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05-01-2006, 09:45 PM | #1 |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
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Maintenance FAQ: Read if you have any maintenance questions
Where do I find my maintenance schedule? Subaru.com has the up to date maintenance schedule information and is more accurate that what can be found in your owner's manual. The website link often changes, but as of right now, http://www.subaru.com/owners/index.html, then click on Vehicle Resources, enter VIN/choose car and hit Search. Now find and open the Maintenance and Service .pdf. If you notice a conflict between what your dealer says, what your owner's manual says, or what it says on mysubaru.com, always defer to the advice of the maintenance schedules found online.
My dealer wants OMG $$$ for my XX,000 service, what do I do? Visit your local NASIOC Chapter or Regional Area. They will have advice for you as to which shops can help out. Also, talk to locals. There may be local maintenance/install parties going on and local people will either do the maintenance for a small fee or teach you how to do it. Also, many times dealers will stick on "recommended maintenance items" onto your XX,000 mile service to pad their fees. Subvert this by printing out your schedule from the above link and only allow them to do what is 100% necessary. If they give you grief, offer to call 1-800-SUBARU3 in front of them and discuss which is more correct, SOA's maintenance schedule or the dealer's "recommended maintenance schedule". Then watch the back pedaling. Another option is to take the maintenance schedule to a local shop such as Firestone, Goodyear, etc. as their labor rates are usually cheaper than dealerships. It may be advisable to bring your own fluids though as they sometimes use what they have available rather than OEM spec fluids. While this may or may not get you some small discount, it will give you piece of mind knowing that you have the right fluids in your car. Always ask for the empty containers back! For any maintenance shop: Avoid add-ons. This can be in many forms. My favorites: Fluid flushes. This is a machine that pumps numerous gallons of fluid, usually under pressure, to ensure that all the old fluid is out and you have 100% new fluid. While this is a great marketing tool, your engine is designed for drain and fill, not flush and fill. SOA's stance: after emailing SOA, they stated they have no stance on this issue pro/con or good/bad. But there is a stance when it comes to cooling system flushes, so refer to the Cooling System FAQ for more info. The "come look at your dirty air filter" trick. Jiffy Lube is famous for this. Simply tell them that your filter is doing it's job and a dirty filter actually filters better than a clean one and you aren't scheduled to replace it until XXXX miles. You might actually get one of those guys to see the logic which is funny too. Oil additives. Just say no. Can I do my own maintenance? Yes. Contact locals for help as it's always best to have experienced help. Otherwise, use the below for help: a. www.scoobymods.com has tutorials for most Subaru maintenance items. While many of them might not be 100% specific to your model, much of the advice applies from say a Forester, applies to your STi. b. scoobymods jacking instructions c. The Tool FAQ should be able to answer all your tool questions. d. Clubwrx.net has a nice tutorial section as well. e. Search for your maintenance on NASIOC. f. Though you may ask maintenance questions on NASIOC, it is probably best to ask in your local forum as you just might get an offer for local help. g. Shop manuals: https://haynes.com/en-us/car-manuals/subaru or https://www.chiltondiymanuals.com/repairmanuals/subaru or you can buy the $$$ shop manuals from your dealer or download them for a small fee from http://techinfo.subaru.com. Where can I log my maintenance? mysubaru.com is a wonderful place for maintenance logging. While possibly more inconvenient than traditional logging methods such as a car notebook or receipt saving, mysubaru automatically logs all Subaru dealer service. This website should only be used for logging and perhaps seeing if you have any recalls as their maintenance schedules are WAY out of whack with the official SOA maintenance schedules. Who is the OEM fluid manufacturer? Provided by: John Mergen/Sam Hasen/Takita Kashwa of SOA customer service: engines are filled with: Nisseki-Mitsubishi 5W-30 manual transmissions are filled with: Subaru 75W90 High Performance Gear/Transmission Fluid (formerly known as Subaru Extra-S 75w-90 gear oil) automatic transmissions are filled with: Subaru ATF rear diffs (except: STI) are filled with: Nisseki-Mitsubishi 85w-90 gear oil STI rear diffs are filled with: Subaru LSD 90LS 90wt What brand/type of brake fluid should I use and how do I do it myself? Scoobymods.com instructions To make brake fluid swaps much easier consider speed bleeders and/or a vacuum brake bleeder. A speed bleeder is simply a replacement bleed nipple with a non-return valve in it. This allows you to open up the nipple and squeeze the old brake fluid though the system, without having to close the bleed nipple closed after every brake pedal depression. A Vacuum brake bleeder is a hand held vacuum