Subaru Cooling System Repair Centre

Your cooling system plays a critical role in your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Internal combustion engines are designed to run at maximum efficiency within a narrow temperature range. Outside this range, and engine will use more fuel, or run poorly, and overall engine reliability and longevity will be reduced. If your cooling system fails altogether, the engine will overheat, which could cause head gasket failure, and damage to bearings and pistons. The cooling system is vital.

Your Subaru engine is kept at the correct operating temperature by liquid coolant pumped through internal galleries in the engine block and heads. Heat from the internal combustion process is transferred from the engine to the coolant. The coolant then passes through a radiator which transfers the engine heat into ambient air passing through the core. The system is efficient enough so that even with ambient temperatures past 50 Celsius, the engine will still run too cool if the flow of coolant is not regulated, which is done by two parts of the cooling system: the thermostat, and the electric cooling fan controlled by a thermostatic switch.

When engine temperature gets too low, the thermostatic switch cuts power to the fan, and the thermostat closes off the flow of coolant from the radiator to the engine. As the engine gets hotter, the thermostat valve opens to allow hot coolant to flow though the radiator and the thermostatic switch turns on the fan to increase the flow of air through the core. This system keeps the temperature so constant that the driver will not see the temperature gauge move, once the engine has reach operating temperature.

At All Drive Subaroo we are aware of the importance of keeping your car cool under the bonnet, and we routinely check for leaks or other problems with your head gasket, hoses or radiator., Most of the time any fixes required are easy and simple but some are more complex. We recommend regular inspections for leaks around the Subaru heads.

All Drive Subaroo are Subaru cooling systems experts. When it comes to your radiator,or any other part of your car’s cooling system, we are the people to see.

Phone us anytime on 02 9915 9900 for expert advice

The Subaru Cooling System Comprises the Following Parts:

  • Water pump

  • Radiator

  • Thermostat

  • Thermostatic switch

  • Electric cooling fan

  • Various rubber hoses

  • Drive belt

  • Cabin heater core and fan

  • Radiator caps on header and radiator

  • Overflow tank

  • Remote header tank

  • Head Gaskets

We have all these components in stock and ready to go. Visit our Online Parts Store

Difficulty of Subaru engine overheating diagnosis

Given the complexity of the cooling system, problems with maintaining correct engine temperature or with retaining coolant, might have a number of causes and diagnosis can be tricky. Many customers have come to us with what they think is a head gasket problem, and are greatly relieved when it proves to be a problem with other parts of the cooling system. When you bring your car to All Drive Subaroo, our technicians thoroughly inspect the engine compartment and cooling system to determine what work or service is required. Checks that we are able to perform include:

  • Power vacuum bleed of system
  • TK check
  • Engine compression test
  • Cooling system pressure test
  • Fluid dye test
  • Cylinder speed test
  • Electrical diagnosis using Subaru SSM machine

One very common problem occurs when cooling systems are fully drained and then refilled, either as part of a routine service replacement of coolant, or following cooling system or head gasket repairs where the coolant is drained. Modern Subarus cannot simply be filled up with coolant from the header tank or directly into the radiator. If this is done there will be large pockets of air left in the system, and the engine will overheat. There is no bleed nipple on Subaru engines to ensure that all air is out of the system, and the only way to do this properly is by use of a special coolant vacuum purge and refill kit that sucks air out at one end, while drawing coolant in at the other. Not all workshops have this equipment available, but as a specialist Subaru service center, ADS does, as well as all other specialist tools and equipment required to service Subaru cars. Whatever the problem is, we can most likely fix it for you on the spot.


