Got a bit problem with the clutch(Manual)

[vp920b]

Well, it's a normal workshop, the wheel bearings around 265 each and timing belt around 680 dollars, including the bearings and stuff.

So it's quite high, since your mechanics only costs you around 900 total. The labor quite expensive I think, 72 dollars per hour(working for 3.5hours). But yea, it still cheaper than the Subaru Dealer.

About the key, the mechanics told me I need to re-program the key and costs me around 75 bucks. I don't know what happened to the spare keys, but I need to get it fix soon.

If I may know, where is your mechanics Jim?

Thanks

[teK--]

72/hour is about average for a workshop. Remember you aren't paying the tech's wage but for the whole shop's running expenses.

I didn't know the wheel bearings were that much, but if they are and also you had the timing belt tensioners/pulleys replaced too then the price seems fair. I just use the shop near my work, Burwood Brakes & Exhaust. Great service and reasonable prices.

[vp920b]

Well, it seems I got a problem now.

A while ago, I want to with my friends having dinner together but I need to canceled it.

I just start the engine and went for a drive Just went out from my street, my engine makes like "keeerrrr-keeeerrrr" noise, not from the clutch, and then it seems like won't run. I think I got a problem with the timing belt.

Then I went back, start making those noise, even though just 3-4 seconds. I'm afraid to go anywhere. I need to put it back to the workshop tomorrow.

Damn... Do you know what's going on to my car?

[teK--]

Without having more specific info about the noise and based on the work you have done recently there is a chance it could be a tensioner or pulley wheel which is not set up properly.

If you are concerned it may be a good idea to get the RACV to come out and do an initial assessment on your car before you drive it to your mechanic. It may be a case where it should not be driven and should instead be towed into the workshop to minimise chance of engine damage if the timing belt slips.

If you don't have RACV cover they charge a small amount callout fee for non-members.

[vp920b]

Well I think I will take it to the workshop(just 3 kilo's from my home).

Yesterday was OK and FUN, today just horrible.

Thanks for the advice Jim. Really appreciate it.

[vp920b]

Just got back from the workshop. The mechanics said it was fine, nothing problem. They check visually and also drove it.

They do accelerate hard and no problem at all. Oh well, I don't know why is it yesterday.

[vp920b]

I just changed my wheels into used 17" liberty wheels and Potenza adrenalin tires.

But I felt this car goes slower, not like when I use 16" wheels.

Then I got problem with thermostat now, need to change for 140 bucks.

I don't know why this car got many problems.

Because when I went back from fitting the tires, then I went to the wheel allignment, the engine temperature raise to the middle between the red line and white stripe. I'm afraid this car can blow up, but after that it can drop again to normal temperature when I went to the workshop.

I just hate when my car got many problem.

Is it normal for 5 years old car?

Thanks

[teK--]

It's quite strange that you would notice any difference in acceleration going from 16 to 17 wheels; the weight difference should be minimal. Have you checked your tyre pressures? Low tyre pressure will cause more drag and more rolling resistance.

I run 40psi front and 42psi rear, both measured when the car is cold.

As for the thermostat it should last longer than 5 years in most cases but you haven't stated how much the mileage is; also the previous owner may have neglected to change the coolant on time. I replaced my thermostat at 5 years old as a preventative its only a $30.00 part and cheap insurance.

$140.00 sounds expensive. For that price they should be using genuine Subaru Coolant and thermostat (don't use generic coolant), and including a pressure test of your cooling system.

[vp920b]

It's quite strange that you would notice any difference in acceleration going from 16 to 17 wheels; the weight difference should be minimal. Have you checked your tyre pressures? Low tyre pressure will cause more drag and more rolling resistance.

I run 40psi front and 42psi rear, both measured when the car is cold.

As for the thermostat it should last longer than 5 years in most cases but you haven't stated how much the mileage is; also the previous owner may have neglected to change the coolant on time. I replaced my thermostat at 5 years old as a preventative its only a $30.00 part and cheap insurance.

$140.00 sounds expensive. For that price they should be using genuine Subaru Coolant and thermostat (don't use generic coolant), and including a pressure test of your cooling system.

Wow, your tyre pressure very high Jim? The standard on the driver door around 34 max.

The thermostat changing the OEM thermostat, coolant maybe aftermarket, maybe pressure test for cooling system and labor.

I just try to turn around corner 90 degrees at 50-60km/h and after the turn it's like the last time when my car won't go, maybe it's from the clutch or flywheel I think.

But my steering became a bit to the left(not straight) like when I use 16", just did a wheel allignment this afternoon. Is it normal? Since the steering a bit to the left?

If I can't stand with 17" wheels, maybe I will change it again with 16" wheels(even though my standard wheels should be the 17" wheels).

Thanks and really appreciate your advice Jim.

[teK--]

whether it should steer to the left depends on not only your wheel alignment but the slope of the road. Try and find somewhere really flat like a carpark but it normally should go relativley straight when on flat ground.

[vp920b]

I just did a wheel allignment before the hard turning.

But my steering now a bit to the left. After changing the wheels also make my steering to the left.

I don't know why, after changing wheels, my car making a problems again. And my fuel consumption drop to 11.2/100km, before is around 9.6/100km.

I think I want to trade with someone that want to sell the 16" wheels

[teK--]

If you are unsure about the wheel alignment after making the checks I suggested, perhaps go see my friend Reade at Pedders in South Melb. Although not every 2 wheel alignment machines will give the exact same results, I have found his machine and skills to be the most consistent out of anyone I regularly use.

[vp920b]

Yes, I will go to Pedders ASAP too, but can't this time.

I just make a decision to use my old wheels back. I hope it still in the workshop, I can't stand using this tyres, I don't know why.

Feel so much slower, less fuel cons, and several other problems.

Thanks Jim.

[teK--]

Whatever the issue is, it sounds very strange! Good luck with it let us know how it turns out.

[vp920b]

Today,

I just changed the thermostat, changed the radiator coolant and etc.

The real problem now are on my AC fan and radiator fan, it's not working on idle and it's only working if I'm moving around 30-40km/h the fan works.

So that's why my engine is overheating on idle and yesterday already peaks to the red line.

The thermostat, the workshop doesn't want to be paid. Lucky me for that but the worst thing is for both fans, it costs me 1000 BUCKS AGAIN!!!

This is really annoying since I thought Subaru is a reliable car and it can be used for 10-15 years with a minimal problems(since my auntie boyfriend use Liberty gen 2 1998 and no major problem at all).

I just disappointed with Subaru. I think I will write a letter to Subaru.

Thanks all