Hi all,

I may be inheriting a '98 Impreza wagon, EJ22/AT, 75k on the clock.

Car runs good, but has 2 issues: brakes are terrible (separate post for that), and it has a speed-dependent roar coming from the rear as I like I'm running snow tires.

I know the older Legacys, at least, had issues with rear wheel bearings--so I'm guessing that's what this is. If I recall correctly, this isn't a cheap operation to replace, yes? Is this do-able for a shadetree mechanic, or best left to a pro?


Also, I know the AT's like to be regularly serviced. This one has a couple odd habits, such as being reluctant to downshift and holding onto a lower gear a bit long after you let off the throttle.

I'm attempting to gather the service records together, but I'm going on the assumption things haven't been done unless told otherwise. Can I perform a filter replacement and fluid change on the AT myself? Or does it have to be done by a professional?

Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate it.

Jon

 

I used to have a 1999 impreza wagon, the rear left bearing gave way at about 45000 miles. The car was flawless besides that. I remember hitting a curb on that side once, so it could be my fault that it went out so early but it could also be a design/manufacturing defect.
Your car is beyond the powertrain warrenty. Bearing work needs a press. You can do it if you have the tools. A good mechanic shop can do it, you don't really have to go to a dealer. The dealer has special press that is not available to anyone else but an good independant shop can do it just fine. It should run in the 200-250 range labour included (65-75 per hour).
You can do an AT flush and fill quite easily. Subaru AT has a drain plug, you can drain and fill the transmission just like changing engine oil. Make sure the car is cold and you need a long thin funnel while filling.
AT filter is supposedly maintenaince free. But it would hurt to change it.

 

Thanks all.

I'm just going to have the tranny flushed when I take it in to have the wheel bearing done. I really don't have adequate time/location to do either myself. I considered draining the AT this weekend and refilling, but I'm worried it has the wrong fluid in it (it's goldish brown rather than pinkish red), and given I don't know what's in there now I'm not enthused to mix 2 potentially incompatible fluids and damage it.