One big example of this is with aftermarket thermostats, we have yet to see one that even comes close to looking and functioning like the original Subaru part.  Now the effects of installing a lesser quality part may not be immediately known, there is no way that installing the below pictured component in lieu of the O.E. Subaru part is going to do your Subaru any bit of good.   The cooling system in a Subaru really has no margin for error and should always be in the best condition it can if you want to avoid costly repairs. 

The O.E Subaru is on the left, the aftermarket on the right there is really no comparison here.

A thermostat plays a much bigger role than it did in the past as vehicles now have both mechanical and electronic controls.  A weak part in the system can make it difficult for the vehicle’s computer to help regulate or maintain engine temperature based on its programming if the part that was originally installed has been taken out in favor of a thermostat that is not up to the task.  The thermostat starts to open as the cooling system temperature rises, then when the coolant in contact with the thermostat reaches the desired temperature it opens fully to allow full coolant flow.

This alone does not keep the vehicle’s cooling system from reaching the boiling point; the computer also plays a major role by monitoring coolant temperature with readings from the coolant temperature sensor and turning on the cooling fans when the temperature gets to the desired readings that are to be maintained.   A weak thermostat may affect the amount of time the cooling fans are on, and we have seen an aftermarket thermostat cause a “cooling fan rationality check” (PO483) code to be set by the vehicles computer and the check engine light to be illuminated as a result.  The computer is programmed to maintain the temperature for the best fuel economy possible and to help lower the vehicle’s emissions readings.

The cost to you for a thermostat could vary by only a couple of dollars in most cases, but the reason a general repair shop may revert to an aftermarket part is that the cost to them for an aftermarket thermostat will be much less than the O.E. Subaru part. The typical cost for an aftermarket thermostat is generally half the price of the Subaru part.  A good independent Subaru repair shop like All Wheel Drive Auto will know the right parts to use in your car, where we can save you some money, and where there is just no Substitute for the Original parts that came on your Subaru.

Thanks for reading

Justin

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Through the years a lot has changed about diagnostic procedures and more importantly the tools in which are used to help a Technician reach the right conclusions.   Pictured below are the three different Subaru Select monitors that have been in use.  The current version is part scan tool and part pc based platform that also gives us the ability to re-flash a Subaru vehicles ECM (Engine Control Module).  This is an important distinction between us and some of the other shops around, we believe in staying current with the diagnostic tools and procedures to keep you Subaru running its best.

Some Subaru problems pertaining to performance and check engine lights have been addressed with a logic update much in the same way a bug in a pc is resolved with a software update.  This is true of some of the other systems in the car as well.  We believe this is a very important service to offer our customers and a great way to truly fix problems other shops may not be able to take care of.

The Subaru Select Monitor “the original” was capable of reading codes, and one line of data could be read at a time as well as a series of lights to indicate function of various components.

The Subaru Select Monitor II came out in time for OBD II (On Board Diagnostics two) and is a big step up from the Select monitor, being able to read multiple lines of data, tap into other systems the ability to graph sensor readings and it has a built in volt ohm meter with digital oscilloscope.  The Subaru select monitor II has the ability to re-flash the ECM as well with the proper flash cartridge.

The Subaru Select Monitor III is part Pc and part scan tool or pass through device.  The Scan tool has a built in flash memory card and can be used as a “flight recorder” meaning sensor readings can be recorded over the course of a test drive and later uploaded to the PC where the data can be looked at by the diagnosing technician. The new version of the Select Monitor also allows the technician to graph sensor data,  look at multiple lines of data (more than ever before) Reflash the Vehicle’s Computer, program remotes and is a great needed tool to diagnose modern Subaru problems.

We believe one sign of a great repair shop is staying current to offer the best service possible.

Thanks for reading

Justin

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The timing belt has a big job to do it must keep the camshafts spinning in time with the crank shaft.  This is so the valves open up at the proper time in the combustion cycle in correlation with air and fuel coming in, compression and spark exploding the mixture and the exhaust valves opening up to release the leftovers.  At the same time the timing belt needs to turn the water pump and be able to self adjust in current models.  Over time the rubber stretches out above the tensioner’s ability to keep it tight under all load conditions and just like your tires the rubber belt will age, wear and crack and ultimately could break. 

A worn or stretched timing belt can cause performance issues as well as increased fuel consumption, not in miles per gallon but in miles per tank.

Every vehicle manufacturer provides a warranty so long as the maintenance is done, every car company also has a breakdown of vehicle maintenance such as 30/60/90k service with a clear break down of what should be inspected and replaced at particular service intervals.  But what is not understood is it does not look good to list a lot of items to be replaced.  Meaning if you are Subaru or any other car company it doesn’t pay to be truly honest of all of the potential service needs because your car will be perceived to cost more to own than the next and a lot of people make buying decisions based on cost of ownership studies provided by JD Powers, and consumer reports to name a couple.  Subaru and every other car maker leaves it up to whoever is servicing the car to inform or “sell the customer” on items not listed in the maintenance booklet.  This is nothing new to the industry but is one aspect of maintenance if not done correctly can have some serious ramifications.