pump that attaches to the bleeder. This allows you to hand bleed the brakes at the caliper instead of having to pump the brakes. For the majority of owners, the OEM fluid is fine. This is especially true if you are using a big brake kit as the better your brakes, the less stress this puts on your fluid. That doesn't mean that if you use your brakes HARD during mountain driving or numerous autocross/HPDE events that you won't benefit from higher quality brake fluids though. For people seeking a "Stage 1" upgrade over the OEM fluid, popular brands include Valvoline Synpower and ATE Blue. For more advanced users, you will want to research the cost/benefits of the more expensive brake fluids. For more advanced users: To find out how much moisture is in your brake system, one can buy a brake fluid tester, a brake fluid moisture meter, or brake fluid test strips. Use these terms in google and you will see examples of these devices for sale. For high tech users, you can use a Kernco Digital Relflectometer to check the water content of DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids. As a rule of thumb, if your brake fluid has reached 2-3% moisture, it's time for a change regardless of when you last changed it. Background information: This link contains a wealth of knowledge about brakes and brake fluids. Be sure to read the entire post as unlike the traditional "Unabomber FAQs", this one has lots of wonderful information throughout the whole thread. Stoptech's Brake Fluid FAQ Brake fluid is to be considered a consumable item. Buy fresh and do not reuse old supplies unless you discover leaks or fluid loss over say a week's period after the initial fill. To dispose of your old brake fluid, many states treat it the same as old motor oil, so for most, just add it to your motor oil pan and dispose of it that way. Call your local waste recycling facility for the best answer though. What brand/type of transmission fluid should I use and how do I do it myself? The Subaru 5MT can be a picky about what fluid you should use. Popular fluids that have a large fan base are: a. OEM fluid AKA Subaru 75W90 High Performance Gear/Transmission Fluid b. Uncle Scotty's Cocktail of 1qt Redline lightweight shockproof, 1qt Pennzoil or GM Synchromesh, 2qt Castrol HypoyC 80w-90 c. Redline lightweight shockproof d. Motul 300 While we are big fans of sticking to OEM fluids on NASIOC, this is one case where using something not SOA recommended has shown actual benefit, mainly in helping with synchro interaction. You 6MT users can use whatever you like, though there is some benefit by using one of the above fluids as they do aid in synchro engagement. Scoobymods.com instructions Scoobymods.com instructions NASIOC instructions To dispose of your old tranny fluid, many states treat it the same as old motor oil, so for most, just add it to your motor oil pan and dispose of it that way. Call your local waste recycling facility for the best answer though. What brand/type of rear differential fluid should I use and how do I do it myself? The rear differential in Subarus will accept OEM or "better" synthetic fluids without problems, so use what you like on any Subaru rear differential. Since most rear diffs will work 100% fine on the OEM fluid, many consider swapping out this fluid for more expensive synthetics to be a waste. Scoobymods.com instructions R180 instruct***305;ons NASIOC instructions To dispose of your old rear diff fluid, many states treat it the same as old motor oil, so for most, just add it to your motor oil pan and dispose of it that way. Call your local waste recycling facility for the best answer though. What brand/type of power steering fluid should I use, how often should I change it? This is maintenance item that is not covered by SOA schedules. Internet searches say things like every two years, to when the fluid becomes discolored, to 50,000 miles. So, it's a judgment call. Adding this to every 60,000 mile maintenance checklist might be a good compromise depending on your driving style. How to guide. As to what to use, there really is no reason to use any fluid other than what is recommended in your owner's manual. What brand/type of air filter should I use, and how do I do it myself? The Intake FAQ discusses air filters in detail. What brand/type of PCV valve should I use, how often should I change it? The SOA schedules do not call for a specific replacement schedule. Based on internet searches, it might be advisable to add it to your major 30,000 mile maintenance schedules. If you remove the PCV valve and shake it back and forth, you should hear it click back and forth. No rattling sound indicates it's stuck and needs replacement. Unlike other maintenance items, there is almost no research into PCV valves. Suffice it to say that most consider the OEM and aftermarket PCV valve on the same level, so use which is easiest to obtain or based on personal preference. scoobymods instructions Helpful link Helpful link Helpful link What brand/type of fuel filter should I use? Unlike other things, there is almost no research into fuel filters. Suffice it to say that most consider the OEM and aftermarket fuel filters on the same level, so use which is easiest to obtain or based on personal preference. scoobymods instructions for fuel filter replacement.
