Phillip

I'm due for tires on my '99 OBW and looking for a recommendation. Last time I purchased Goodyear 'Triple-Tred'; they only lasted abut 40,000 miles and are VERY noisy. I live in Oregon where it rains a lot, but we get very little snow. I'd sure like to hear your opinions. Thanks

It's time for new front struts on my '99 Outback Wagon. The car is a regular daily driver (no off-road, racing, etc.) and I'll be doing the work myself. Can anyone recommend a supplier and/or brand name of struts you've been happy with? Thanks

I'm going to tow a 2,000 pound tent trailer with my 1999 Outback Wagon and would feel better if I installed a transmission cooler. Anyone have any recommendations to share? Thanks in advance!

My '99 OBW required a rebuild at around 100k; started slipping in second gear.

I've got a set on my '99 OBW that are VERY noisy on the dry highway - are yours noisy too?

My trent trailer is wider than my 1999 Outback Wagon and I'm looking at purchasing a pair of strap-on mirror extensions. Has anyone here used them? How'd they work? Any suggestions about how to extend my mirrors will surely be appreciated.

Wow, thanks for sharing so much information. Sounds like I need a diff from a '96 -'99 Outback, GT, or LSi with a 4.44/1 ratio. If I can't fine one on Craigslist, I'll check my local salvage yards. Hopefully I'll find one before mine fails. Phillip

Thanks to those of you assisting me in diagnosing a rear end noise in my 1999 Outback Wagon. Just as a few of you guessed, it's the rear differential. I found a few used ones on craigslist; one out of a 2001 Outback and a few out of WRX's (my ratio is 4.44/1). Can anyone tell me what other models will interchange with a 1999 Outback Wagon with an automatic trans? Many thanks! Phillip

Maybe a very slight vibration, but not sure. I manage a large municipal fleet shop and have access to a press, etc. Even though the service manual said the shaft wasn't servicable, I planned to give it a try. Nipper thinks it may be the rear diff. I didn't hear any noise when I listened with a stethascope, but it's pretty hard to tell. My center bearing is shielded with a tin cover that I'll need to remove before checkin it out. Whatever it is, the noise inside the car is getting louder. Sooner or later something will break. Hope I figure it out before then. Thanks for the tips. I'll let everyone know what I found (when I figure it out!). Thanks again. Phillip

This sounds like a rotating noise - a roaring or rumbling heard pretty loud in the car. I replaced both rear wheel bearings (one was definately bad), but the noise didnt change. My next guess is either the center bearing or rear diff. Thanks for the reply.

That was the first thing I tried. I then replaced both rear wheel bearings (one was definately bad), but still have the noise. I'm guessing either a center support bearing or rear diff. Thanks for the reply.

My service manual says the center bearing is not replaceable and the entire driveshaft must be replaced. Have you had a bearing replaced at a driveshaft shop?

No, I'm not sure it's the center bearing, but I just replaced both rear wheel bearings and that didn't change the noise. It's definately a bearing noise that gets louder as the speed increases. I planned to drop the shield and listen to the center bearing housing tonight. I listened for noise on the rear differential housing a few weeks ago, but couldn't hear any roughness or vibration. My service manual says the center bearing is serviced with a new driveshaft. Sure hope it's not the differential as I'm sure it will be expensive.

I'm getting some bearing noise from the rear of my '99 Outback Wagon that is not a wheel bearing. I suspect the center bearing/support on the driveshaft needs replacing. My service manual is pretty weak; anyone changed one who could give me a few tips? Thanks

I'm towing a trailer with my 1999 Outback Wagon and need wider mirrors. Has anyone had any experience with the clamp on temporary mirrors they could share? Any recommendations will sure be appreciated.