There are many different levels of parts quality, some shops will gravitate to the lowest cost part and as long as its new and lasts the standard warranty period of one year that’s all that matters to them.   Next the skill level of Techs can vary greatly as well.  If you are calling around for the best price on a service you really need to understand there may be a difference in the quality of the service your Subaru will receive having the timing belt done isn’t nearly as good as having it done completely with quality components by Technicians that really know what to look out for on your Subaru.

We approach this the right way, service your Subaru so there are no problems later by doing the job complete so there is no reason to go back in one or two years later.  We offer a lower price than the Dealer service department but in some cases will be priced higher than a tire store offering a timing belt replacement.  This is going to be a typical situation across the country, independent Subaru repair shops will typically be lower priced than a dealer service department but more expensive than “John Doe’s auto” and that is typically because we know the right parts to use and take pride in offering the best service possible.  John Doe may not realize the green idler pulley is going to fail, or that there is a service bulletin pertaining to the timing belt tensioner and bracket.

The timing belt should be replaced at the 105k interval but the procedure to replace the belt is more complex than just replacing the belt.  Part of the timing belt replacement procedure is to remove the timing belt and inspect the timing components.  If after inspection any or all of the timing components are found to be questionable they should be done.  This includes the timing belt tensioner, timing belt idlers, water pump, and cam and crank seals.   The large expense of replacing the timing belt is the labor but once the Technician is behind the timing covers there are a lot of things that can be done to limit forward going ownership costs.  We hear all the time about the dealer or another shop replacing the timing belt and leaving a tensioner to fail at a later date.  This first picture shows what can happen when a timing belt tensioner is left to chance.  This tensioner was ignored by a Dealer service department in another state only to fail 6 months later and the cost was significant as the timing belt came off and valve train damage was done.  What could have been done for $152.00 or so (depending on the dealers mark up above list price) Turned into a $2000.00 valve job plus the cost of the tensioner, damaged timing belt and the time without a functioning Subaru.   

The idea of replacing the timing belt only and thinking the tensioner or idlers are going to last another 105k without any issue is a gamble.  I am not suggesting that every part needs to be done every time but in the case of the timing belt tensioner it really is a must replace in my opinion or you are just inviting a problem.

This is a picture of a first generation 2.5l that need to be inspected as part of a quality timing belt replacement procedure.

You can see that there is a lot more to a timing belt than just the belt, all of the components that are located behind the timing covers and that can affect the life of the timing belt all need to be inspected.  Notice the way the timing belt is putting pressure on the water pump (the part with the hose attached on the right)

These are the components of a second Generation 2.5l The idler on the right has been superseded to the one in the middle but can still be used.

Next is a picture showing the difference between the O.E. Timing belt idler and one made by an aftermarket parts company.  The original part used and the one superseded by Subaru call for a double bearing type idler and this one shown in the picture is a far cry from a part that “meets or exceeds” original parts manufacture.  

No matter how you look at it, the parts in the two pictures above are not of the same quality and if you aren’t careful you could end up with the green one and worse for the same price as the one next to it.  If it lasts the warranty period but not much longer it will cost more to correct it a second time. 

There is no need to sacrifice quality when saving money.  A good independent Subaru repair shop can save you money over a higher priced dealer service department and do much more for less.   That is what we offer at All Wheel Drive Auto, complete repairs you can rely on.

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The 2000 to 2004 Subaru Legacy, Legacy GT and Outback have had some problems with leaks at both the high side hose from the AC compressor to the Condenser (mounted in front of the radiator) and the Low side AC hose from the Compressor to the Evaporator core (in the Dash area).   These leaks should be caught early to prevent non function or worse a system that works while it is low on refrigerants and oil as well.

A standard AC service usually runs $129.99 from now until the end of June we are going to offer this service for $99.99.  This service includes a before and after performance test, leak test, complete recovery and recycle of refrigerant in the vehicle, evacuation of the system to remove moisture and increase AC system performance, new oil and refrigerant back into the system.  If during the test we find a leak is present we will bring this to your attention as just like a hole in a tire, if it isn’t repaired it will just leak back out.  Not to mention that a leaking AC system is very hard on the environment as well.

Call 425 828 3600 to schedule an appointment or via email service@allwheeldriveauto.com

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After a long career at 2 dealerships both as a technician and more importantly a Subaru Parts expert he has brought his extensive Subaru parts knowledge, desire to help customers, and real passion for Subaru to All Wheel Drive Auto.

