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.

The left rear wheel bearing and 3 seals cost me $104 from Carquest (Koyo bearing I think). I've heard the Legacy bearings hold up better, but I put a regular Impreza bearing in. You can remove the whole hub and take it to a shop to get the old bearing pressed out and the new in. This will save them time and you money. Heck, Carquest offered to do this for me.

If you just drain your AT fluid like your oil your only getting out 4 qts. I did this twice thinking that I probably got 75% of the old fluid out and my '98 L 4EAT actual shifts worse. Take it to a shop where they have a T-Tech Auto Tranny flush machine for like $75-100 and they will get 95% of the old out. My L with 4EAT tranny holds 8.3 qts of Dexron III.

-Charles-

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.

When I saw this post it made me laugh b/c it sounded exactly like my car. Bought it at 78K and had golden ATF fluid. By 80K I was putting a wheel bearing in it. Now has 90K and everything is ok, knock on wood. Everything will probably cost you around the neighborhood of $200-$250.

-Charles-