OldGregg

So I ticked over 90k miles on my outback sport not too long ago and need to get the 90k service done. I'm also hearing what sounds like a bearing in front or center differential when i'm in 5th gear on the freeway. My exhaust is also pretty rusted from being an east coast car originally.

So I'm wondering what I should expect to pay for each service and a good place in San Jose to get the 90k service done, replace the bearing and potentially replace most of my exhaust [everything past the header] with something aftermarket, but not far off from OEM since I'm just driving an NA car. Wish I could do this kind of stuff myself, but I only know how to work on computers. Not cars.

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

I'd probably check out the guys at Speed Element for that. Good Subaru specialists in San Jose that aren't brutally expensive.

Service-wise, until we know what's to be done, it's kind of hard to price it.
If you're only hearing the noise in 5th gear, it's probably not the diff. I'd be kinda looking towards the clutch being worn at 90K miles

For exhaust on an NA car, I'd just take it to Babe's Muffler on Alameda. The shop doesn't look like much, but I can tell you they've done some insane custom work for me and my shops over the years. They can build you a system cheap, and taylor the sound to your liking

OldGregg

Awesome. Thanks. I'll look in to those places.

Pretty sure it only makes noise in 5th. It's still kinda faint but fluctuates in loudness sometimes. Usually louder early in my commute and pretty faint and hard to hear after 5-10 miles on the freeway. The shifter also rattles in 3rd gear, and it increases with RPM. Not sure if that's a common thing or if it's related.

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

Those early 5-speeds weren't known for their strength. You might have a synchro that's going out. Ask the shop, you might be able to get away with a trans fluid change and get suspended particles out of the mix.

verik07

I had my car done, timing belt, a/c belt, power steering belt, water pump, and coolant flush at Auto HQ in Mountain View a few weeks ago and I'm pretty happy with their work and prices. As for muffler, I like going to Classic Muffler near Blossom Hill; they've done exhausts from my S2000 through to my Subie.