Pasta

Thanks Texan, perfect.

I've wondered about that, Rooster2. A concern would be the high water pressure forcing water into places it shouldn't be (around gaskets or onto electrical boards or something?). Was also concerned about splashing cold water onto a hot engine, but I guess that happens when driving in the rain. Maybe I'll give it a try sometime...the driveway will be a lot cleaner

Didn't know it was going to post the Youtube link like that. Sorry, hopefully I didn't break any fourm guidance. Please let me know if that is okay or if I need to remove it.

Hi everyone, Purchased an 05 OBW recently. The leaking HGs and torn CV boot were repaired, but plenty of oil and grease cooked and caked over parts of the bottom of the engine, AT pan, and filter. Tried the Gunk Heavy Duty Gel. The can says to protect electrical components, but this video by Gunk says it is safe on electrical: I did not protect the electrical. Sprayed on a cold engine, waited almost 10 min followed by a thorough rinsing from below, then from the top of the engine to rinse off anything that may have splashed up. It did a fantastic job -- surprised how clean it is. No problems yesterday or today with the car or electrical system. Hopefully this info helps somebody

My Autozone has a lot,but none labeled for Subaru. Will keep looking at some of the other area stores mentioned above. Maybe I'll take one of the "tabs/clips/captive nuts" there and try to match that way. Thanks for the tips, everyone. Hopefully the post helps others, too.

Check out this thread: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/148956-power-steering-flush-procedure/ I've done it on both of our Subaru's. You dont have to start the vehicle. Good luck, it is pretty easy.

Thanks Forester2002s and Rooster2. Good tips. Will probably do the zip-tie trick. If anyone knows the comparable Ford/GM/whatever size that works in the Soob, please post.

Hi all, Not sure what they're called and can't find any threads on USMB. But I'm talking about those plastic, Christmas-tree-looking pins that expand and hold the plastic shield in place in front of the vehicle under the radiator. The stealership wants something like $3 or $4 each! Don'g mean to sound cheap...it's only a couple bucks, and only 3 are needed, but it feels like such a rip-off! Went to a couple big box stores this morning. They had ones for Ford, GM, and Toyota (container of about 8 for $6.00). None for Subaru. Took a guess and it was too small. Tried using zip-ties, but that did not work out b/c some areas had nothing to wrap it around. Anyone know the sizing (or where I can look it up) of these retaining pins and/or where I can get some? Thanks, Pasta

You can see a picture of the boots here: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BHH0/16055/01259.oap?year=2005&make=Subaru&model=Outback&vi=1430734&ck=Search_brake+guide+pin_01259_1430734_2894&keyword=brake+guide+pin&pt=01259&ppt=C0064 the small ones were torn, causing reduced motion and difficult removal. Also, it looked like they were lubricated with anti-sieze instead of brake grease. Could that have caused the rubber to break down?

Hi All, Decided to grease the brake caliper guide pins before starting a brake bleed on a ‘new to me’ 05 OBW earlier today. Removal of the bottom guide pin on both front wheels was extremely difficult. This bottom pin is different from the top -- in addition to the main rubber boot, there is an additional small boot that stays snug against the bottom of the pin. This boot was torn and limiting movement of the pin. I think the boots on the vehicle were aftermarket. I replaced them with aftermarket because the dealer is too far away and I was running out of time to get the job done. Once replaced and greased, the pins were moving *much* better. However, when the brakes eventually need replaced, will also replace the guide pin boots with an OEM kit. Just wanted to make a recommendation to get OEM brake caliper guide pin boots if you ever need to do it. The aftermarket ones on my car and the ones I bought seem cheaper and likely to tear again. When bleeding the brakes today, I possibly over-tightened the bleeder valves and am now worried about it. Will be closely monitoring brake fluid level, and looking for leaks over the next several days. Is this common… could there be damage? Any recommendations? Thanks, Pasta

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum! Lots of really smart and helpful people here. Most of my questions are answered by lurking in the search bar. I've owned 4 other makes of cars and the Soob is easiest to work on. Safe travels back to WA!

I had similar symptoms on a recently purchased 05 OBW. Turned out to be a transmission mount. lstevens told me to jack up the front end - stick a pry bar between the transmission and the transmission mount and flex it. That reproduced the 'squeak' and I could see the torn rubber. He stopped over the house yesterday and we swapped it out...much easier than I thought. Thanks lstevens, problem solved!

What a story! Glad you're not injured. These cars are tanks, aren't they?

Great advice, thank you! I will PM you later in the afternoon.

Hi Everyone, First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there Second, If there is another thread here that addresses this: please post--couldn't find one addressing this specifically and dont want everyone to have to repeat themselves. Looking to purchase 1998 Legacy Wagon. 4cyl. 164k miles. Asking only $1200 Owner disclosed a leaking HG. States it overheated "1 time" (of course, I dont know if that's true). Says he keeps close eye on the levels and no overheating since. New radiator. No other leaking fluids/other issues. Selling it b/c has 4 vehicles and does not want them all anymore. *Question 1: what is the liklihood of the Heads needing replaced vs. resurfaced? *Question 2: For those who have had a resurfacing, what did you pay? Will also have the timing belt/water pump, etc done while they are in there. I'm expecting this to cost around $1500-2000? *Question 3: how can I evaluate for signs there is damage? It is my understanding that the danger of a leaking HG is that the engine could overheat from low coolant and cause engine damage. Are there any other reasons a leaking HG would be dangerous? Thanks for your help...on a budget and need a reliable vehicle. We are very happy with my wife's 09 Forester. Pasta