plarsen111

I am fairly sure it is my clutch, but thought I would ask. As the title says, when I let out on the clutch, especially in 1st gear from a dead stop, it makes a squealing and grinding sound. Could it be something else, or is it the clutch? If it is the clutch, simple fix, or big repair bill based on your experience. 180k miles. Thanks to everyone for their help/advice. Phil

I need to replace the CV joints on my 1999 Subaru Forester. Every now and then someone does an excellent job taking pictures and posting them on the web, or at least does a nice write up on how to do this. Anyone know of any such websites or articles? Also, I have a bunch of PDF's on repairing my forester that I bought and downloaded from pdftown.com, but I am not finding anything about replacing cv joints in there. I do a search for "cv", "joint", and "constant" (as in constant velocity), but it comes up with nothing regarding the cv joint. Is there another word I should be searching for? Such as half axle (no luck ;-) Thanks in advance for all your help. Phil

Time to change the front and rear differential fluid. I remember a couple of years ago someone told me I had to use a special differential fluid for this car. Any idea what that is? Also, is this something I can do myself? The shops want $50-$60 per axle. More than I like to pay:-\ Thanks, Phil

I have a 1999 Forester. Check Engine Light is on. I had it check out, and the guy said the Oxygen Sensor needs to be replaced. I inquired about what would happen if I didn't have it replaced, and he said it could ruin the catalytic converter. Is this true? Do I really need to have it done to the tune of $400? Thanks, Phil

Anybody have any idea on how to remove drum brakes? I need them removed so I can replace wheel bearing. I bought PDF manual and it simply says, "Remove Brake Drum from Assembly". On the next page it goes on to say, "NOTE: If it is difficult to remove brake drum, remove adjusting hole cover from back plate, and then, turn adjuster assembly pawls using a slot type screwdriver until brake shoe separates from the drum." Note: I only need the removal of the drum brakes to get to wheel bearing. Does this mean I have to take apart drum brake, or will the whole thing come off as one piece? Note: I got the cover off. I learned how to release the parking brake;-) Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks, plarsen111

I am seeing quotes on the internet for a shop to do the job--roughly $350-$450. Is this both sides, or just one? Thanks, plarsen111

Jamie, thank you. That is an amazing tutorial. Question for you or anybody. The tutorial outlined the process for replacing front wheel bearings, and mine are rear wheel bearings. I have drum brakes. Is the process pretty much the same, and is it easy to remove drum brakes to get to the bearing? Thanks, Phil

First of all, I want to really thank everyone who responded. Very cool. I did hear one person say to put in the same type of bearing (ball bearing) rather than tapered rolling bearing. Should I really do this? For the most part, I am reading that I need to put in the tapered rolling bearing. Thanks again, Phil

I was wondering if someone could help me out with a rear wheel bearing problem. 1. Guy says it needs to be put on with a press. True? Then this means I can't do it at home? 2. If I get the tapered bearing instead of a ball bearing, then it should last a while (like all the other Subaru's I've owned)? 3. Should I use the dealer, or any shop (assuming they have a press)? 4. If you have any other info that may be helpful, like brand of bearing or whatever, then I will be very greatful. Thanks, Plarsen111

I am not sure if it has always had too much body roll on the corners, or if it is getting worse. I do know that I want to fix it. I am not a mechanic of any sort, but should I go to one, what should I suggest he do? Change the shocks, install a new stabalizer bar, install stronger coils? Basically, I want the body roll to go away. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. plarsen111