2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Base Model with CVT transmission, PZEV ( California )
[ this is just for reference ONLY. showing what I have done to 2014 Forester. NOT intended for instruction on how to repair it or maintaining it. I believe it is missing many details and steps to be used as Instruction.]
( this web server may not be here all the time, so you might want to make copy , while you still can ).
=================================================================================================
================================================================================================
This Subaru has about 140 K miles as 2018 December ( sold on Jan 2019 ), 20% on rural open highway, 60% on urban highway, 20% on city street.
* subaru-forester-2014-base-model-curt-trailer--13144-56040-install
* Video of Turn Signal in Tire Well ( mp4 file )
* Ham Radio Yaesu FT-7900R install
* Lukas 7900 camera 1, Lukas 7900 camera 2 CAR DVR, this Unit is very reliable.
* using Non Chipped Key to start engine
* Harbor Freight Trailer 1195 lbs load carrying capacity model # 90154
=================================================================
Brake Pad thickness Gauge I use to detect thickness of Brake Pad left
5 mm brake pad guage.
===============
3 mm pad thickness gauge.
I insert from opening to see if there is enough clearance between Brake Disk and Metal Parts of Brake Pad.
I also have made 3mm brake pad thickness gauge as well as 5mm.
Maximum Battery Size would fit ? group 24F or 27F ? ( 24F $50 walmart battery fit fine )
24F battery fit fine. ( not to confused with 24 without 'F' which (+) and (-) terminals are in wrong direction )
================================================================================
TOWING HOOK, M16 x 1.5 mm pitch. about 21 cm ( 210 mm ) long total length.
Most common thread for M16 is M16 x 2.0 mm P , not 1.5 mm Pitch, so it is not common thread.
I think 1.5 mm Pitch for M16 is JIS standard.
I am thinking of using this attachment hole to mount radio antenna for HF or CB.
===========================================================================
Front Wheel Bearing went bad at 100k miles
around 101k miles, start to hear noise ( sound of noise Video Link ) , which sound like driving on rough pavement surface. and it is speed dependant.
at first, I only heard sound above 75 MPH, after 400 to 500 miles start to hear at 55 MPH, then another 600 to 700 miles heard at slower speed of 25 MPH.
When I turn sharply to Right ( putting more pressure / weight on Left tire ) the noise got stronger. When I turn sharply to Left ( placing weight on right side of car ) , the noise got weaker.
Also , when I slowing down without using brake, the noise got stronger. And when I acceralate noise got a little bit weaker.
I can tell the noise is coming from front driver side.
I replaced both front wheel bearings at dealer. it need to be replaced entire hub assembly, since bearing are sealed type.
The parts ( 28373FG000 ) cost $165 ( each ) x 2 = $330 pls tax. at dealer in Ogden Utah. The labor to install both wheel bearing was $385 plus tax at same dealer in Ogden Utah. It took them about 1.5 hours to do the work.
Wheel hub assembly ( 28373FG000 ) came with Studs to hold tire came pressed on already, so I did not have to buy separate studs.
Dealer said, they heard noise from wheel bearing ( front driver side ) when they lifted the car and free wheeled. Front Passenger side wheel bearing, they heard weaker noise , but can be heard using sterethoscope.
They also told me that, front wheel bearing go bad much more often compare to rear wheel bearing, so I did not replace rear wheel bearing.
at 120k miles, driver side wheel bearing start to make noise ( only heard at 70 mph plus speed ), and hear a little bit of grinding noise when free rotate it tire on jacked up position.
so I replaced both side of rear wheel bearing, this time I did it my self, bearing was $120 each, but psnger side bearing and metal brake cover rusted together, so I also had to buy one of metal brake cover for $80.
===========================================================================
Gas Fuel Mileage measured
2016 October NO AC used, some hill Driven at 3 to 5 mile below Speed limits ( 60 to 80 MPH ), 2 passenger, 200 lbs load in trunk.
266 miles ( Moapa Piute Travel Plaza at Valley of Fire road I-15 Nevada -> Scipio Flying-J travel plaza Utah ) took US gallon 9.524 = 27.93 miles per gallon
2017 June AC was used outside temp 95 to 105 F. from Moapa Piute Travel center in Nedava to Loves Truck stop in Springville Utah. 338 miles, 13.39 US gallon, 25.25 miles per gallon. Speed 70 to 80 miles per hours. 2 passengers, 100 lbs load in trunk. 95k miles on car.
2018 JUNE from Loves travel truck stop Barstow CA to Loves Springville Utah 535 miles 25.12 US gallon 21.30 miles / gallon
towing harbour freight 4 x 8 trailer , weight of trailer 350 lbs ( emtpy ) , traveling speed of 70 to 80 mph, 2 pssnger, 100 lbs load in trunk, 120k miles on car, AC ON.
2018 JUNE from Loves travel truck stop Springville Utah --> Loves travel truck stop Barstow CA 535 miles 20.25 US gallon 26.42 miles / gallon
No trailer towing , traveling speed of 70 to 80 mph, 2 pssnger, 100 lbs load in trunk, 120k miles on car, AC ON.
===================================================================================