When Ken is not working, his 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback can be found at trail heads all throughout the State and at many Local Subaru events.

Look for updates to Ken’s Subaru as he wants to show the typical things these cars go through and some of the modifications that can be made and show the potential of the car.

Below is what Ken has been up to lately

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After upgrading the Turbo and struts it was time to upgrade the brakes without breaking the bank.

We went with a very good quality but lesser known rotor from Centrix.  The real important thing to point out is the rotor finish, the paint in the drilled holes and cooling fins will greatly increase the life of the rotor and keep it from prematurely delaminating.

Everyone has an online opinion about which brake parts to use on what, but most comments come out only months after the parts have been put on.  This WRX had slotted and drilled rotors that came apart when the non painted holes in the rotor allowed the porous portion of the rotor to become rusty.  These rotors were on the WRX for a few years before this happened but a better quality rotor would have lasted longer and we know which drilled and slotted rotors not to use.  The enemy of efficient braking is heat and slotted or drilled rotors help keep brake temperatures down.

We decided to upgrade to steel brake lines to decrease flex in the lines, now we do not typically suggest doing this if you hit the trails with your Suby.        

Last is the friction material we went with Hawk HP plus pads front and rear.

So if you own a performance enhanced WRX or Legacy GT that is due for brakes why not upgrade your brakes instead of just replacing them.

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We have donated a 30/60/90k service to The Children’s Miracle Network.  This offer is good on any 1997 to 2007 Subaru Vehicles.  There is a silent auction at the Kirkland Costco @ 8629 120^th AVE N.E. Kirkland, Wa 98033 for our donation, if you own a Subaru and are due for any Subaru factory scheduled maintenance we would encourage you to go to Kirkland Costco and place a bid on your next service, you will most likely save money over the cost if you paid to have it done directly and you will be doing something for Children’s Hospital across our country and Canada. The bidding ends on Sunday May 17th there are a couple of tables as you exit the store with our donation and several other donations from other local area businesses who want to help.

We look forward to taking great care of this year’s highest bidder.

Thank you

Justin & the crew @ All Wheel Drive Auto

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One of the typical things that will happen to your Subaru is over time you will hear an increased amount of wind type noise coming into the cabin area of the car especially at freeway speeds.

For certain Subaru models there is an updated part called the door gusset that will resolve this issue for you and bring back some of the piece and quiet you used to enjoy in your Subaru.

There is actually a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) number 12-82-04 pertaining to the updated gussets on certain model Subaru’s.  Other models in some cases can have the gussets adjusted to resolve the noise.

The updated gussets are part number 61158AE00B for the right, and 61158AE01B.  These updated parts fit the 2000 to 2004 Subaru Legacy and Outback platform.

There are some measurements that Subaru suggests making prior to replacing the gusset jut to insure replacing the gusset is necessary.  The first is between the gusset and the glass with the door closed and the window up, if it is more than 2mm the gusset should be done the next is with the window down if the clearance is more than 5mm the gusset needs to be replaced.

Below are some pictures of the replacement process.  The door panel and mirror have to come off to replace the gusset.  The clearance needs to be checked after the gusset is replaced and adjusted if needed.

The picture doesn’t do justice to the gap formed btetween the glass and the door gusset.

The gap is gone.

Fixing the gap in the Door Gusset will greatly diminish the wind noise coming into your Subaru from the window and will quit driving you crazy.

Thanks for reading

Justin

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How to Lock Your Car and Why

I locked my car — as I walked away I heard my car door unlock I went back and locked my car again three times. I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to the store. When I looked straight at them they did not unlock my car again.

How to lock your car safely -

While traveling, my son stopped at a roadside park. He came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later and found someone had gotten into his car, and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator briefcase…..you name it…

 He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into - the police told him that there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device..

They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the store, restaurant, or bathroom and have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer said to manually lock your car door-by hitting the lock button inside the car, that way if there is someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim it will not be you.

When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting…it does not send the security code, but if you walk away and use the door lock on your key chain - it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be stolen. Something totally new to us…and real.

Be aware of this and please pass this note on…look how many times we all lock our doors with our remote…just to be sure we remembered to lock them….and bingo someone has our code…and whatever was in the car…can be stolen

Thanks for reading

Justin

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I know I appreciate the safety of all 5 of our Subaru’s, the ability to go where I want regardless of the weather.  This winter, in Seattle proved to be the perfect time to own a Subaru and how smart did you look if you owned one.

I enjoy the utility of my Outback, my wife loves her Forester, and we both have fun with the WRX.

The 1992 Legacy won’t die and even survived my hydrogen boost project.

We see many Subaru owners from all different walks of life at the shop; I talk to many people all over the country (sometimes I am surprised where the calls and emails come from) and we have learned that through the good and bad there is always one or many reasons people love there Subaru.

What do you love about your Subaru?

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