Genuine Subaru Radiators vs cheap knock-offs

A few decades ago, car radiators were made from brass and copper, highly durable materials, and easy to repair. There used to be a thriving business in reconditioned radiators, and radiator repairs such as re-braised or soldered tanks, and flushed and cleaned cores. Modern cars however use much thinner aluminium cores and plastic tanks. When these fail, they often cannot be repaired. This has created a new market for replacement radiators, and after-market manufacturers, notably Chinese companies, have been quick to jump in. The Chinese built after-market replacements are less than half the price, but they are virtually non-serviceable. They are a copy of the OEM Subaru design, but the build quality is inconsistent. We have tried to install units supplied by customers, only to find that the mounting points do not precisely align, or the unit is slightly too wide for the mounting frame, requiring a little distortion to fit. We have observed that these radiators inevitably fail after only a short time, and in demanding conditions, simply fail to keep the engine cool. This is because they use less metal—one or two rows of honeycomb cooling cells instead of three, as in the OEM Subaru units, and high quality Japanese made after-market units. The Chinese units also use inferior seals to hold the top and bottom tanks on, and generally thinner gauge materials all round. The result, all too often, is overheating and an expensive engine repair that could have been avoided. OEM Subaru radiators, and other quality units built in Japan, are not cheap, but they are of very high quality. We keep a large stock of OEM Subaru radiators, and high quality Japanese built after market units in stock, and we are very aware of the importance of making sure your car engine stays cool and in optimum condition. Ensuring your car engine runs at the correct temperature, may involve a radiator fluid exchange, a simple part replacement or more complex repairs.

Cooling System Services we Offer

If you are having problems with your cooling system, and are not sure if the head gaskets are involved, check our comprehensive head gasket page for all the information you need.

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    what our clientS say about us

    Facebook Reviews
    5.0
    Based on 69 reviews
    After our Forester engine blew up, we chose an ADS Level 3 remanufactured engine. Never has our car been so thoroughly inspected as ADS did. They sent photos of every part that needed to be repaired or replaced and we were amazed at the poor condition of some. Tomas and Robert gave us much advice along the way and communicated frequently to keep us fully updated re work and costs. We followed all their advice on what should be done and are extremely satisfied with the finished job - completed a week or so sooner than expected. We were most impressed with their factory when Robert took us through it. Two fills of fuel show the consumption to be 9.2 and 9.1/100km. We'll add a review in 12 months time and trust it will still be a glowing one.
    Thanks to all the ADS people for the great job done.
    Alex Mortensen
    Alex Mortensen
    1688082662
    After going through multiple performance garages having issues with aftermarket tunes, Gab at ADS was able to diagnose and isolate the mechanical faults that were contributing to a lot of my problems not picked up by previous mechanics/tuners. Car was given the full treatment and new tune and has never driven better! Thanks again to Gab for putting a smile back on my face when I’m behind the wheel of my Rex. Absolutely would recommend ADS to anyone.
    Matt Balyck
    Matt Balyck
    1686487736
    The guys at All Drive Subaroo were helpful with the selection of gearbox to suit my car and plans for it. The price was really good and the box was built for me in less than 2 days. They sourced Subaru genuine parts I needed and had all of it packaged up ready to pick up. Top quality work by top blokes. Thanks for helping me to get my car back on the road.
    level 3-Remanufactured SOHC engine assembly and reconditioned cylinder heads along with few other things for my daily liberty. got it back yesterday after a month at the workshop. happy with outcome. Great service and workmanship. Cheers ADS definitely recommend.
    Josese Nelson
    Josese Nelson
    1639780351
    The staff were terrific. Knew what I needed and could afford.

    Such a relief to be back on the road feeling secure that the Gearbox will do what it is supposed to do.

    thanks guys, and the mum who answered the phone sometimes.
    Peter Gooley
    Peter Gooley
    1628062291
    Big thanks to the guys at ADS, they saw me on short notice to prep my STI for a track day, sent me progress photos and kept me up to date regarding pick up. They go above and beyond, more so than your dealership or standard mechanic and make you feel really comfortable about leaving your car with them because of their attention to detail and quality work. Highly recommend!
    Recently we had to sort out what to do with our ageing Subaru MY 07 Liberty GT that we have loved for many years: repair or sell?
    A Subaru Service centre in our town, couldn’t help in our decision; it’s just getting old!!
    All Drive Subaroo in Peakhurst was our next stop. We ventured from 100 km away and were greeted by the best customer service person we’ve ever had to deal with in over 30 years.
    He was welcoming and courteous and promised to return the car that afternoon with an answer.
    We highly recommend that if you’re in Sydney,or elsewhere, and you have a Subaru, get it checked by All Drive
    Subaroo.
    That’s a slam-dunk: you’ll get the best service the best attitude and honest answers. Overall, a great experience.
    Chris I would like to thank you along with Issac and Niazi and all involved in getting my sons car back on the road for him.

