Subaru Front suspension rattle

Subject: Front suspension rattle

Vehicles Involved: 2006-2008 Subaru Tribeca, 2009-2011 Forester, 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008 - 2011 WRX, 2008-2011 STI

Condition: Severe rattle from front end when traveling over bumps or rough roads.

Repair Procedure: Inspect front end for any loose or worn steering or suspension parts. Inspect stabilizer bar clamps and clamp bolts for damage.  When replacing suspensions with rubber/urethane bushings you should tighten with the full weight of the vehicle at normal ride height.  It is important to have the springs supporting the full weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued.  If springs are not at their normal ride height position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur. Replace if required, with new revised Subaru bushing illustrated below.

Bulletin RCB 12-03

Subaru recalls 275,000 SUVs in U.S. over seat belts

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Subaru is recalling about 275,000 Forester SUVs in the United States to replace a rear seat belt part that may not allow proper installation of a child restraint, U.S. safety regulators said.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Subaru is recalling the 2009 through 2012 model year Foresters because the automatic locking retractor in the rear-center seat belt assemblies doesn't meet federal requirements, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For that reason, the assemblies may not allow proper installation and secure attachment of a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury, NHTSA said.
Subaru will install a newly modified automatic locking retractor and the recall is expected to begin on or before April 13, NHTSA said.
A Subaru spokesman said there have been no accidents or injuries related to the issue.

2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on and my mechanic is saying that one of the four cylinders is failing. Note that this mechanic performed at 60k tune-up. He is suggesting that at a minimum I replace the failed head and that I should probably do both considering the small increase in labor at that point. I'm willing to have the work done, but am concerned that the perhaps this isn't the actual problem?

Answer:

I would not commit to a head(S) as 125k and being a Subaru. Rarely are the heads a problem. I would get the trouble code and CLEAR explanation as to why they want to replace head. There could be so many other min- minor things affecting the cyl. I would def get a second opinion. I am not ruling out a possible headgasket etc.. but.. this is a big job, lots of $ and does warrant a clear/ accurate explanation as to why they are quoting this work

my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Question:

2008 Subaru outback : Last Sunday, my wife and I both used our key fobs at the same time, and while she was able to start the car with her key, we couldn't auto-lock it. Now, I just went to drive the car for the first time since then, and my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Answer:

If the vehicle is totally dead the problem could be the battery, that is where I would start. See if it can be jumped and if it starts see if anything was left on in the vehicle to drain the battery if nothing is noticeable have the battery tested.

Belt squeals when I start my car?

Question:

Belt squeals when I start my 1998 Subaru. Stops after 5 seconds. What can be done at home to help stop this?

Answer:

This is almost always the alternator belt being loose. If you adjust the belt, the sound should go away. In some cases the belt may need to be replaced depending on wear or cracks in the belt.