Linda

Yeah...It does feel kinda spongy. Not a solid feeling when I apply the brakes. I'm off to the brake people after work....Thanks!

Thanks...I'll try that!!

EGR valve failure.......

Hi gang..... You may or may not remember me as the gal who had her '96 Subaru Legacy towed a few months back (rear wheels on the ground...no flatbed). Since then, the car needed serviced again...another valve problem. The car seems to have lots more power and, all in all, is running well. BUT, when slowing down and braking, I am noticing a "surge" ...as though the vehicle wants to keep moving. I sometimes have to put both feet on the brakes at a complete stop to keep the car stopped. I may not have to do this, but it makes me feel better....the car simply feels like it wants to keep moving! I had new front brakes, rotors and calipers installed about 4 months ago..they squeal and have been ever since. New rear brakes and rotors just installed last month. I mentioned this power surge when stopping to a friend and they thought it could be the transmission? Could it be the front brakes? I'd appreciate any feedback. You were all so great addressing my concerns a while back..... Thanks much, Linda

Hi guys and gals..... Just wanted you all to know that I still drop by now and then...and just read the site listing Subaru mechanics in my area. Only one listed/recommended was Langston Subaru, which is a dealer. So far so good...the old gal and I are still together. AAA supervisor did get back to me re: the towing. Apparently, the dispatcher called for a flatbed, but also said the vehicle was front wheel drive. Talk about confusing! I clearly told them the year and make and they confused their assumptions. This supervisor indicated that there were AWD and 2 wheel drive Legacies manufactured in '96 (?). When I have some extra $$, I intend on taking the car to Langston for a full-blown check up...for peace of mind and, hopefully, a pat on the back and the words...."car runs great...keep on drivin'!" Thanks again, Linda:)

Quailman..... HOW far east? Linda

for all of the great support and especially the information posted today about my towing dilemma. I am printing all of this valuable information....knowledge is power! As mentioned, I have been in touch with AAA, who were to investigate the situation more thoroughly. I've been a member for years....and am counting on them to work on my behalf. Again, I will keep you all posted as it goes. Your insight, research sites and concern has been awesome and is so very appreciated. Linda

Hi Dude...... On behalf of all the guys here, I think they're trying to make me feel better about not insisting and being more aggressive about a flatbed. On the kid's behalf (the technician who came), he couldn't have been nicer....although he admitted to only having had the job for about 3 months. To be quite honest, I have had more white collar men condescend in my lifetime than blue collar. Heck....I live in Pittsburgh - the prototypical blue collar town!!!! At this point, after finding out that a flatbed was requested from AAA, I feel the towing co. should bear some sort of responsibility...... As for myself......your point is well taken. My gut told me that it was all wrong when my car was hooked up....but, then again, wheel dollies may have been used. I just assumed that care was taken to prevent damage to my car. AAA is now investigating whether or not dollies were, in fact, used. Thanks for your input....... Linda

Brus...... Thanks so much....especially calling your dealer on my behalf! I just got off the phone with AAA and, apparently, the call went out for a flatbed. Why they sent a regular truck is beyond me. I mentioned the wheel dolly and the guy said he didn't see any documentation that they were used. He turned me over to his supervisor...when turned me over to another supervisor and it's all documented. They assured me that they were going to investigate further..... Geeez.....just when I've pretty much made up my mind to hold onto the car, I may have to ditch it because of this? I will call a dealer tomorrow and ask how they'd test and do it ASAP. Now I feel like it's my fault for not insisting.....but what do I know??? Linda

Thanks for all of the responses re: improper towing and the possibility that my AWD is shot! Question......how does one "test" to know for sure that it's not working...other than driving in the snow? I'm sorry if this sounds stupid.....but I really don't know these things. AAA did the towing and I'm making some phone calls today. As I mentioned before, I kept waiting for a flatbed truck to come....and shame on me for not insisting. Like one of the posters stated, they could've cared less about the vehicle and figured towing it a little over a mile wouldn't damage it (?) Thanks again to you all for your input...... Linda

Subie94...... All I know is that the power window on my side was broke. I know they have to take apart the door to fix such things. Car ended up at a body shop. The mechanic never called me to tell me that. I found out when I called to enquire about the status...... The door wasn't wrecked....no accident involved. Linda

Peter..... I have been looking for a regular, "honest" mechanic ever since I bought the car 6 years ago. Had a co-worker who had the same car (Subaru Outback....same year, too) and he sent me to his guy. I was charged $800 for what I was told (and thought) would be a $250-$300 job. My side power window was broke and he ended up sending it to a body shop to be fixed. I suppose these things are expensive to fix, but I thought that was awfully high! So, since then, I've gone to several different places based on friend's recommendations...including a dealer several times.....and always have the feeling that I've been snookered when I walk out of the place. Sigh......... Linda

Automatic.......