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Last edited by Unabomber; 04-18-2019 at 02:02 PM. |
05-01-2006, 09:47 PM | #2 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 6030
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Northeastern PA , USA
Vehicle:04 Gold FXT 07 WRB FXT Sport |
What brand/type of drive belts should I use and how do I do it myself?
OEM belts are fine, but you can usually save some money by picking up your new belts from NAPA. The NAPA brand belts are made by Gates. Gates is the manufacturer of the OEM replacement belts. So now matter where you buy them, your belts will have Gates stamped on them. No name belts from your local auto store tend to howl like a banshee, so this is one case where you want to spend more and not have to worry. Kevlar timing belts from Greddy, STI, Gates, PE, etc. are an expensive option and for 99% of users are wholly not needed as OEM or OEM quality belts are not prone to failure. Now when you do your timing belt, there is a lot of debate about what you should do while you are in there already. Other things you can do are timing belt tensioner, oil pump, idlers, water pump, cam and crank seals. The only must replace item is the timing belt tensioner and some even forgo that. The other items are not particularly wear prone and could be replaced if you see a problem with leaking when the timing belt cover is off. Mind you, there are doom and gloomers that suggest replacing every bit under or near the timing belt cover, but rest assured...unless you see a problem, there is no dire need to replace things just for replacement's sake or you feel it's in your car's best interest. subarugirlies.com accessory belts instructions clubwrx timing belt instructions Scoobymods timing belt instructions Meatys Timing Belt Changing Guide This link is to the SPT timing belt instructions What about my front oxygen sensor? This will usually fail and throw a CEL letting you know it's failed, or lacking a CEL, it is seen in the form of terrible gas mileage. Some add it to the 60k service as a preventative measure. Subarus are picky about oxygen sensors though, so for 100% compliance, use an OEM oxygen sensor from your dealer or online Subaru discount vendor. You may save money buy using aftermarket, or you may spend twice when you find out it doesn't work....choose wisely. Install instructions What about cleaning my Idle Air Control Valve (non drive by wire cars) or Mass Air Flow Sensor? For the IACV, this link provides detailed instructions on how to do so. For the MAF sensor, this link provides detailed instructions on how to do so and recommended intervals. While not a maintenance item per se, it might not be a bad idea to clean these with every 30K service interval and perhaps prior to tuning. What brand/type of motor oil should I use and how do I do it myself? The Oil FAQ should be able to answer all your oil related questions. What brand/type of coolant should I use and how do I do it myself? The Cooling System FAQ should be able to answer all your coolant related questions. What brand/type of spark plugs should I use and how do I do it myself? The Spark Plug FAQ should be able to answer all your spark plug related questions. Though not a real maintenance item, what about fuel injector/system cleaners? This link is probably the best source on these cleaners. While it does not cover all brands, it provides a wealth of information. That being said, gasoline is filtered at the refinery, the gas pumps, and by your fuel filter. Many believe that fuel injector cleaners are not needed on today's cleaner burning engines. Whether you wish to use them and how often, is up to you. How do I find out how much of these fluids to add? All fluid quantities are listed in your owners manual. All fluid amounts for all Subarus cannot possibly be listed here. Break open your manual and find out. Also remember that just because it says (made up quantities for example) you will need 2 gallons of coolant, does not mean you will use 2 full gallons. It's always wise to fill/check/fill/check/fill/check to ensure you do not overfill any fluid level. Use the listed specs in your owners manual as a worst case, then rely on the dipstick or indicator as to how much you have really need. With all fluid fill-ups, check for leaks or top-up fluid levels a day later and with each fill-up or other schedule you feel most comfortable with. Also keep in mind that if it says (made up quantities for example) you will need 2 gallons of coolant (or whatever fluid), that you won't necessarily see 2 gallons come out when doing a fluid swap. The amount leftover in any fluid swap is taken into consideration by SOA