QuestionHello, I have read a few posts on this site regarding oil leaks. I own a 1996 Legacy Outback 2.5 Auto. Lately, I have noticed some smoke coming out due to an oil leak. When I took it to a mechanic (not sure if it was the right place)...the response was that the timing belt needs to be changed (not sure when it last changed); transmission fluid (they said it's really dark) needs to be changed & brake fluid needs to be flushed.
1. I am no expert at this but spoke to a few people and brake fluid flush & transmission fluid change came as a surprise to them. My Outback has 120K miles on it. Is there a need to change transmission & brake fluid?
2. They mentioned that the car has rough idle? I am not sure what that means. Can you please describe?
3. With the oil change, repair facility mentioned that they are not sure where it's leaking from; so it could be the seals or the oil pump. They mentioned that they have to remove the covers..not sure what covers. A 3hr labor time was described for this, does this sound correct?
4. Also, new AC belt was recommended.
5. The windshield liquid dispenser is not working. I have checked and the little black dispensers are not clogged. What could be causing these?
Thanks a lot for all your help. I highly appreciate it.
AnswerAt some point, did your mechanic diagnose the oil leak or smoke concern? Or, did they just try to sell you fluid services, that will not address your original concern? Be very cautious if they sound more concerned about flushing than fixing. As far as those services go, Subaru does recommend flushing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles and changing - not flushing - the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. So, if they are past due, then get that service done soon.
Rough idle means maybe, an engine miss. Do you have a check engine light on? Does the engine sound different than it used too? Using more gas? Low in power? The whole car shakes when you are at a stop light? All of that can some times mean you have a rough idle. On that car, spark plugs are due every 60,000 miles and at 120,000 miles you may need spark plug wires if they haven't been replaced before. Again, get a good answer on your oil first!
The oil leak is probably at the front of the motor, and they cannot tell where until the front timing covers are removed. To an extent, they are right. An experienced Subaru tech can give you a pretty good idea of what is leaking before the covers come off, but, not 100%. You very well may need the oil pump resealed, oil pump o ring, front crankshaft seal, all 4 cam seals, and all 4 cam caps resealed. The timing belt has to come off to do this, so if that hasn't been changed recently then I would put a new one on. Consider a new water pump since it isn't much more labor, and new ac and alternator belts since there isn't any more labor. Also, have them make sure you don't have a leak at the rear of the motor. That is not uncommon. If you have leaks, then you really want someone who knows what they are doing. This could get really expensive, and you don't sound like you have a lot of confidence in your current shop.
The most common cause for the windshield washer not to work is clogged lines or nozzles. If they are clear, then you may have a bad pump, or even a bad windshield washer switch...which is very expensive. We have even seen things in the washer reservoir that have blocked the washer fluid flow.
I hope I have been of some help. Good luck. Z
