Lower Control Arm Bushings: Why are they important?

Subaru’s Common Issue:

Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and longevity, but even the most well-maintained cars can experience wear and tear over time. One component that often needs replacement in Subaru vehicles is the lower control arm bushings. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of replacing lower control arm bushings on a Subaru, and what signs to look out for that indicate it's time for a replacement.

What are lower control arm bushings?

First, let's start with what lower control arm bushings are and what they do. The lower control arm is a critical component of a vehicle's suspension system, and the bushings serve as a buffer between the control arm and the frame. They help to absorb shocks and vibrations while also providing a smooth ride. Over time, the rubber in the bushings can wear down, causing them to crack or even completely fall apart.

Why are they important?

So why is it important to replace lower control arm bushings on a Subaru? One of the primary reasons is safety. When the bushings are worn down, they can no longer effectively absorb shocks and vibrations, which can cause the car to feel unstable or wobbly while driving. This can be particularly dangerous at high speeds or when making quick turns. In addition, worn bushings can also affect a vehicle's alignment, causing uneven tire wear and potentially leading to more serious problems down the line.

Replacing lower control arm bushings on a Subaru can also improve the car's handling and overall driving experience. When the bushings are functioning correctly, they help to keep the suspension system properly aligned, which can improve steering response and cornering ability. This can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, as well as help to prevent damage to other components of the vehicle's suspension system.

Do i need to replace mine?

So how can you tell if it's time to replace the lower control arm bushings on your Subaru? One of the most common signs is a noticeable vibration or shaking while driving, particularly at high speeds. You may also feel a pulling sensation while turning or notice uneven tire wear. Additionally, if you notice that the car's handling feels off or if you hear clunking or banging noises coming from the suspension system, it's a good idea to have the bushings inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Conclusion:

Replacing lower control arm bushings on a Subaru is an important part of maintaining the vehicle's safety and performance. By ensuring that the suspension system is properly aligned and functioning as it should, you can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride while also preventing more serious problems from developing down the line. If you suspect that your bushings may need replacement, don't hesitate to contact PM Autoworks to have them inspected by a professional mechanic.

Oil Leaks: Why should we fix them?

Oil leaks

Your vehicle's engine is the heart of your car, and keeping it in good condition is essential for optimal performance and longevity. One issue that can arise with any car is an oil leak. Oil leaks can occur for many reasons, including worn gaskets, damaged oil seals, or a faulty oil pan. Regardless of the cause, it's essential to fix oil leaks as soon as possible. Here are some reasons why.

Protecting the Engine

Your engine relies on oil to lubricate its many moving parts. If your car is leaking oil, the engine may not receive the proper amount of lubrication it needs to function correctly. Over time, this can cause increased wear and tear on the engine, which can result in costly repairs or even engine failure. By fixing oil leaks promptly, you can help ensure that your engine stays healthy and runs smoothly for years to come.

Maintaining Optimal Performance

A well-maintained engine is essential for optimal performance. When your car is running smoothly, you'll enjoy a comfortable and reliable ride. However, when your vehicle is leaking oil, you may notice a decrease in performance. Oil leaks can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, decreased power, and even stalling. By fixing oil leaks, you can help maintain optimal performance and ensure your car runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Saving Money in the Long Run

While fixing oil leaks may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can save you money in the long run. If left unchecked, oil leaks can cause significant damage to your engine, which can be costly to repair or replace. Additionally, oil leaks can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, which can result in higher fuel costs over time. By fixing oil leaks promptly, you can prevent further damage and save money in the long run.

Preserving the Environment

Oil leaks can be harmful to the environment. When oil leaks from your car, it can contaminate the ground, water, and air. The oil can also harm wildlife and vegetation in the surrounding area. By fixing oil leaks promptly, you can help prevent environmental damage and reduce your impact on the planet.

Ensuring Safety

Oil leaks can be hazardous, especially if the oil drips onto hot engine components or the road surface. This can cause a fire hazard or make the road surface slippery, leading to a potential accident. By fixing oil leaks, you can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fixing oil leaks is essential for protecting your engine, maintaining optimal performance, saving money in the long run, preserving the environment, and ensuring safety. If you notice that your car is leaking oil, it's important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. By taking care of your car and addressing any issues promptly, you can enjoy a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride for years to come.

Wheel Bearings: Why are they important?

What are wheel bearings?

Wheel bearings are a vital component of a Subaru's wheel assembly, helping to reduce friction and enable smooth wheel rotation. Over time, wheel bearings can become damaged or worn down, leading to a range of issues that can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. In this blog, we'll explore why it's important to change the wheel bearings on your vehicle when they're damaged or worn down.

signs of a wheel bearing failure

The most common sign of a damaged wheel bearing is a loud grinding or humming noise coming from the wheel area. This noise is often more pronounced when turning or changing lanes and can indicate that the bearing has worn down or become damaged. When a wheel bearing is damaged, it can cause a range of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and poor handling.

Why should you replace them?

One of the main reasons why it's important to change the wheel bearings on your vehicle is safety. A damaged or worn down wheel bearing can cause the wheel to become unstable, increasing the risk of accidents or even wheel detachment. This can be especially dangerous at higher speeds or in poor weather conditions.

In addition to safety concerns, failing to replace a damaged wheel bearing can also lead to additional wear and tear on other components of the wheel assembly. This can result in costly repairs down the line and reduce the overall lifespan of your vehicle.

When it comes to replacing wheel bearings on your vehicle, it's important to have the repair performed by a qualified mechanic with specialized knowledge and tools. This is because the process of replacing a wheel bearing involves removing the wheel hub and can be complex and time-consuming.

