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, the 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 can still run too cool if the flow of coolant (“flow” deleted) is not regulated and the temperature controlled. This 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 opens to allow hot coolant to flow though the radiator. If the temperature rises too far, the thermostatic switch turns on the fan to increase the flow of air through the radiator. This system keeps the temperature so constant that the driver will not see the temperature gauge move once the engine reaches 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 times 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’scooling system, we are the people to see. Phone us anytime on 02 9915 9900 or 0420 319 049 for expert advice “

What happens when your head gasket fails? The head of All Drive Subaroo workshop explains: Head gasket failure is a problem with some Subaru models once they get a few kilometres on the clock, mostly non-turbo models that are factory fitted with a single-layer head gasket. These gaskets simply give up after about 100,000 kilometres, however well maintained the car might be. Multi-layer gaskets used on Subaru turbo models rarely fail, and when they do the failure is usually down to high mileage or poorly maintained cooling systems. Later models don’t fare any better than the older ones. In recent times we have seen an increase in external head gasket failures on the 2.5 litre Subaru non-turbo engines.The Subaru dealerships will simply replace the failed single layer gasket with another single layer gasket. All Drive Subaroo delivers a permanent fix for you non-turbo model Subaru. Call an ADS consultant now on 02 9915 9900 or 0420 319 049   Subaru Internal head gasket leaks (mainly turbo models EJ 205, 207, 255, and 257 The head gasket forms a seal between the Subaru engine block and cylinder head. It is the most critical gasket in the engine and the most difficult to diagnose. It seals both the combustion chambers and the coolant passages in a Subaru engine. The Subaru head gasket has to cope with high internal temperatures and combustion gases under high pressure. Due to the extreme range of hot and cold temperatures and pressures on a large surface it is common for head gaskets to leak between chambers over time. These leaks not externally visible. You may see bubbles in the overflow reservoir, or sludgy residue on the walls of the overflow reservoir, or random engine overheating. When a head gasket fails it can either leak engine oil to coolant or coolant to the compression chamber. Either of these may cause engine damage and significant operational problems like burning oil and overheating, which may show up as white exhaust smoke. Occasionally, there will be a compression leak in the gasket, which will have to be replaced, before severe damage occurs. If the gasket fails in this way, a variety of problems can occur, from compression loss (leading to power reduction, or a rough running engine), to exhaust gases being forced into the cooling system, leading to the engine overheating and increased engine wear due to the motor oil being...

Subaru Air Conditioning Repairs Air conditioning, like power steering, is one of the forgotten systems in modern motor cars. On a cold wet day it clears your misty windows. On a hot day, it cools you and your passengers. It’s taken for granted and most people only notice a problem when the cool air stops flowing. This sometimes means a simple re-gas is required, or sometimes it means expensive repairs that could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance. “…remember the Air Conditioner is not always included in a standard log book service, so it can be easily neglected.” At ADS we always check for obvious faults associated with Air Conditioning as part of our routine services, to ensure your Subaru air conditioning system is not neglected. If service is required we can provide re-gas, leak repairs and compressor replacement, repair or reconditioning. And you know at ADS that it will be done right. Why topping up your Subaru Air Conditioning gas is important You shouldn’t wait until your air conditioning fails before topping up the gas. Air conditioning is more than a luxury. It’s an important safety feature of your Subaru. Of course it cools you down in the hot summer months, but in the winter the air conditioning, in combination with the heater, produces warm dry air and this effectively de-mists your car windows. Air conditioning systems that are not fully charged will be less effective and will draw more engine power and burn more fuel. If your air conditioning system has not been recharged in 2 years it will be significantly less efficient. Subaru Air Compressor Sales and Fitting Centre Should the worst happen and you need a new air conditioning compressor you can be assured that we can replace it for you quickly and efficiently. We are a premium supplier of Subaru air conditioning compressors Australia wide. Be aware that there are many small differences among Subaru models and it is all too easy for a non-specialist repairer to supply an incompatible unit. We at ADS know all these variations and we keep an extensive supply of brand new and second hand Subaru compressors in stock covering all Subaru models and years. Whether we are repairing, replacing or reconditioning your AC unit, we will provide you with professional service and competitive prices. Subaru Evaporator and Dash Repair Some critical air conditioning components are tucked away...