    Unfortunately it was left up to myself to make arrangements to have his car repaired due to the long hours that he works and the stress that he felt he was under given the fact that he had only purchased the car in the last 3-4 weeks using all his savings to do so.

    I choose Alldrive Subaroo after doing some research online and reading all of the positive reviews.

    Being 53 I personally had no experience with these types of cars (I have added some photos of my cars to show how far my knowledge is with these WRX cars so you can understand)

    I can say that I was treated from the start to the finish like a VIP everything was explained to me in a manner that I could understand as well as all cost upfront.

    Its very rare these days to get the service that I received from every one that I spoke with along with pictures sent of the engine building process.

    All this gave me full confidence that you guys were doing the right thing by me knowing that I was six hours away lack of any knowledge and a father willing to do what ever was needed for his son.

    My son will be given strict instructions that his car is only to go to you guys for any maintenance/service needs that it may require

    Truly Thankful

    Robert Davidson
    Rob Davidson
    Rob Davidson
    1601019333
    The guys were incredibly knowledgeable, turned my situation around and brought my WRX back from the dead better than ever.
    talked about what i wanted and tailored it to suit, kept me up to date every step of the way.

    awesome upgrade, and awesome people.
    will be going straight back for future modifications
    Jordan Boulton
    Jordan Boulton
    1589875146
    Rang these guys today for some technical advice. I am in South Australia, so can't call into their workshop. Rob was extremely helpful and took the time to talk me through some possible faults and steps I could take in diagnosing and repairing my sons Forester. Genuinely helpful and know their Subaru's. Will be calling again if I need the parts to repair. Thanks Rob.
    Michael Thomson
    Michael Thomson
    1588643003
    Very professional and enthusiastic.
    Niazi really knew his stuff , great to deal with and got me back on the road ASAP 👍👍🙏🙏
    Nick Frazier
    Nick Frazier
    1580691192
    Cost, transparency and expertise!
    Let me tell you something about these guys , my car went into them 2 months ago , towed it to all drive subaroo coming from another mechanic who have failed my engine badly , these guys put their dedication and time into my car , they cared and did all they can , thabk god for these guys , my car has now been returned home in perfect condition , thank you so much to every single one of yous who did all for my suby , appreciate it 😍😍
    Just wanted to express my gratitude and big thanks to Gab from All Drive Subaroo. Upon having to pull over to the side of road due to engine acting up and not knowing the problem whilst waiting for a tow truck. Gab pulled over to offer his help, I was surprised by his kindness to offer on helping. After diagnosising the problem and temporarily fixing it, I was very appreciative of his dedication to help others in need and expertise. Again, thank you for your help tonight Gab. Would recommend All Drive Subaroo roo for all other fellow subie owners!
    Peter Nguyen
    Peter Nguyen
    1568292143
    Great service and advice from Chris and Robert at ADS. Very competitive pricing and excellent workshop.
    Benjamin Go
    Benjamin Go
    1565588856
    I called up for advice having just bought my first Subaru, a clean white 04 liberty sedan 3.0SpecB six speed manual, (pre facelift, non-centre diff control) and had questions about the viscous coupling and gearbox, and the amazingly helpful bloke on the phone couldn't have explained it better or more simply, aftermarket LSD's, their own uprated viscous couplers, how to test the viscous coupler (by jacking one wheel and trying to move it, smooth resistance is what you want).
    What more could you ask for?
    I'm looking for more advice having just bought a 2.5 '04 wagon 5spd with low range, as a replacement for the sedan whose nose was broken, whacked by a young girl texting and driving her Mazda.
    I'll eventually give All Drive Subaroo some money for their services, gladly.
    Five stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
    Adam Blakeley
    Adam Blakeley
    1555831205
    I got my 2016 WRX serviced here and I couldn’t be happier. Their customer service and professionalism is second to none.They even steam cleaned my engine bay. I will never go back to a dealership again
    A+. Thanks Guys love your work
    Steven Glyntzos
    Steven Glyntzos
    1554806552
    Fantastic to Deal with. They know the product. Amazing
    I had planned a track day with my GC8 WRX STI on Sunday, so took it for a quick drive around the block on Saturday to make sure it was running ok. 5mins into driving it wouldn’t rev cleanly over 3000rpm. I’ve had issues with this before and thought my Sunday Track Day was over unless I could find someone to fix it on a Saturday?? All Drive Subaru was open so limped the car out there where Isaac had a look over it for me. After diagnosing what could be wrong he systematically looked at about 3-4 issues which was causing the car to do this which he explained to me as he went through them. This took 2.5hrs which was 2.5hrs after he was meant to finish his shift and leave but stayed because he wanted to find the solution to get my car running so I could get to the Track Day on Sunday. Needless to say after 2.5hrs of not rushing but fixing the problem and any associated problems which could have arisen on my Trackday the car ran perfectly. I went to leave & fix them up for the 2.5hrs Isaac had spent on my car and Niazi and Isaac said “Don’t worry it’s on us”!!! I would have been ready to pay anything for their effort and getting me to my Trackday the next day where apart from being disappointed I would have lost $300 not being there. I didn’t want to leave without paying for there service but they insisted.(I had never been there before). I’m actually blown away by a business that provides this type of customer service that is so genuine, honest and passionate. These guys are next level in knowledge, quality and honesty as a business and Subaru’s. I’m definitely a convert and will be using these guys for all my existing and future needs as I develop my STI.
    Jason Chan
    Jason Chan
    1539560130
    awesome service, accurate and helpful advice. Pricing was very competitive too.
    Paul Duce
    Paul Duce
    1538470529
    Motor gearbox and diffs all working well. 1500klms done. Could not be happier. Well worth the dollars spent. 10 deserts here I come
    John Dixon
    John Dixon
    1523262175
    Excellent service and competitive pricing
    Customer service n assistance is far beyond my expectations
    As a pensioner its full value for money
    Management n staff are friendly helpful n at times funny its like family thank you so much
    George Pieri _customer new
    Giordano Pieri
    Giordano Pieri
    1521608779
    Just bought my first Subaru late last year and absolutely stoked I decided to visit ADS.
    If you want something done right on your Subaru, this is the place you want to take it!

