Older/used cars preventive maintenance.
Discussion
My car is 12 years old now, low mileage and here’s what I’ve done so far learned from reading various forums it’s an JDM import….
Maybe we can discuss here what kind of preventive maintenance we should be doing to keep our old cars going for as long as possible…
In my case as soon as I got it I’ve done:
Rustproofing/under-seal
Engine oil flush ( cheap oil in run it for 500 miles drain repeat and then decent oil in).
Coolant flush+new coolant.
Differential oils changed front and back.
New air filter, cabin filter, oil filter.
New spark plugs.
Form doing a bit of research although these could be Subaru specific issues because the car was over 10 years old: new MAF sensor, new radiator and coolant hoses.
Replaced the front control arms with aluminium ones, new ball joints and stabiliser arms while I was at it.
The transmission fluid was changed about two years ago (it’s and auto) so that’s in my list to do..
I’m also planning to replace the both 02 sensors and maybe fuel filter and the fuel pump…
And keep a close eye on the bushings and everything rubber under the car.
And also once every couple of months put some rubber renewer on all the door seals and everything rubber around the car, and UV protection on the dash and plastics…
Any other tips trick and nuggets of knowledge you guys cans share ?
EDIT: Forgot to add also done full timing belt kit ( belt, tensioners, water pump)
Maybe we can discuss here what kind of preventive maintenance we should be doing to keep our old cars going for as long as possible…
In my case as soon as I got it I’ve done:
Rustproofing/under-seal
Engine oil flush ( cheap oil in run it for 500 miles drain repeat and then decent oil in).
Coolant flush+new coolant.
Differential oils changed front and back.
New air filter, cabin filter, oil filter.
New spark plugs.
Form doing a bit of research although these could be Subaru specific issues because the car was over 10 years old: new MAF sensor, new radiator and coolant hoses.
Replaced the front control arms with aluminium ones, new ball joints and stabiliser arms while I was at it.
The transmission fluid was changed about two years ago (it’s and auto) so that’s in my list to do..
I’m also planning to replace the both 02 sensors and maybe fuel filter and the fuel pump…
And keep a close eye on the bushings and everything rubber under the car.
And also once every couple of months put some rubber renewer on all the door seals and everything rubber around the car, and UV protection on the dash and plastics…
Any other tips trick and nuggets of knowledge you guys cans share ?
EDIT: Forgot to add also done full timing belt kit ( belt, tensioners, water pump)
Edited by BDKM on Sunday 26th September 10:32
Edited by BDKM on Sunday 26th September 12:02
I have an Impreza, 04 model WRX.
fuel filter is easy, located near the bulkhead on the passenger side and a 10 minute job, once very 2 years. Keep an eye on the hoses and connections, I had mine all replaced with S/S jubilee clips last time it went in for a cam belt.
Next time it's on a ramp, get the modine hoses and connections checked as well, they have been known to fail, plus they're only cheap and can be replaced when the cam belt is done.I always do the water pump at the same time regardless, and never replace just the belt, always the entire kit as once every 5 years is a bit of an expense but it offers peace of mind.
Leave the O2 sensors until they give an issue. I replaced one in mine 6 years ago and it has been fine ever since, plus don't get genuine Subaru, Denso application is effectively the same item but cheaper if purchased elsewhere, mine came from importcarparts.co.uk a simple phone call had the right part arriving the following day. Also access on an Impreza for the O2 sensor is under the wing via a flap. 10 minute job (although not sure which sensor that is, first or second). Leave the fuel pump alone, yours will probably have the higher capacity one being a JDM, they tend not to fail.
Pull the side skirts off and clean thoroughly, and add some anti corrosion like Bilt Hamber Dynax with a lance into the sills.
Brakes on "new age" subaru's are a pain, sticking calipers are common, I purchased a second hand set of Subaru calipers from Ebay and refurbished myself with S/S pistons and a kit from Bigg Red. Not cheap but it is a problem area on these cars. If yours has Brembo's then it'll be fine, it's the Subaru (Akebono) that give problems.
Keep an eye on the header tank, they tend to leak once old, fix with JB weld or buy a plastic one. Also keep an eye on drop links etc, I replaced all of mine at 100k anyway, front and rear for less than £120. If your fronts are the spherical ball type then replace like for like. rears should be upgraded from plastic to alloy for longevity.
hth. Cheers
fuel filter is easy, located near the bulkhead on the passenger side and a 10 minute job, once very 2 years. Keep an eye on the hoses and connections, I had mine all replaced with S/S jubilee clips last time it went in for a cam belt.
Next time it's on a ramp, get the modine hoses and connections checked as well, they have been known to fail, plus they're only cheap and can be replaced when the cam belt is done.I always do the water pump at the same time regardless, and never replace just the belt, always the entire kit as once every 5 years is a bit of an expense but it offers peace of mind.
Leave the O2 sensors until they give an issue. I replaced one in mine 6 years ago and it has been fine ever since, plus don't get genuine Subaru, Denso application is effectively the same item but cheaper if purchased elsewhere, mine came from importcarparts.co.uk a simple phone call had the right part arriving the following day. Also access on an Impreza for the O2 sensor is under the wing via a flap. 10 minute job (although not sure which sensor that is, first or second). Leave the fuel pump alone, yours will probably have the higher capacity one being a JDM, they tend not to fail.
Pull the side skirts off and clean thoroughly, and add some anti corrosion like Bilt Hamber Dynax with a lance into the sills.