Subaru Door/Wing Mirrors Vital and Vulnerable Door mirrors are a highly vulnerable part of your Subaru’s body. They are clipped in traffic by cars passing too close, banged on walls in parking lots, or broken by random vandals. Most door mirrors are now power operated and are subject to all the usual mechanical and electrical problems of such devices. They are also a vital safety device and you should never drive without them both functioning properly. Huge Second Hand Subaru Door Mirror Inventory We have a wide range of genuine new and used Subaru door mirrors. If one of your mirrors is broken, or fails, we can supply, fit and paint to match the correct replacement for your precise model and year with no delay. We can also supply parts for your mirror assembly, including: Mirror glass Mirror repair kit Side lamp assembly Complete mirror assembly Mirror cover cup Activating switches Manufacturer No 91039AC030, 91039AC041, 91039AC160, 91039AG010, 91039AG080, 91039AG260, 91039AJ000, 91039AJ010, 91039AJ100, 91039AJ110, 91039AJ120, 91039AJ121, 91039AJ130, 91039AJ131, 91039CA010, 91039FG030, 91039FG080, 91039FG090, 91039FG100, 91039SC040, 91039SC050, 91039SC070, 91039SC150, 91039SC160, 91039VA050, 91039VA100, 91039XA00A, 91039XA01A, 91031AE460WG, 91031AE470PE, 91031AE470TG, 91031AE470UV, 91031AE470WG, 91031AE640PE, 91031AE640UV, 91031AE640WG, 91031AE650QQ, 91031AE650UV, 91031AE650YF, 91031AE880TG, 91031AE880WG, 91031AG070BE, 91031AG070BH, 91031AG070LR, 91031AG070TE, 91031AG070VW, 91031AG070WZ, 91031AG071BE, 91031AG071TE, 91031AG071VW, 91031AG071WZ, 91031AG120BE, 91031AG120BH, 91031AG120GA, 91031AG120LR, 91031AG120TE, 91031AG120WZ, 91031AG121BH, 91031AG121GA, 91031AG121TE, 91031AG121WZ, 91031AG290LR, 91031AG290MD, 91031AG290TE, 91031AG320LE, 91031AG320MD, 91031AG320WU, 91031FC090NN, 91031FC091NN, 91031FC121NN, 91031FC121VF, 91031FE390NN, 91031FE390PG, 91031FE390RQ, 91031FE390TG, 91031FE390VO, 91031FE390WG, 91031FE391MJ, 91031FE391NN, 91031FE391PG, 91031FE391TG, 91031FE391VW, 91031FE391WG, 91031FE420NN, 91031FE420TG, 91031FE420VO, 91031FE420WG, 91031FE421DJ, 91031FE421LR, 91031FE421RQ, 91031FE421WG, 91031SA740, 91031SA750, 91031SA751, 91031SA890, 91031SA891, 91031SA900

Subaru Alternator & Starter Motor Replacement Typically Subaru alternators and starter motors are robust, reliable components, but inevitably all things automotive wear out or fail eventually, and when they do, you want to be sure you get the right part, at the right price for your Subaru automobile, whatever the model. Because we are both a service center and a parts outlet, we have in stock a wide range of genuine new and used Subaru alternators and starter motors. No waiting for parts at ADS. “All Drive Subaroo technicians can diagnose auto electrical problems using state of the art test equipment along with dealer level auto repair information to quickly find and fix any electrical fault your Subaru might have.” Electronic problems can be the trickiest and most frustrating problems of them all, especially with the introduction of BCMs (Body Control Module) and ECUs (Engine Control Unit) and Canbus systems where major electronic components are linked on the same circuit and the BCM acts as a kind of electronic traffic cop. All this complexity makes diagnosis and fixing of electronic problems a tricky business best left to professionals like the Subaru trained techs at All Drive Subaroo. If you need full service auto electrical diagnostic services for your Liberty, Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Tribeca, Exiga or BRZ, we can handle it for you. If you just need a part like a battery, starter, or alternator, we will have it available in our parts department. Subaru Battery Replacement Batteries, alas aren’t as good as they used to be. With modern “duty-cycle” charging systems that charge only when needed, that is, when the battery level falls, batteries are depleted and recharged constantly rather than being kept at optimum full charge, which shortens the life of the battery. This is compounded by the fact that raw materials shortages mean the batteries are produced with inferior materials. Where once a battery would have been good for 5 years, modern batteries are lucky to last two. Batteries are especially prone to fail in the winter, with cold starts making big demands on battery capacity. Don’t get stranded. We can test your battery and tell you if it’s likely to fail. We keep in stock at all times a full range of batteries for all Subaru models and can have you securely on your way in minutes if you need a replacement. At All drive Subaroo...

