vtwinjunkie

Interesting, I think I might take a look at having an alternator and fuel pump on hand as that is a good idea.. Also probably wise to bring some basic tools to do said jobs. Thanks man

Wonderful, I will take a look at all of this tomorrow. I replaced the cabin air filter as well last month!

My road trip is fast approaching and I want to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row as far as prepping for the trip. 2005 outback 2.5i Recent work performed: (past 3 months) -New battery installed -Battery cable removed and cleaned excessive corrosion -Drivers side rear wheel hub bearing replaced -Timing belt,tensioner, pulleys, water pump, replaced -Coolant flushed/ added subaru conditioner -Passenger side lower ball joint replaced -All 3 wipers replaced -Cabin air filter replaced (Past week) -Front brake pads and rotors -Complete brake system flush with synthetic dot 3/4 fluid -Accessory (serp) belt replaced -4 tires replaced with Continental Truecontact SL (225 60 16) -4 wheel alignment -Air conditioning evacuated and recharged (system was low) -Axle boots replaced due to small rips (Both front outer) Anyone have suggestions as to anything else I should check out?

Good, haha I cant stand it either.

Do you vape? In all seriousness, My house mate vaped in his car and could not figure out how to get the film off...and it cause a ridiculous amount of fog on windows when he used his heat or ac.

Thats just it, I have tried this and can't seem to find a definitive problem, But the noise persists (It is obviously recent though as it is faint). Perhaps I will just keep driving until it gets worse, The true issue is bound to become annoyingly apparent at some point.

2005 outback 2.5i

Someone had mentioned the sway bar end links. After examination I really don't think they are the culprit. Today I found this bad boy: Specifically here: Other end doesn't look that great either. Rear suspension, I think its called a lateral link....Anyone had issues with it before? This clunk has been driving me nuts for months....But I refuse to just throw parts at it. This is the best lead I have gotten for a cause of the clunk.

This is good info, Mine are actually brown (coincidentally the ones I bought are OEM subaru, also brown. I guess I will hold on to them just in case!

I swear it looked like a single drop of oil though hahaha. (it just hadn't hit the ground yet) Usually I would just wipe it off and wait for it to leak again, But since I am taking a few 1000+ mile road trips this summer I wanted to actually see what was going on back there!

Interestingly enough, I pulled the timing belt cover to see the extent of my leak and found nothing!!! I am dumbfounded. outside of cover Inside of cover behind cover Other side One last one...In the essence of my cheapness....I was pretty happy to not have to take the radiator out by making a tool to avoid it!

Thats frightening. haha.

Not sure If I understand you, but as I mentioned, It is one drop where the timing cover meets the thermostat. So to answer you, I assume that is towards the front? Since reading your post I have parked the car and am now driving my other car. I would hate to ruin it over a cheap seal.

Looks like I am going to pull it apart this weekend and see whats going on. I would hate to have it ruin the timing belt I JUST put on haha. Besides, I have another big road trip coming up next month, so I need to make sure everything is tip top.

Edit....It is not actually leaking! Crazy false alarm. Well, I havent pulled it apart yet, but I assume that I have a leaking cam seal or two. 2005 2.5i outback I have gotten in the habit of looking up under the car with every few fill ups to monitor oil leaks (My head gaskets are still pretty dry with 102k miles on the car/ never replaced). Today I noticed a drop of oil forming at the timing belt cover where it meets the thermostat. Trying to remember whats behind it (aside from looking at a service manual) I assume its a leaking cam seal. Sound right? How many of you have had this happen? Do you always replace with timing belt jobs? this is my first older subi so I was not aware this was/could be an issue. Diddnt see any sign of a leak during my timing belt job 5k miles ago but I have been running 5w30 full synthetic in it since purchased. (I think PO ran synthetic). Perhaps switching to a slightly thicker grade of oil could prolong the leak a bit? I am not in any hurry to tear this down again haha.

Might be a silly question....But have you pressure tested the cap? your coolant system needs to remain air tight in order to work. It doesnt sound like you have even looked at that possibility.

Thanks for all of the responses! I think I am going to hold onto both until a time comes that I cannot afford to keep the WRX anymore (hopefully that doesnt happen). Keeping the miles low will pay off if I need to sell it and in the mean time, I get to look at it each day as I come and go If I can wait 4.5 more years, Then I wont have a payment anymore haha

Post pics man!

Looking at this for my sister: 2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 AWD automatic, new inspection,leather interior,6 cd changer,sunroof,remote keyless entry,132k, drive excellent,alloy wheels,$3750 call Is there anything special that I should look for with this engine? I currently have a 2005 2.5 and I figure this engine is diffrent as far as issues they might have since the h6 is a timing chain engine. I have talked him down to 2,750 sight unseen, but before I even go I wanted to check here with you guys for any issues I should be looking for. Thanks

ORIGINAL ENGINE!?? Sweet man!

Just curious, I have heard mixed reviews about the necessity of pulling the engine for this job. Did you pull it or do the work in the car?

Interesting. I had a similar issue with my Audi A4 back in 2010. The harder I drove it, the more oil it burned. When I drove it hoping to get good gas mileage and on long trips I didnt burn a quart in 4k miles....But when I drove it like I stole it (pardon the expression) It would burn a quart every thousand miles. I ended up just driving it easier and living with it.

Has anyone had any experience with the subaru gauranteed buy back program? wondering how much they will offer me for it.

All very good points. I purchased the car as a sporty weekend/road trip warrior since I commute to work by motorcycle daily. My mind is telling me "I can afford it", But my mid-30's sensible self is hard pressed to justify this expense as a necessity. Now that I have the outback, Both cars fight for my attention on weekends! The only thing that bothers me is the bath I will take if I try to sell this 36k dollar car.