The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi guys. I'd like some help on figuring out how to fix a few things.

- Headliner is loose and rattles
- Powersteering resevoir says it's full, but it periodically acts dry until I add another 100 mL or so
- Spotlights stopped working, but I had a the relay acting up back in January, leaving them on continuously until I wiggled it
- squeaks over bumps, even going over a speed bump with just the front wheels and I have new shockies there.

I might have some more issues that I don't know how to fix, but so far I think I'm fine. I have to diagnose a scrubbing sound, possibly a buggered front wheel bearing due to the collision that bent my strut. Also have a mysterious rattle. I bought a mechanic's stethascope for that and plan to have the L Series up high on jack stands.

I have to go for a "blue slip" inspection to get NSW rego.
My car is allowed to be registered with my WA plates until September 13th.
Hopefully I can nut out these issues before then and the blue slip inspection goes smoothly.

Cheers

Headliner rattles - is it a moulded affair rather than a suspended fabric

as long as PS don't leak it will not fail, swap another relay or pull lights off before inspection.

Go get your blue slip done now, see if it passes, if not the report still remains valid for 28 days, or is it 42 ....? At least you know what they don't like. Can help the demeanour of inspector if you have your old papers for reference - like just a tick against your numbers rather than writing 'em down and cross check, clean engine especially where engine EA82 XXXXXX is stamped, and pull all the loose crap outta the thing so don't all go crashing forward on the brake test.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:Powersteering resevoir says it's full, but it periodically acts dry until I add another 100 mL or so

You need to find where the leak is. Fix it then "prime" the PS system - this is simply done by filling the reservoir, starting the engine then turning the steering wheel left and right lock to lock then checking the fluid level, top up if needed and repeat.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:- Spotlights stopped working, but I had a the relay acting up back in January, leaving them on continuously until I wiggled it

As steptoe said - fix or remove.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:- squeaks over bumps, even going over a speed bump with just the front wheels and I have new shockies there.

Old/dirty suspension bushes. Put up with it or replace.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:I might have some more issues that I don't know how to fix, but so far I think I'm fine. I have to diagnose a scrubbing sound, possibly a buggered front wheel bearing due to the collision that bent my strut. Also have a mysterious rattle. I bought a mechanic's stethascope for that and plan to have the L Series up high on jack stands.

That sounds ominous! As for scrubbing sound, wheel bearings don't make noises like that - they'll make rumbling or whining sound. To test your bearings jack up the corner where the noise is coming from and rotate the wheel. If it's smooth and no noise it's all good. If it's rough and you hear/feel a rumbling noise/vibration it's the bearings that have either gone dry or they've been contaminated usually due to a shot seal.

I have to go for a "blue slip" inspection to get NSW rego.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:My car is allowed to be registered with my WA plates until September 13th.
Hopefully I can nut out these issues before then and the blue slip inspection goes smoothly.

She'll be right mate!

Cheers

Bennie

Thanks guys.

Yes, my headliner is moulded and it rattles. I can push it up near the rearview mirror and the rattles go away.

I haven't sourced the leak yet. Belts could also be partly why the powersteering was heavy feeling. I think my belts are overtightened now because there is a lot more engine load. I will be re-adjusting them later.

I have an appointment on Friday arvo for a blue slip. Fingers crossed.

Scrubbing sound not a bearing? Hmm. Axle shaft rubbing the transmission due to my collision?

2nd Hand Yank wrote:Yes, my headliner is moulded and it rattles. I can push it up near the rearview mirror and the rattles go away.

Put a hole in it and force some sikaflex or something of the like up there, then hold it/place something to hold it while that stuff sets. That'll solve it!

Best of luck on the blue slip!

Cheers

Bennie

I pay particular attention to how both my Subaru's look when they go for their yearly rego checks.
My idea is if the car look like someone cares for it a better impression is given to the inspector.
If the car looks like crap it appears to be unloved and so may tend to make inspectors go looking for issues.
Give the car a decent wash, polish and vacuum and at least the car will be happy.

Thanks guys!

I do need another part:

I need to recalibrate the speedometer,
whether it's a new speedo cable gear
or a speedo cable "converter box" added to the speedo
Where do I get this?

With my current tyres, I'm about 7% larger than stock diameter.
So I'd be looking for gearing to make the speedo turn 7-10% quicker.

Anyone know?

Thanks

RSR 555 wrote:http://www.aisat.com.au/

I don't see gearing for the speedo, or a conversion box.
Are you suggesting I convert my car to an electronic speedo?

2nd Hand Yank wrote:I don't see gearing for the speedo, or a conversion box.
Are you suggesting I convert my car to an electronic speedo?

Sorry, should have explained it better.

Call them for help in recalibrating your existing speedo cluster.

RSR 555 wrote:Sorry, should have explained it better.

Call them for help in recalibrating your existing speedo cluster.

Thanks mate