Brakes on "new age" subaru's are a pain, sticking calipers are common, I purchased a second hand set of Subaru calipers from Ebay and refurbished myself with S/S pistons and a kit from Bigg Red. Not cheap but it is a problem area on these cars. If yours has Brembo's then it'll be fine, it's the Subaru (Akebono) that give problems.
Keep an eye on the header tank, they tend to leak once old, fix with JB weld or buy a plastic one. Also keep an eye on drop links etc, I replaced all of mine at 100k anyway, front and rear for less than £120. If your fronts are the spherical ball type then replace like for like. rears should be upgraded from plastic to alloy for longevity.
hth. Cheers
Edited by texaxile on Sunday 26th September 11:01
Edited by texaxile on Sunday 26th September 11:02
steveo3002 said:
i wouldnt touch things like maf /o2 sensors until they need replacing ...unless youre buying parts from the dealer good chance youve replaced them with china rubbish that wont last as well
Ordered straight from Japan bud OEM everything I don’t do China rubbish and OEM stabilisers,ball joints and aluminium Subaru STI control arms, OEM radiator and hoses even the hose clamps I ordered from Japan ….. I order my parts from Japan as believe it or not OEM parts ordered from Japan are actually cheaper or equal to aftermarket rubbish from Europe
Edited by BDKM on Sunday 26th September 12:00
Edited by BDKM on Sunday 26th September 12:09
texaxile said:
I have an Impreza, 04 model WRX.
fuel filter is easy, located near the bulkhead on the passenger side and a 10 minute job, once very 2 years. Keep an eye on the hoses and connections, I had mine all replaced with S/S jubilee clips last time it went in for a cam belt.
Next time it's on a ramp, get the modine hoses and connections checked as well, they have been known to fail, plus they're only cheap and can be replaced when the cam belt is done.I always do the water pump at the same time regardless, and never replace just the belt, always the entire kit as once every 5 years is a bit of an expense but it offers peace of mind.
Leave the O2 sensors until they give an issue. I replaced one in mine 6 years ago and it has been fine ever since, plus don't get genuine Subaru, Denso application is effectively the same item but cheaper if purchased elsewhere, mine came from importcarparts.co.uk a simple phone call had the right part arriving the following day. Also access on an Impreza for the O2 sensor is under the wing via a flap. 10 minute job (although not sure which sensor that is, first or second). Leave the fuel pump alone, yours will probably have the higher capacity one being a JDM, they tend not to fail.
Pull the side skirts off and clean thoroughly, and add some anti corrosion like Bilt Hamber Dynax with a lance into the sills.
Brakes on "new age" subaru's are a pain, sticking calipers are common, I purchased a second hand set of Subaru calipers from Ebay and refurbished myself with S/S pistons and a kit from Bigg Red. Not cheap but it is a problem area on these cars. If yours has Brembo's then it'll be fine, it's the Subaru (Akebono) that give problems.
Keep an eye on the header tank, they tend to leak once old, fix with JB weld or buy a plastic one. Also keep an eye on drop links etc, I replaced all of mine at 100k anyway, front and rear for less than £120. If your fronts are the spherical ball type then replace like for like. rears should be upgraded from plastic to alloy for longevity.
hth. Cheers
Cheers yeah I’ve done the drop links also , and the still we’re done when the under seal was done all the cavities were filled with wax also…fuel filter is easy, located near the bulkhead on the passenger side and a 10 minute job, once very 2 years. Keep an eye on the hoses and connections, I had mine all replaced with S/S jubilee clips last time it went in for a cam belt.
Next time it's on a ramp, get the modine hoses and connections checked as well, they have been known to fail, plus they're only cheap and can be replaced when the cam belt is done.I always do the water pump at the same time regardless, and never replace just the belt, always the entire kit as once every 5 years is a bit of an expense but it offers peace of mind.
Leave the O2 sensors until they give an issue. I replaced one in mine 6 years ago and it has been fine ever since, plus don't get genuine Subaru, Denso application is effectively the same item but cheaper if purchased elsewhere, mine came from importcarparts.co.uk a simple phone call had the right part arriving the following day. Also access on an Impreza for the O2 sensor is under the wing via a flap. 10 minute job (although not sure which sensor that is, first or second). Leave the fuel pump alone, yours will probably have the higher capacity one being a JDM, they tend not to fail.
Pull the side skirts off and clean thoroughly, and add some anti corrosion like Bilt Hamber Dynax with a lance into the sills.
Brakes on "new age" subaru's are a pain, sticking calipers are common, I purchased a second hand set of Subaru calipers from Ebay and refurbished myself with S/S pistons and a kit from Bigg Red. Not cheap but it is a problem area on these cars. If yours has Brembo's then it'll be fine, it's the Subaru (Akebono) that give problems.
Keep an eye on the header tank, they tend to leak once old, fix with JB weld or buy a plastic one. Also keep an eye on drop links etc, I replaced all of mine at 100k anyway, front and rear for less than £120. If your fronts are the spherical ball type then replace like for like. rears should be upgraded from plastic to alloy for longevity.
hth. Cheers
Edited by texaxile on Sunday 26th September 11:01
Edited by texaxile on Sunday 26th September 11:02
I have Tokico callipers not Akebono do they also cause issues ?
I’ll keep an eye on the header tank and the hoses..
What engine oil do you use ? 10W40?
Mines a 2008 3’rd gen Forester next one after the CrossSports that are getting very popular here in the UK and very expensive ….has the same engine as the 05-09 Legacy GT the 2008-2011 WRX , EJ20 Turbo, thanks for the tips!
Edited by BDKM on Sunday 26th September 12:24
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