    Such a great team there who really love their Subarus and show that same love to their customers cars.
    They always spare the time to ensure you get exactly what you want....or better than you thought possible!
    js_loader
    Facebook Rating
    5.0
    Based on 69 reviews
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    Google Business Reviews
    4.8
    Based on 364 reviews
    Excellent service, friendly staff.
    Sumesh Misra
    Sumesh Misra
    1701033329
    Listen I delt with Gabriel the expirence was first class new his stuff inside out he listened to me then come up with a plan further to that I received a quote and it was impressively sharp. Keep it up and thank u.
    Aaron Paul
    Aaron Paul
    1700178616
    Mark
    Mark
    1696315917
    If you want the best in everything, here is your absolute go-to Subaru workshop. I have all new diffs and transmission that have transformed my car into something more capable and durable than anything you will find in a showroom for any price, and my car does get tested in rough rural situations on a daily basis. Too many improvements to list here, but new engine is next. ADS workmanship is second to none.
    Ash Chaya
    Ash Chaya
    1695958337
    Ben Turner
    Ben Turner
    1695354639
    Prompt and informative service. Transparent upfront pricing. Much appreciated. Will use this company and recommend it.
    Stephen Wall
    Stephen Wall
    1694058086
    Donna Ly
    Donna Ly
    1693983270
    I made the leap from dealer Subaru servicing to ADS and won't be looking back. What a drastic change this was. From easy booking process to the servicing and to pick up, Robert is absolutely exceptional and the place is extremely friendly and professional. They really took great care in explaining the issues and the service process. The prices are fair and reasonable and I haven't had a Subaru service before where I have walked out already wanting to book the next one in. Car drives great now. Thanks again to Robert and the ADS team.
    Joseph Tizzone
    Joseph Tizzone
    1692604522
    Jon Fitzgerald
    Jon Fitzgerald
    1691813215
    DylanEdwards _
    DylanEdwards _
    1691138324
    I have known the ADS guys for a while now back when they started at Lugarno. They have looked after my car since I first went to them in 2003, ADS have spent a lot of time on my car, and the attention to detail is phenomenal.I have become great friends with Niazi, Gab, Rob, and the entire team at ADS, I wouldn't take my Subaru anywhere else. Amazing customer service, always go above and beyond for their customers 😀 I highly recommend this work shop.
    Daniel Evans
    Daniel Evans
    1691029991
    Took the time to answer my call and my questions gave me a very comprehensive quote. Love the work they do. Thank you
    Mark Twain
    Mark Twain
    1690151458
    Friendly service and staff
    Kane Belcastro
    Kane Belcastro
    1690109955
    Always straight onto sourcing a part i need for my subaru and i normally have it in my hands withing a couple of days. Awesome service, polite staff and a wealth of information.
    Will Davis
    Will Davis
    1689739865
    Rob was very quick to get back to me, and took the time to understand how best to help, then helped find a solution. Excellent service, thank you.
    Nathan Jeffs
    Nathan Jeffs
    1689670676
