morgantruce

I need to replace driver's side REAR wheel bearing in an '88 GL 4x4 wagon. The "How to Keep your Subaru Alive" book says that this is best left to a shop because of the need for a special tool. The Hayne's manual gives directions for doing the job, but makes no mention of a special tool. Hmmm... What's the hang up? Anyone have any tips? I've read all the earlier threads. I *think* the car has the one large sealed bearing assembly (instead of separate inner and outer bearings and a spacer) but I haven't tore the thing apart yet because I'm a little wary of the "special tool" thing. I'm usually pretty good about cobbling up a bunch of jumbo sockets and to finesse a bearing in or out. What part of the job requires a "special tool"? Also, I'm wondering if the rear CV joint has to be disconnected from the differential as well as the hub? Someone said something about the need for dropping the differential as well----that sounds like a bit much. From which side does the bearing assembly come out of? Why do cars break?

Subaru people are so nice!

The fuel pump on my '94 Loyale wagon (EA82 SPFI) rusted and leaks. Same thing happened to my parts car's fuel pump! Are there any "universal" fuel pumps that will work? Are there any alternatives to the Subaru-type pump? I must say---for an expensive part located under the rear of a car, they sure didnt seem to think about the possibility of corrosion. I'm thinking about some kind of "rust-proofing" on whatever I reinstall---but worry that a heavy coat of anything might cause the pump to overheat and burn up. Any thoughts?

Would anyone care to give a rough outline of what the job entails? (not every last deatail) Is everything done from below? Can this job be done with each car on jackstands---or do they have to be higher?

Hoo-ray for that information! Yesterday, my 4WD just mysteriously quit engaging----just AFTER I had changed the fuel filter! Changing a fuel filter on these engines is (for me) usually a "grunt and groan affair" with much twisting, prying, and cussing. After the 4WD quit, I came to this forum last night, found this post, and when I saw the thing about the vacuum hoses near the driver'sside strut tower----I KNEW for sure that I probably dislodged those vacuum lines. I went to sleep on it. This morning, I went out to the car, found the lines near the strut tower---both disconnected during the battle of the fuel filter. Hoo-ray! All four wheels are pulling again. ----- Hey guys... I'm not real "wowed" by this '94 Loyale (113K miles) with the single range and the pushbutton 4WD. I've got a "junker" '88 Soob (186K miles) with dual range and lever engagement. What is involved in switching? The path of least hassle please... My guess is that it's probably a killer job. ---- 1994 Subaru Loyale wagon, 5-speed, push button 4WD. Daily driver. 1988 Subaru GL wagon, dual range 5-speed, 4X4. Daily driver. 1988 Subaru GL wagon, dual range 5-speed, 4X4. Parts car. 1977 Mercedes 240D, Diesel. 4-speed, manual windows and sunroof. Medium Red. 180K when odometer quit... My interstate machine. 1966 International 4X4 pickup. Ooh yeah! 1952 Ferguson TO-35 farm tractor. 1984 Snapper rear engine riding mower. 1988 Nimble 20 sail boat. Dark Green yawl. --Older stuff is built better--

It's amazing how many non-Subaru mechanics look at that nut and think it's "Ye olde wheel bearing adjustment" thingy. (snug it up, then back off a bit...) If I find myself unfortunate enough to be in a such a shop and there is any likelyhood that they are going to get anywhere near those nuts---I usually find a way to diplomatically let them know that the nuts have to be VERY tight---and that ordinary looking washer has a front and a back to it...

Today we're going to look at a 1996 Subaru Legacy Brighton wagon, 2.2L, 5 speed manual AWD. The Brighton lacks power windows and door locks---which I never liked in any car. Did Subaru do something to the '95 and newer Legacys (other than the 2.5L engine) that I should be aware of? I see they are a few inches longer, wider, and taller---and a few more horsepower, plus airbags.

One of the cars "I'm looking at..." is a 1995 Impreza Outback Wagon---with the EJ18 engine, 5 speed manual, AWD, and A/C. I like the way it looks... but I figure it's a tad underpowered. I'm kinda used to driving my '88 GL with the 1.8 engine---and turning off the A/C on really long uphill grades on interstates. I figure it might be the same deal with that Impreza. According to the figures I have available, the EA82 SPFI in my '88 puts out 90 HP@5600. The EJ18 in the '95 Impreza puts out 110 HP @5600----so maybe it wouldn't be too underpowered with that EXTRA 20 HP. Hey, EVERY car I've ever owned has been underpowered.... I LIKE using a gearbox! Is the EJ18 as long-lived as the EJ22 ? If I decided to go with a Legacy, I would certainly avoid the EJ25...

From what I've read here, everyone seems to agree that the 2.2 L engine is a very good engine. In pre-1995 cars the 2.2 was available in both the Impreza and the Legacy. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these two models? ONE feature I would be most interested in is the ability to proceed down a very steep hill as slowly as possible. I travel a good bit of gravel road---which sometimes gets a bit rutted. My '88 GL 4WD wagons handled both of these situations nicely. In 91-95 do I have a choice between AWD and 4WD? Opinions?

Thanks Setright. Any other ideas on what to look for in 1990-95 Soobs?

I need to buy yet another used Subaru... I own a PAIR of 1988 Subaru GL wagons, 4x4, with dual range 5-speed, and SPFI on the 1.8 engines. I LOVE these cars!!!! I travel a REALLY steep hill to get home (in West Virginia)---that low range tranny is great in the winter! I'd like to move into a slightly newer (lower mileage) Subaru.... but I'm totally unfamiliar with what's available from 1990 on thru the mid 90's. I think I've heard there are some models that are best avoided. I'd be interested hearing if there are 5 speeds with lower-than-usual first gears (I just KNOW I'm going to miss that dual range box!) Would appreciate hearing about general reliablilty, rust issues (shudder), and other opinions. :wave: