bust7015

No idea. wires look original. I'm going to change the sensors even though el cheapo doesn't want to.

I am working on a 2007 Outback, 2.5 Auto, 213K. It belongs to my niece (owned since new). She took it in for routine timing belt replacement at the local Subaru dealer. Drove it home and it had no power. Only ran "good" at part throttle. Took it back and Dealer says the CAT is plugged up. (All the sudden?) Now her cheap husband refused to replace the O2 sensors (which had been throwing codes for the last 70K). Now she asks for my help. I replaced the cat with a Walker replacement. Same issue. Step on the thottle, falls on its face. Only codes are for O2 sensors... but the cruise light is blinking. I'm thinking the dealer put the belt on one tooth off. Your thoughts?

FairTax4me, Would you happen to know what years transmission fit my 2001 Forester?

The whine is similar to a propeller, constant but gets much louder when turning the wheel to the right at speed, say as in around a bend in the road. If I were in a different make of car, I would suspect a wheel bearing. There is no vibration and the car tracks straight. I believe you are correct with torque bind. It gets worse when the car is warm. I made tight circles and it is worse when circling to the right. I could feel the bind transmitting from the front of the car and possibly from the driveshaft. Again, If I were in a different car, say a rear wheel drive, I would suspect a u-joint. But as I am learning, Subaru is a horse of a different color. All 4 tires are identical Yokohamas and nearly new and none of the brakes hang up. I hear a little transmission syncro and bearing noise, but I expect that at 213K. I don't want to throw parts at this car trying to solve the issue, which is why I posted.

I have a 2001 Forester with 213K that I just purchased with a 5 spd. Pulling into a parking space turning left, I felt what seemed to be the right front axle binding like a bad CV joint. I also heard a whining from the right front as I was driving. I am relatively new to Subaru also having a 99 Forester for my daughter. Question is, are the CV axle shafts the same despite manual or automatic transmission? Also, does the front diff use regular gear lube or is there a friction additive? Thanks!

I have a 99 Forester. Does the same thing.

if you cannot do the work yourself, It won't be worth it. More than likely, bent valves... soooo this means, pull engine, pull heads, new valves, grind valve seats, resurface heads, timing component set, head gasket set, assemble and reinstall engine. chaa ching. Cheapest shop I know that will do it in my area gets $1600 plus tax. Most get 2K If you have a friend into Subaru, he could throw an old timing belt on and do a compression test to see if you bent valves.