engineers, so draining for days, performing a "flush", or using unusual methods to get every last drop out is not necessary. Editors Note This post was created because I wasn't able to find a good maintenance FAQ. I came up with the text based on LOTS of searching here. It was also created to be intentionally brand neutral so that it serves as a stepping stone for further research. Upon reading this you should have an idea of what type of maintenance or maintenance items best suit your needs. If you find an error in this FAQ, please PM me with factual details and I will update this post. Responses such as, "I use Pep Boys for service and it's great!" or "XXX's brake fluid is the bestest" are not appreciated here, that is what the NASIOC Reviews Forums are for. Last edited by Unabomber; 06-15-2014 at 08:15 PM. Reason: Sorry...needed the space :) |
05-01-2006, 10:31 PM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 67661
Join Date: Aug 2004
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Chicago, IL
Vehicle:2004 WRX sedan Blue |
Some 04's (and possibly later on) have a T-70 Torx bit for the trans drain plug, most places dont carry this, I had to order mine from England or something. Even the Craftsman catalog and Snap-On catalog that I looked at didnt have them in there.
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05-09-2006, 06:00 PM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 78074
Join Date: Dec 2004
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: NoVA
Vehicle:2005 STi Aspen White |
unabomber , when are the schduled maintence and service .. like what milages are u suppose to bring ur car in. do u have a like or list?
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05-09-2006, 08:26 PM | #5 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 73591
Join Date: Oct 2004
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: In the lab
Vehicle:Up Back in Boston Rollin the RSX |
From calling a dealership today looking for OEM transmission fluid I found out that the OEM is Castrol 75w90 gear oil. Just an FYI.
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05-10-2006, 09:02 AM | #6 | |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy |
Quote:
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05-12-2006, 08:42 AM | #7 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 50992
Join Date: Dec 2003
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Vehicle:09 Tribeca Worst subaru blue |
I didn't see anything about belts. Posting the correct numbers for oem and aftermarket like dayco would be awesome. Also for original diameter and underdrive.
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05-12-2006, 08:50 AM | #8 |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy |
Posting belt info would be nice, but I've been down the part number road before and I won't go there again. Once I post a part number, SOA will change it on me and I will be updating my FAQ like 900 times a day as everybody and their brother will be hounding me with their new part numbers. I'd like to really, but it's too much work in the end.
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05-23-2006, 08:55 PM | #9 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 57283
Join Date: Mar 2004
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Loudoun
Vehicle:2014 4.7L of TT Fury w/ 4Matic |
Quote:
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05-24-2006, 11:58 AM | #10 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 59993
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region:
International
Location: WWAAYY west of the Mississippi
Vehicle:Ass, grass or cash no one rides for free!! |
another great FAQ.
thx.. |
06-10-2006, 11:02 AM | #11 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 62856
Join Date: May 2004
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: McDowells
Vehicle:MBP SQC#197 Stockpiling parts... |
On the rear diff fluid. What brand is the oem fluid? This is for the WRX. I tried a search but didn't come up with anything.
After 45 mins, looks like it's valvoline 75w90 gl5 of course. Am I correct on this? Last edited by Magnum626; 06-10-2006 at 01:00 PM. |
06-16-2006, 11:38 AM | #12 |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy |
Yep. SOA uses all Valvoline as OEM fluids.
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06-27-2006, 03:36 PM | #13 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 88758
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: MAIC
Vehicle:2019 Mustang PP2 |
So if SOA uses Vavloline 5-30 on all new cars, would it make sense if you wanted to use a dino oil to use Valv. 5-30 instead of say Castrol 5-30.
