brus brother

There is a recent post "$29 plug wires" that has some tips on where to buy oem plug wires (and plugs) online for cheap. As far as technique is concerned, first time out I would suggest that you do one wire/plug at a time so as to not mix up where the wires go. Use antisieze grease on the plug threads when reinstalling. If you meet resistance when installing new plugs, STOP! You don't want to cross thread these babies! You should be able to glide them in either by hand or using a small piece of rubber hose attached. I have never used a torque wrench but if in doubt, and you are just getting into the game of grease, might as well invest in one now. If you don't get one, best advice is to snug it up but don't crank down on it. Sorry, but that's one of those do it once and you'll know for the next time things. Wear nitrile gloves available at auto stores. As a brain surgeon once told me, confidence lacking competence is very dangerous. Go slow, ask questions and good luck.

I thought it was a bad rotor and was prepared to change the rotors when replacing the brake pads but if you are right, you saved me $140. The car doesn't seem to pull to one side or another. Are there 2 plungers on each caliper and if so are you saying one of these is "sticking"? Not clear yet. OK so how do I unstick this "slide"? Are you referring to the plungers in the caliper? If so, how do I make them not "stick"?

Haven't taken things apart yet but I have one more symptom that puzzles me. 2000GT Automatic, braking at slower speeds seems smooth but at highway speeds, SOMETIMES I get a wild vibration in the steering wheel when braking. If I release and reapply, I can sometimes get a smooth brake. What's up with this??

Should anti-seize grease be used on these caliper bolts??

Should anti-seize grease be used on these bolts??

Going fishin' here but ... check fuses (seat belts not working)... if automatic, isn't there a release switch of some sort in the shifter console used for when towing the vehicle to disengage tranny or did I just dream this up...

Thanks Jamie. As always, spot on and helpful. My mistake, I thought you were with 1stSub and have been directing business their way (doh).

2000 LegacyGT Auto wagon. Well, not quite the novice, I have changed the front pads but now I'm going in for the rotors. I figure with 82,000 miles on the rotors, with high speed serious shimmy on braking on occasion, I may have reached "warp speed". With no recollection if they've been cut more than once, 1stsubaruparts has the rotors for $63. Is it a best bet to skip cutting and just replace and if so, stay oem for pads and rotors. Never had squealing and don't want to start now. There have been some informative links here about rotor warping and causes that probably raise more questions than give answers. I don't think I abuse the car but I do drive aggressively around CT. streets and hways. No off road other than to change a tire. P.S.Do the rotors just pull off after the removal of the two caliper bolts and caliper? Where are the essential lube points and products to use?

OK I just checked some prices on brake work for my car and 1stSubaru parts is actually cheaper than my internet guys on the east coast and judging from SubieGal's website, Jamie is easier on the eye than the fellers at Perkins, so go west young man... wish I lived out west;)

Check some online subaru dealers. 90-96 Legacy $29 MSRP and discount price at Subarupartsforyou.com. Other wires actually are discounted from MSRP.They are part of Dan Perkins Subaru in CT.. There are many such "divisions" of your local dealerships. Check out 1stsubaruparts.com on the west coast. Libert Subaru in NJ has another such operation. Ask for "discount parts" when they answer the phone.

TahDah! It is interesting to note that the TSB didn't cover your model year.

Again gents, if you check with SOA or any Subaru dealer, they can check the VIN for open recall notices etc. SOA should be able to tell you where the recalls were performed. There was a rustproofing recall, a power steering recall, the infamous stop leak head gasket recall. Check the NHTSA site for recall (and TSB) notices. It is likely that if the recalls were performed at local CT. shops that the car wasn't then driven south to participate in the New Orleans "summer games" and then "shipped" (pun intended) back.

Well, I have a 2000GT Wagon automatic and have had two replacement transmissions as of 78K miles. Your's is manual so no matter. My head gasket was replaced under extended good will HG warranty (8yr/1000k). The grommets around the spark plugs seem to need to be replaced after you see oil in the spark plug well. Point out the oil and demand the car for free with such a problem. There are a variety of recalls on this car and if you go to a subaru dealer, or contact SOA with the VIN, they might be able to tell you if, when and where the recalls were serviced. This might allay fears of "rollin' on a river". I like the way the car handles though occasionally loose change falls out of my pocket when driving.

Manufacturer : SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Service Bulletin Num : 126800 Date of Bulletin: JUN 02, 2000 NHTSA Item Number: 613993 Component: OTHER Summary: THIS BULLETIN WILL HELP IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF WATNER ENTERING VEHICLES THROUGH THE FRONT MAP LIGHT AREA OF THE INTERIOR PANEL. *TT http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/results.cfm?start=16&SearchType=DrillDown&type=VEHICLE&year=2000&make=SUBARU&model=LEGACY&vehtype=UNK&typenum=1&component_id=0&summary=true This is for MY2000 but go to a dealer and ask to see the TSB. It might save you some time reinventing the wheel.

Do you have a written estimate? Does the final bill specify by part number or otherwise which parts were ordered/installed i.e. 94 vs 95? Ask for a copy of the invoice for the parts installed. I think you were entitled to the old parts if you asked at the time. You should quietly get this on the record in the event that you need to go to small claims couirt. Around here (CT) I think the limit is $2K, no lawyer needed. Another consideration is that the mechanic need not know what kind of towing you have or don't have. The fact that you didn't "pay" for the tow that night is irrelevant since in fact you do pay for the service as a part of your insurance with AAA. It still may be that the occurence was only related to his work by time and not cause, but I too would be suspect. Good luck. Be calm but if you are not satisfied or are uncomfortable with his response, have the car removed before he does any further work and inspected by another mechanic who might have to testify on your behalf.

third row = NO leg room

When SOA tells me something is "normal", I ask them to take me for a ride in one of their other "normal" cars! See my post above. SOA initially told me it was normal as well. If it was under the 60K drivetrain warranty and you have it on the service record, you stand a chance of at least sharing expense of replacement with SOA but likely you'll need to go to the mat with them for full reimbursement. It may help to have a good relationship with local dealer.

Pinion gear was suspected in my case, 2000 Legacy GT automatic, and fortunately at 72K while still under 100K warranty the tranny started making another clicking noise seemingly unrelated but precipitating the replacement of the tranny.

It's my wife's car and NO it was not diven anywhere near hard by her or me as an occasional driver. I have to admit, we baby our Subarus so I'm a little disappointed. BTW, my 2000 Legacy GT auto is on it's 3rd tranny at 76,000 miles. The first one suffered from "delayed engagement" at about 37K and that one was replaced at 72K because of a clicking noise which developed shortly after pinion gear whining started. Fortunately, both replacements were warranty covered but I hate to admit, it seems like either a weak spot for Subaru or I may be suffering fom "bad Carma".

... or you drowned the beep!

UPDATE: I just got a replacement brandy new Auto transmission on my 05 as mine died at 13,000 miles. Now try and do me one better on that!

Just when you thought there were no virgins left in the world...

I know you said beeping but is it by any chance the "door open" indicator signal? Perhaps there is a loose connection at one of the plungers.

I am of the same vintage (54) as Tunered and agree with the sagacity of his age. You did the right thing. They will probably call you back and try and sweeten up the deal but hold firm if'n you calculated the risk into your offering price.

I recently had the instrument cluster on my 00 replaced because the clock was inaccurate! Yep, that was a fine warranty I had! Anyway, long story short, it took about two weeks because they sent the new unit to somewhere in Ca. to have the original mileage transferred to the new odometer. So, yes it can be done reputably and that is the operative word! Jeesh, who ever heard of a disreputable car dealer? Hmmm...