The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hey guys,
As a few people know I'm currently half way through a trip around Australia in my gt forester and it looks like my fox needs to mechanical attention. I will be in Townsville probably tomorrow and I'm looking for some info on Subaru parts or good mechanics in the area or possibly even someone who can lend a hand or lend some tools.

I'm on a rather tight budget and the car needs a bit if a service... It's starting to blow some nasty white smoke most mornings till I start driving and then it stops after maybe 15 mins but seams to come back if I let it sit and idle for too long. Also I think a front wheel bearing is gone or maybe it needs just a tighten with a good breaker bar which I don't have.

Can anyone help out with any of this... Even if it's just an idea on what's causing the smoke from the exhaust.

Dave

3 questions

1. is the engine losing coolant?

2. is the engine using lots of oil?

3. has the engine lost a significant amount of power?

TOONGA

Look up Point in the Members List and drop him a PM and see if he can hook you up with anybody or even lend a hand himself, he's a Subaru nut.

That's a no to all 3 questions toonga. It's using absolutely no oil or coolant. And power is the same.

Dave

I should be able to lend a hand, depending on the time. How long will you be in town? I have Friday off, so will be able to look at it then. I don't really know of any Subi specialists in town, other than the dealer. I'm pretty sure Brumby Boy works there, or at least he used to. I'll PM you my phone number.

Shannon

You could try Crawford Mechanical at 16 Civil Road, Garbutt on 4775 3811.
Tell him I sent you.

Thanks guys. I will definitely get in contact for Friday Shannon. Would love to check out your subies too. I should get there tonight and should be there till Monday depending on how I go with the car. Really worried I might need a new hub or something.

Dave

Another Townsville member here, complete nut, lol and just got my latest toy.. :P and more then happy to help (pretty well set up garage, tools, etc). Also Brumby Boy used to work at Subaru Townsville and i am sure would be able to help. PM Sent with my number.

white smoke is sometimes steam or tranny fluid. (brake fluid too ) 15 minutes is a long time for anything to burn and not show any signs of loss - have you checked tranny fluid levels? Surely the modern auto no longer has vacuum controls on the side with a diaphragm that can bleed off fluid to inlet manifold to burn? But that would occur at certain times al the time....

Also agree with Brumbyrunner, Crawfords are good but sometimes, but can be expensive.

good to see so many offers of help I hope it is sorted

TOONGA

Thanks to the Townsville guys for the offers of help to SuBaRiNo, good to see the 'ville is still a friendly place like this Forum.

I lived and worked in Townsville from 1969 - 2002 before moving down to the SSC.

If someone has Dave number they can PM me that would be awesome as i have some free time this arvo to have a bit of a play with his car for him.

Thanks AndrewT I just got onto him as he was driving into town, ironically. lol! We are going to have a play with it tomorrow arvo.

So this is what we found today. The front wheel had a couple of centimetres of play in the bearing.



So after building a jig so I could pull out the old bearing, and applying a lot of heat, it eventually came out. The hub was stuffed, but fortunately I had one on my parts car. New bearings and seals and Dave is on his way again.

Geeezz.. Can't see why that would have made noise Dave

I always thought that bearing was dodgy.. where did you get it from Dave?

And.. Cheers Point for helping Dave out.. always a worry when you're away from home

A hearty slap on the back for the Townsville Subaru guy's, you have done well lads!!!!

I am glad we didn't do it at my place there would be no way to stop that!!! Hopefully you have a safe trip Dave! And if you ever up this way feel free to call in! Side not we should really have a BBQ up here in Townsville, as there is a few of us now???

Thank you soo much guys. Wheel is all good now. Could not have done it without the help from Shannon and his wife who also put on a beautiful lunch for us. Also thanks to matt.. It was great to come over and check out your subarus and investigate my problems.

I think I would have been up for over 1000 dollars in repairs if it wasn't for the generous nature of the board memebers.

Now I just need to see of this smoke goes away and now that I can actually hear myself think over the wheel bearings I think I have a noisy ball joint but this can wait a while.

Dave