In Conclusion

Changing the wheel bearings on your Subaru is crucial for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. Signs of a damaged wheel bearing include loud noises and poor handling, and neglecting to replace a damaged bearing can lead to additional wear and tear on other components and costly repairs down the line. If you suspect that your wheel bearings may need replacement, it's important to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Spark Plugs: Why should you replace them?

What are Spark Plugs?

The spark plugs in your Subaru play a vital role in the operation of your engine. They provide the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber, powering the engine and allowing you to drive. Over time, spark plugs can wear down and become dirty, affecting engine performance and potentially causing damage. In this blog, we'll discuss why changing spark plugs is important on a Subaru and what signs to look out for that indicate it's time for a replacement.

Why Should you replace them?

One of the primary reasons to change spark plugs on a Subaru is to ensure optimal engine performance. When spark plugs become dirty or worn down, they can misfire, causing engine hesitation, stalling, and reduced power. This can make it difficult to drive, especially on hills or when accelerating quickly. Replacing the spark plugs can restore engine power and improve fuel efficiency, helping you get the most out of your vehicle.

Another reason to change spark plugs on a Subaru is to prevent damage to other engine components. When spark plugs misfire, it can cause unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter, potentially causing damage to this important emissions control component. Additionally, misfiring spark plugs can cause damage to the engine's pistons and valves, leading to costly repairs down the line. By replacing spark plugs regularly, you can prevent these issues from occurring and prolong the life of your engine.

How Do I know when they need to be replaced?

So how can you tell if it's time to change spark plugs on your Subaru? One of the most common signs is a noticeable decrease in engine power and acceleration. You may also experience rough idling or engine hesitation, particularly when accelerating or driving uphill. In some cases, you may even hear a knocking or pinging sound coming from the engine. Additionally, if you notice a significant decrease in fuel efficiency, it may be time to replace your spark plugs.

Conclusion:

Changing spark plugs on a Subaru is an important part of maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing damage to other engine components. Signs that it's time for a replacement include reduced engine power, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency. By having your spark plugs inspected and replaced regularly, you can ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line. If you suspect that your spark plugs may need replacement, don't hesitate to call PM Autoworks to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Timing Belt: Why is it Important?

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is a belt that keeps the engine components in sync with each other. It is a belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshafts and keeps the engine running smoothly. In order for an engine to operate properly, the valves need to open and close at the right time as the engine rotates. A degree too early or a degree too late and the engine may have trouble with getting in the right amount of air/fuel mixture or have compression issues. Both are a cause for Engine Cylinder Misfire (running rough). For that reason the timing belt is there to make sure that the engine components are in sync.

Why is it important to replace the timing belt?

The reason why its important replace the timing belt is to prevent it from breaking and causing major engine damage. Subaru engines in particular are interference engines meaning that if the timing belt breaks, the valves and pistons may collide and cause serious damage to these components. When this happens the repair can cost thousand dollars and in a worst case scenario, a new engine may be required. This is why it is highly recommended to replace the timing belt at the recommended service interval.

How often should the timing belt be replaced?

It is best to check with the car manufacturer on when to service the timing belt. For Subaru vehicles in particular (and many other manufacturers), it is recommended to replace the timing belt every 105,000 miles or 10 years. The reason behind this is because the timing belt is made partially of rubber, and rubber can degrade in couple ways:

1) Over prolong use. As the engine rotates, the timing belt is constantly under stress as it flexes around pulleys and is being pulled by the crankshaft. After a certain amount of engine rotations, the timing belt will eventually become weak and break.

2) Over Time. Like many things in life, rubber does have a shelf life. As time goes by it starts to become dry and brittle (especially with heat). When this happens the rubber will develop cracks which will eventually cause it to break. Think of an old rubber band that has been sitting in the sun for a while. If you try to stretch it you’ll notice that it cracks rather than stretches and breaks way before it reaches its intended stretching point.

What is the best timing belt brand to use?

We recommend using only OEM timing belts as these belts have been tested and proven to have a service life of 105,000 miles or 10 years. Although there are other after market belt options that may be cheaper, they may not be as reliable as an OEM belt. The money saved on a cheaper timing belt may end up costing more in the long run. There are good aftermarket belt options out there although research is recommended before purchasing.

What else should be replaced while doing the timing belt?

Along with the timing belt, there are other components that we highly recommend replacing while the engine is taken apart. These items include the tensioner, accessory pulleys, and the water pump.

The timing belt tensioner is what keeps the belt at the proper tension during engine operation. Too tight and the belt is overly stressed. Too loose and the belt may skip a tooth. Just like the timing belt on Subarus, the tensioner also has a life span of 105,000 miles or 10 years.

From what we’ve seen at many dealerships when the servicing the timing belt, the accessory pulleys and water pump are not always replaced. This is a bad idea because the timing belt rides on these pulleys and if one of these components fail, the timing belt may fail with it.

Conclusion

The timing belt should be replaced as per manufactures recommendation. For Subaru vehicles it is every 105,000 miles or 10 years. If the timing belt service is neglected, major engine damage can result from the belt snapping. When this happens the repair may cost several thousand dollars. As a preventative, it is important to replace the timing belt as well as all other accessory components using high quality OEM parts at the correct service interval.

If you need your timing belt service done on your Subaru, feel free to give us a call or email here at PM Autoworks for a free estimate. Rest assured, we will use only high quality OEM parts that come with a 1-year/12,000 mile warranty. Don’t wait, call now!