    *Updated again* OK I take it all back. These guys are amazing. Fixed a whole range of things I’d never mentioned and gave them to me for free. Legends. Will definitely be back *Updated*The team reached out to offer to stay back and get my car fixed. Unfortunately by this time I was unavailable. By all other reviews, looks like these guys are usually amazing. Would recommend them, as they reached out to stay back after hours just to get the job done. I also walked in without a booking, so to be that upset they couldn’t fit me in is ridiculous. (Original review)FURIOUS!! Went in to see if I could get the bushes fixed on my car and was told I was ‘lucky’ as they don’t usually have any time but they did today. Told me to come back in an hour, but they’d call me to let me know exactly when. I put off doing other things as I was expecting to go back in an hour or so. Called an hour and a half after the initial time, was told they’d call me just after lunch. Waited an hour after lunch, called back to be told they’d call me when they had a hoist available. Thinking that I’d get my car in there I put off doing other tasks as I wanted to be available. Called back at 430 - 7 hours after I’d initially been told to come back in an hour - to be told they wouldn’t be able to fit me in today. Thanks for wasting my only day off with your incompetence. Left in the morning full of joy, what a good service I thought, sadly not. Won’t be going back or recommending unfortunately
    Tomas has been very helpful with advice and service
    Jason Currie
    Jason Currie
    1689207518
    Amazing customer service and very knowledgeable about Subaru transmissions. High recommend!
    fter our Forester engine blew up, we chose an ADS Level 3 remanufactured engine. Never has our car been so thoroughly inspected as ADS did. They sent photos of every part that needed to be repaired or replaced and we were amazed at the poor condition of some. Tomas and Robert gave us much advice along the way and communicated frequently to keep us fully updated re work and costs. We followed all their advice on what should be done and are extremely satisfied with the finished job - completed a week or so sooner than expected. We were most impressed with their factory when Robert took us through it. Two fills of fuel show the consumption to be 9.2 and 9.1/100km. We'll add a review in 12 months time and trust it will still be a glowing one.Thanks to all the ADS people for the great job done.
    Alex Mortensen
    Alex Mortensen
    1688084459
    Very impressed with their service and support
    Matt Thom
    Matt Thom
    1687737414
    Called in regards to my 2013 brz making a sound and wanted to get the car checked as multiple mechanics wanted to charge me an absurd amount to have the engine removed, I spoke to the owner who was the absolute sweetest man ever, he went through the Subaru brz recall that they were having with me and explained to me how to call them and what to ask for to have my car checked by the dealership instead of him scamming me for no reason when the dealership had a recall on the exact issue for free ,, great customer service, great explanations and was very happy with the final result soo props to you guys 👏👏
    Fathallah Rana
    Fathallah Rana
    1687246219
    After going through multiple performance garages having issues with aftermarket tunes, Gab at ADS was able to diagnose and isolate the mechanical faults that were contributing to a lot of my problems not picked up by previous mechanics/tuners. Car was given the full treatment and new tune and has never driven better! Thanks again to Gab for putting a smile back on my face when I’m behind the wheel of my Rex. Absolutely would recommend ADS to anyone.
    Matthew Balyck
    Matthew Balyck
    1686318234
    All personnel helpful and really know their Subarus ✨Will always recommend their professional service
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    Google Rating
    4.8
    Based on 364 reviews
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