1998 Outback Sport: Advice on Repairs Please!
L_Oasis83
09-12-2008, 10:28 AM
Hi Everyone,
I have a 1998 Impreza Outback Sport with ~89,000 miles. I bought the car used; it has been in my possession for about three years. 9 months ago, I had to have a a major repair because my car was unable to accelerate; I had the repair done at the Subaru dealer. I forget the exact parts that were replaced, but it cost around $400.
In July, I took my car to the Subaru dealership for an oil change and they told me that I needed new Valve cover Gaskets and Front Cam Seals because my car is leaking oil. They estimated this repair at about $600-$700. (At that time, I also needed new front breaks, which was a pain but I understand that it is just routine maintenance). I opted to wait on the gaskets and seals because I am a graduate student and broke.
Now, there are new symptoms--a loud rumbling noise when idling with the brake depressed, such as at red lights. In addition, the car "clicks" or "thuds" both when I first take the foot off the brake and when I move into 1st or 2nd gear or back down. I have an automatic.
This brings me to my main question...I have an appointment at the dealership on this Wednesday. I am going to have them do my scheduled maintenance, check out the rear brakes, and check out these new noises. BUT--can I wait on the valve cover gaskets and front cam seals? There is no visible oil under the car after parking, no smell of exhaust, and I check the oil level routinely. Is it ok to wait on this repair? It is quite costly and if the car is going to start having more and more of these problems, I may decide at some point to give up rather than pour more money in.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
Lydia
I have a 1998 Impreza Outback Sport with ~89,000 miles. I bought the car used; it has been in my possession for about three years. 9 months ago, I had to have a a major repair because my car was unable to accelerate; I had the repair done at the Subaru dealer. I forget the exact parts that were replaced, but it cost around $400.
In July, I took my car to the Subaru dealership for an oil change and they told me that I needed new Valve cover Gaskets and Front Cam Seals because my car is leaking oil. They estimated this repair at about $600-$700. (At that time, I also needed new front breaks, which was a pain but I understand that it is just routine maintenance). I opted to wait on the gaskets and seals because I am a graduate student and broke.
Now, there are new symptoms--a loud rumbling noise when idling with the brake depressed, such as at red lights. In addition, the car "clicks" or "thuds" both when I first take the foot off the brake and when I move into 1st or 2nd gear or back down. I have an automatic.
This brings me to my main question...I have an appointment at the dealership on this Wednesday. I am going to have them do my scheduled maintenance, check out the rear brakes, and check out these new noises. BUT--can I wait on the valve cover gaskets and front cam seals? There is no visible oil under the car after parking, no smell of exhaust, and I check the oil level routinely. Is it ok to wait on this repair? It is quite costly and if the car is going to start having more and more of these problems, I may decide at some point to give up rather than pour more money in.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
Lydia
inafogg
09-12-2008, 12:41 PM
hello,if your not loosing any oil & you dont see anything on the ground i'd be suspecious if you have a leak!!!!take a look under the hood see if you can see any oil from valve covers/seals.Good Luck
btw if you dont see any leaks how well do you no repair shop????
if you do no & trust them ask them to show you the leak
btw if you dont see any leaks how well do you no repair shop????
if you do no & trust them ask them to show you the leak
YAMMAN
09-14-2008, 11:42 AM
the seals/gaskets may be leaking, but if there is no oil on the ground and you check the oil regularly, you will never have to replace those seals. one day they may start leaking more oil, but you wilL notice it when you check the oil level. WAIT TO REPAIR.
for the grinding/rumbling noise, i suspect you have a broken engine mount, or maybe an exhaust problem.
good luck
for the grinding/rumbling noise, i suspect you have a broken engine mount, or maybe an exhaust problem.
good luck
inafogg
09-15-2008, 04:48 PM
just so your aware of the service that will be recemended to you at 90k
its a pretty thorough changing all fluids/filters tune up ck. brakes,belts tire rotate/bal ect.i dont no what there prices are but i'd guess 300 unless they find you need brakes,belts ect then it will be more
its a pretty thorough changing all fluids/filters tune up ck. brakes,belts tire rotate/bal ect.i dont no what there prices are but i'd guess 300 unless they find you need brakes,belts ect then it will be more
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