I am changing the oil on my 06 wrx and it has 6k miles on it. Just looking for ideas/thoughts on which oil would be better (if there is such a thing). |
06-27-2006, 06:29 PM | #14 |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy |
Regular 5w30 is regular 5w30, manufacturer makes very little difference, so use what you want. There really is no better oil as long as you change it as often as needed.
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06-27-2006, 07:32 PM | #15 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 88758
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: MAIC
Vehicle:2019 Mustang PP2 |
Quote:
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06-29-2006, 06:21 PM | #16 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 114096
Join Date: May 2006
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NYC
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Can't find the answer to this question anywhere.
Does anyone know if the 2006 WRX TR has the same spark plugs as the 02-05 WRXs or the STis because of the 2.5L engine. I want one step colder plugs for my upgrade but there is no info on what to use. Thanks |
07-05-2006, 11:48 PM | #17 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 64609
Join Date: Jun 2004
Chapter/Region:
E. Canada
Location: London, Ontario
Vehicle:2002 WRX wagon PSM |
^^^ your owner's manual will tell you exactly what spark plugs it uses
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07-13-2006, 05:54 PM | #18 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 103261
Join Date: Dec 2005
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I have an 04 STI with 24,000 miles and the guy at an EZ lube said I needed new steering fluid. I think he even said its recomended by subaru. Does this seem like its way to early, I have never taken my car to the track and I drive it very calmly. How do I know if it is discolored? (ie what color is it?)
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08-01-2006, 03:47 PM | #19 |
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:1957 Taggart Comet atlasshruggedpart1.com |
^^He's probably just trying to extract more cash from you. Look in your manual, but I'm pretty sure there is no regular replacement interval for power steering fluid (It doesn't have the heating etc issues that brake fluid has.) FWIW my 95 Legacy has 170k on the original steering fluid and still steers just fine.
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09-06-2006, 11:04 PM | #20 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 33457
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region:
PRSIC
Location: 430 whp & 400 wtq 22 psi 93oct
Vehicle:HAHA EVERYONE KNOWS DYNO JET IS NOT REAL WHP |
here is a link to read plugs. unabomber add this to the faq
http://www.densoiridium.com/howtoreadusedplugs.php |
10-20-2006, 09:00 PM | #21 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 129227
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Stall Out Problem
Unabomber,
Any chance you could take a look at my stall out problem posted on 10-18-06 by vancarlson? It continues and I went to autozone today to pull the code. It read Freeze Code 1507 MAP/ BARO Switch Solenoid Circuit. Do you have any ideas on what my be causing my stalling? What components are supposed to control engine idle that might be going bad? Again, it seems to be heat related as the problem NEVER occurs within the first 5-8 minutes of driving. Thanks in advance. |
10-30-2006, 05:00 PM | #22 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 128721
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: TN
Vehicle:2002 impreza WRX psm |
Just for reference another fuel filter option:
Baldwin BF 1048 good filters, they make alot of diesel engine filters. I work for a diesel engine shop and I called the place where we get our filters just outta curiosity and they had one for the suby. |
11-18-2006, 04:14 PM | #23 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 132565
Join Date: Nov 2006
|
Service schedules
For service schedules, you can get the same thing in a simpler format here: http://www.servassistonline.com/Suba...ection_SUB.php. way less if you ask me
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11-27-2006, 07:24 PM | #24 | |
Big Ron
Super Moderator Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy |
Quote:
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12-04-2006, 03:35 PM | #25 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 35584
Join Date: Apr 2003
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: www.chrisarella.com
Vehicle:1965 FFR Roadster Coyote + TR-6060 |
About the belts:
I know someone asked about belt part numbers already but how do I know which one to go with? OEM, Power Enterprises super strong, Greddy Extreme or the STI? I've read all over the place that the Japanese race teams use the PE belts, but are the more expensive aftermarket belts worth the money? I'll have a vf37 twinscroll setup installed soon and an estimated 300whp if that help. |
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