Subaru Power Window System The power windows fitted to Subaru vehicles are high quality, reliable products, but like all things automotive they eventually wear out or fail. Power window systems comprise three parts: motor, regulator and switch. Repairing a faulty power window system may be as easy as fitting a replacement switch panel, or may involve dismantling the door trim and replacing the regulator and /or motor. At ADS we have considerable experience in diagnosing and repairing these systems. We have noticed in recent times that the Forester 03-07 Gen 2 SG9, fitted with one-touch window regulator has a inherent fault in the switch that results in a number of problems, particularly motors burning out. Subaru Power Window Motor The brushless motors fitted to Subaru power window regulators are robust and normally should last the lifetime of the car. However, when they are subjected to stress by defective regulators or switches, the windings burn out and the motors need replacing. These are non-serviceable components. Subaru has issued a revised power window motor for the affected Forester models. “The next time you find yourself with a power window problem, simply drive into our shop in Peakhurst, or give us a call and we’ll schedule an appointment.” Subaru Power Window Regulator This is a mechanical component, a system of hinged levers that transfers power from the motor to the window either upward or downward, while keeping the window level at all stages in its travel. These components tend to wear in the hinged joints, particularly in city driving when the driver’s window is up and down frequently. A severely worn regulator can place stress on the power window motor. Manufacturer No 61041AJ121 62162FA010, 61222FE022, 64102SC001, 61222SA002 Subaru Power Window Switch This switch, while a simple thing to replace can be the cause of expensive repairs. Late model Subarus use a switch panel in the driver’s door with switches for all four doors. The driver’s door switch gets the most use and causes the most problems. Once that switch fails, it is a non-serviceable item and the whole panel has to be replaced. In models like the Forester 03-07 Gen 2 SG9, fitted with one-touch window regulator up and down, the driver’s door switch fails to cut off at the end of the of the window travel leaving the motor straining and overheating. Manufacturer No 83071XA06A, 83071AJ040, 83071SA100, 83071FE150, 83071SA040, 83071FG110, 83071FG080 Cautions...

  Subaru Immobiliser & Key Coding Got Subaru immobiliser or alarm problems in your Subaru? ADS can take care of all your Subaru ignition and immobiliser related problems, including immobiliser and remote key repairs, key coding and re-programming, and cloning of remote controls. Compared to Subaru dealerships, our repairs and services are a bargain. Common problems include: Alarm not sounding Car starts then stops Central locking inoperative Car won’t start and immobiliser flashing There are many reasons for Subaru alarm or immobiliser failure – the data in electronically encoded key heads may become corrupted; the engine or immobiliser ECUs, or sensors and actuators may develop faults; and aerial coil reader rings can become damaged.   Contact us for Expert Individual Advice on 02 9915 9900 Subaru Key Pad System Many WRX and STi Subaru Impreza models came fitted with an additional layer of security in the form of a second Brandt brand immobiliser system fitted at dealer level using a keypad system to input a code known only to the owner and to Subaru. These were added in response to a spate of thefts of WRX models. As these systems have aged, failures are beginning to occur, including engines failing to start and keypads failing to illuminate. At ADS we have a lot of experience with these systems and can find and fix your problem quickly and efficiently. Subaru Key Replacement Lost key? Many auto repairers want hundreds of dollars to supply a new Subaru key and matching ECU. At All Drive Subaroo we have the equipment to replace your key with a cloned copy at a fraction of the price and have you back on the road very quickly. We can supply key blanks, and code, cut, copy and electronically clone them for you. “We have all Subaru model wheel bearings, new and reconditioned in stock and ready to fit.”

  Subaru Engine Control Unit Subaru electronic problems can be the trickiest and most frustrating problems of them all, especially with the introduction of BCMs (Body Control Module) ECUs (Engine Control Unit) and Canbus systems where major electronic components are linked on the same circuit and the BCM acts as a kind of electronic traffic cop between the vehicle’s systems and the ECU. All this complexity makes diagnosis and fixing of electronic problems a tricky business best left to professionals like the Subaru trained techs at All Drive Subaroo. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is essentially a computer that controls all aspects of engine operation, including immobilization, ignition timing, fuel delivery, and turbo boost in the case of high performance Subaru models like the WRX, STI, Liberty and Forester. The ECU in a standard Subaru has been “mapped” or programmed to produce a good compromise between driveability and performance and to satisfy emissions requirements. However, if you’re looking for a little more power, the quickest and safest option for you is to re-map the ECU. This is especially effective in turbo modules where the boost can be substantially increased. At All Drive Subaroo we can re-map your ECU to any level you choose. ECU failures and other electronic failures can lead to a host of baffling symptoms. The technicians and engineers at ADS are body electrical experts. For over 20 years our technicians have maintained and repaired all kind of body electrical systems for all Subaru models. At All Drive Subaroo, our trained technicians will inspect your body electrical system for simple and easy-to-fix problems, such as dirty contacts or faulty switches so you won’t spend a lot of money on something that doesn’t need to be replaced. “All Drive Subaroo technicians can diagnose auto electrical problems using state of the art test equipment along with dealer level auto repair information to quickly find and fix any electrical fault your Subaru might have.” Subaru ECU Services ADS can repair, service or upgrade your Subaru ECU. Whether you need a factory software upgrade, or a performance re-mapping of your ECU, ADS can help, with your Liberty, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Tribeca, Exiga or BRZ. We can re-map your ECU directly through the Subaru diagnostic port. We can also restore your Subaru back to standard anytime you want. “We also carry all Subaru ECU’s new or second hand units.” Manufacturer No...

