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Subaru Mechanic Raleigh, NC

Date
January 1, 2021
|
Author
bestedge

Long known for its grit and dependability, the Subaru is not just a car, it’s an investment. And if you need Subaru repair no one is better at protecting that investment than the expert technicians at Creech Import. Subaru offers a varied lineup of wagons, cars, and SUVs, and Creech can help give them a lifespan that just might exceed your own. Especially if you bring your Subaru in for regular maintenance, including fluid checks, brake service, or timing belt inspections.

Subaru

Outback

The Subaru Outback continues to earn high marks overall. The standard all-wheel drive, excellent ground clearance, and stylish details make it an ideal choice for both suburban families and outdoor enthusiasts. That said, even superstars have their weak spots.

For example, some Outback models have been known to experience troubles with both the suspension and head gasket, which are both auto repairs that Creech Import mechanics can deftly handle along with any other problems that might present themselves.

Forester

The Forester is like an SUV-meets-wagon design. Which makes it easy to understand why it’s well-liked. Based on the rally-tested platform of the Impreza, the Forester is a tough, hard-charging vehicle with the added benefit of all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, and family-friendly features. However, like its Outback cousin, the Subaru Forester has been known to experience problems with the head gasket, especially in earlier models. Troubles with the catalytic converter have also been noted in Subaru Foresters. Fortunately, Creech Import Repair shop technicians can tackle these repairs head-on and get your Subaru Forester back in top form.

The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback vehicles with a production date range of roughly 2014-
present have a known problem with Vibrations at Highway Speeds.

On some of the vehicles, the Vibration can be more severe when turning the steering wheel slightly to
the left or the right.

Most of the time when we think about a "Vibration at Highway Speeds" we automatically think tires.
While in most instances if the tires are out of balance, a Road Force Balance will solve the Vibration.
In other instances, the Vibration may not be tire-related at all.

The most common way to determine if your vehicle is Vibrating at Highway Speeds due to a tire
balance issue is to see if you can "drive in and out of the Vibration".

In most cases, if the tires are balanced improperly the Vibration will start between 50-60 miles per
hour. If you can safely slow down to a slower but safe speed for the highway you are driving on and
the Vibration goes away it is likely a tire balance issue. The same is to be said if you can safely
accelerate to a safe speed on the highway you are traveling on and the Vibration disappears.
While a Vibration due to improperly balanced tires can be felt at different speeds, this is the most
common speed range that we typically experience on most Light Trucks, SUV's, and Passenger
Vehicles (coupes and sedans).

If you drive a Subaru Forester or a Subaru Outback and are experiencing a Vibration at highway
speeds or any irregular "thud or thump" type noises your issue may not be tire related at all.

The Front Lower Control Arm Bushings on these vehicles are weak and tend to wear out prematurely.

This can cause rather scary Vibration and or strange thumping type noises, especially at highway
speeds.

We typically replace the Front Lower Control Arm(s) instead of just replacing a single bushing at a
time. This is to ensure all of the bushings are of equal quality and to help potentially save the
customer money in the long run.

After replacing the Front Lower Control Arm(s) we always check and or perform an Alignment.
This is to ensure the steering wheel is straight and the tires wear evenly after the control arm(s) are
replaced.

Common Diagnostic Codes

P0506

After replacing the battery, the cruise light flashes has a low idle, and the engine will stall out. Check engine light comes on, sets a low idle speed code P0506.

Issue Identified:

ECM Adaptive Idle Memory Lost

Models Affected:

2006 – 2009 Forester 2.5

2005 – 2007 Impreza 2.5

2005 – 2008 Outback 2.5

Fix:

  1. Clean the throttle body FIRST!
    • After cleaning the throttle body start engine and run until normal operating temperature is reached.
  2. Perform the adaptive idle memory. Reset the adaptive values by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, touch it to the positive battery terminal, then leave the negative cable disconnected for about 15 minutes, and reconnect the negative cable.
  3. Performed the idle relearn procedure.
    • Let the engine idle for 20 minutes. Turn the engine off. Restart and road test with frequent stops to verify normal idle speed

Clutch Replacement

It’s no secret that Subaru’s are great vehicles off-road and in snow conditions because of their all-wheel-drive set up and extra ground clearance. Many models are equipped with a standard transmission or “manual” which uses a clutch set up to disengage the engine torque. Over time the clutch disc material will wear down, much as a brake pad does. Once the clutch disc wears to a point, the engine torque will begin to slip because the clutch no longer has the grip or clamping power to do the job.

The Image Below Is A Great Example Of A Worn Subaru Clutch Disc That Needs Replacement.

Here at Creech Import we routinely install new clutches on Subaru models such as Forester, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, WRX, WRXSTI Legacy, Baha. Also sometimes we see clutch bearing failure before the clutch has reached the end of its use. The release bearing or pilot bearing over time can wear causing abnormal noises, or in extreme cases come apart.

Machining or replacing the flywheel while replacing the clutch is essential to assuring the clutch disc mating surfaces are equal. We also inspect the clutch hydraulics for leaks prior to installing a new clutch. If you own a Subaru and are in need of clutch repair or Subaru clutch replacement, contact Creech Import today!