up even MORE junk to clog the filter. Let us know how u make out. - Ed

Hi. Just put my 1998 Subaru Legacy L Sedan (101k miles) in for a quick oil change at a local mechanic. I knew it was coming so i asked them to give me a price on timing belt and water pump. I got a quote for… New T-Belt ($300) New WaterPump ($166) Replace Serpentine Belt ($95) Replace Upper/Lower Radiator Hose ($120), Coolant Changeover ($45) Everything would run about $768 incl. tax. The job is WAY beyond my mechanical skills, but i would replace the thermostat and gasket too right? He also told me I should be VERY NERVOUS because the TB is way overdue and that the engine (a 2.2L) is interference. I was under the impression it was non-interference. I am going to get it replaced, i just don't know if THIS GUY is going to do it. Any thoughts?

Urabus- A WORD OF CAUTION!! If you take on this project yourself be EXTREMELY careful when sticking your hands in and out of the access wholes in the metal door. Years ago, my father was working on a similar project on a Ford van and when he pulled his hand down, he cut himself SEVERELY across the knuckles and severed arteries and tendons and, well it was a mess. In many vehicles, the edges of those access holes are RAZOR SHARP!! so be careful. Hope I didn't dissuade you from working on your own car - just thought I should pass on that word of caution. - Ed