  Subaru Bushes and Links When you mention the word “suspension” most people think immediately of shocks and springs. These are the biggest, hardest working parts of the suspension system, but other components, the rods and bushes and links that connect the four corners of the car and promote stability, play an equally important role. The incomparable immersive driving experience provided by Subaru cars is down to these components as much as it is to shocks and springs. Subaru Lower Control Arm Bushes There are two type of control arms fitted to Subaru cars, steel, and aluminium. The steel arm comes fitted either with a rubber bushing or a transverse hydraulic link. The aluminium arm comes only with the transverse link. These small couplings have a big effect on the steering and power transmission of your Subaru. Essentially, they keep the front driving wheels properly aligned as they travel up and down, or steer left and right under power. If they are worn, the wheels will toe-in or toe-out a little under power, which will cause the vehicle to “tram-track”. Over the long term, worn control arms will cause uneven premature wear to the tyres and an overall reduction in drivability.   Transverse link: hydraulic type All STi, WRX, and Forester turbo models came fitted with the hydraulic transverse link. These links are highly durable with no reported problems. However, when they eventually wear out they start to leak fluid. They are more expensive to buy than the rubber bushes, but much easier to replace. When one of the bushes leaks there is no need to replace both. Rubber bush type Rubber control arm bushes are pressed into the arm using specialised equipment. These units are cheaper to buy than the transverse links, and perform well when new, but do not last as long as the transverse links and are more difficult to replace. The bushes tend to wear at similar rates, so that when one is worn out the other is also worn out and both must be replaced.   Subaru Sway Bar Links The sway bar connects the left and right suspension, and acts to reduce the amount of body roll. Without it your Subaru would lean excessively in turns and cornering stability would be greatly reduced. The sway bar is connected by two short link arms with rubber bushes. These components undergo considerable stress and wear and are...

  Subaru Shock Absorbers and Struts Subaru have always been ahead in the driver satisfaction stakes because their whole philosophy turns on the driving experience. Subaru has built an unequalled reputation across a range of motoring applications, from track racing and road rallies, to family transport. But whatever the application, the Subaru is built around the driver, and provides a deeply satisfying driving experience. Part of this experience is dynamic engine and driveline performance of course, but the rest is ride and roadholding. Everything about the Subaru is designed to provide balance, from the symmetrical AWD system that delivers just the right amount of power to each wheel, to the engine placement and center of gravity, that gives poise and balance in the bends. These cars are made to please drivers. Of course, to produce such an immersive driving experience all the systems must work together, and wear or defects in any one area will affect the whole. At ADS we appreciate the role played by your Subaru’s suspension, and we understand well how all the systems work together. All our technicians have been specialist trained in different Subaru systems and can quickly and accurately diagnose any problems you may be having with your Subaru. Warning: Avoid second hand or low quality after market! Second hand components of any kind are always to some degree an unknown quantity. Flaws often are not evident until the parts are in service. With vital safety systems like suspension and brakes, you don’t want to discover defects in operation. Used shocks and springs may harbour stress fractures in the metal that are not detectable, and the level of wear is difficult to judge accurately. There are also a number of Chinese brands appearing on the market offering shock absorbers for bargain prices. These are false economy. They use inferior materials, and do not perform as well or last as long as genuine or quality Bilstein replacements. Never compromise with safety. Different suspension components for different purposes Because of the wide range of applications for Subaru cars, from motorsport to family transport, there is a correspondingly wide range of suspension components used, from the self-levelling struts used on family cars like the premium range Liberty and Forester, to the firm Bilstein dampers fitted to high-end WRX and STi models. These are all colour coded with the stock Subaru finished in black, the STi in pink,...