Hey guys (and gals)..... I just read the post from Susie K and a reply from one of you that if she was towed "wheels on ground" that the AWD is toast??!! That's how I was towed to the garage when my 96 Outback broke down 2 weeks ago. The old gal's been towed before....once....and it was on a flatbed. While I waited on AAA that evening, I was expecting a flatbed. Guy showed up in a regular (smaller) tow truck and towed me and the car approximately a mile and a half to the closest garage. Now I'm really worried.....and more confused than ever!!! Linda in Pittsburgh.......waiting for the other shoe (or part) to drop!!!! ????????

Thanks Mark....I read the posts but gathered that most aren't experiencing mechanical problems and were looking for "subi pals?" I have to learn this lingo!!! Also, lots of Steelers fans.....yeah! Jerome just re-signed....at a salary cut. What a great guy!! We just love him!!! Linda

Thanks...... Methinks I should take a mechanics course. I have a grown son (living with me) who knows less about cars than I do. I've never been afraid to tackle anything and, who knows, I may have hidden talents. Won't know until I pick up a wrench, eh? Linda

Thanks.....I'll work on this tomorrow!!! Linda

that can recommend a good Subaru mechanic...other than a dealer?? I live in White Oak, but commute to Oakland every day...... You all are just great!!!! Thanks, Linda

Brus....... I don't feel as confident driving the car but, then again, it could be me....not the car. You're so right about peace of mind, so I think I'll take the advice given and start a new thread in search of a good Subaru mechanic in the Pittsburgh area!!! Thanks!!! Linda

Wow......thanks! I appreciate all of your responses!!! First, I suppose the breakdown several weeks ago "spooked" me. I live in Pittsburgh and we have to go up and down hills to get anywhere. Thank goodness I was going up hill......I don't know how I'd have stopped the car going downhill. I know......pull the emergency brake. But, while it's happening, I'm sure I'd have panicked and done everything wrong! I was in rush hour traffic, so I suppose I could've had a horrible accident! As it was, it took everything for me to turn the wheel to get onto a side street and I used both feet on the brake to get it to stop!! The Legacy is my only form of transportation....I have no "back-up." Unfortunately, I don't have a "regular" mechanic, who knows the car inside and out. I have had work done at several facilities, including a dealer. I suppose I can get to the closest Subaru dealer and have them go over EVERYTHING thoroughly for some peace of mind. I would love to think I could get another year or two out of the old gal!! As it is, I feel like a fool every time I do go to a mechanic.....I'm so vulnerable (here comes the dummie lady) they could tell me anything was wrong and I'd get it fixed. My problem is that I just assume everyone is trustworthy and I have been "taken" several times!!\ The last problem (I went and looked) was a valve and back pressure? Someone here mentioned that it seemed odd that a valve would shut everything down. I did have a new timing belt installed, so that wasn't it. Gee.....I am so grateful to have found you all! I've pretty much made up my mind to hang on to the car for now....so, I'm sure, I'll be back with other questions and guidance!!! Thanks so much, Linda

Hi.....new here, but have a dilemma and am hoping for some input from you all. I have a 1996 Subaru Legacy with 114,000 miles. I bought her used (she and I have been thru a lot of miles together) and it's gotten to the point where I feel it's time to trade her in ($2,500 according to blue book) and get another car. The car is paid off and I hate like heck to take on another monthly car payment. Lately, though, it's been one thing after another mechanically and I'm scared of breaking down again. Two weeks ago, a valve went and it shut down all the power....no steering....no brakes....yikes!! I'm a widow...and work full time, and need a dependable vehicle(don't we all?) Bottom line....do I continue to deal with the problems and hope to get another year or so of mileage (is that realistic?) or trade the old gal in now. I did have a new timing belt installed 2 years ago.....have regular oil changes, etc., etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated as I have some big decisions to make!!! Thanks so much, Linda