Chrysler Concorde & Subaru Legacy
A 2002 Chrysler Concorde and a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback
May 27, 2007
Question: 2002 Chrysler Concorde
Can we reply to this newsletter? I have a question about my car that is new to me, a 2002 Chrysler Concorde. I need to know how to tell if something is wrong with my starter or the ignition or if it's just the theft device or something like that in my car, causing it not to start for a minute or more.
The seat keeps moving by itself when I take the key out or turn it all the way back. It's the memory seats, would this have anything to do with my car making a little tick sound but not starting?
Answer: The memory seats will not affect the vehicle's starting ability in any way.
If the tick you hear is fairly loud and coming from under the hood, I think what you are hearing is the starter solenoid on the starter engaging. If that is the case then the starting system up to that point is good and the starter itself is bad. Sometimes if you tap on the starter it will jar it enough to start.
But it looks like there is a starter replacement in your near future.
Question: 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback
Hi Vince,
When driving at low, medium and high speeds, I hear a "humming" noise and feel a slight vibration from my right front tire. My friend tells me that I must replace the hub bearings and my research on the internet confirms this. The car has about 116,000 miles on it and I have not replaced the hub bearings before. I plan to replace both front hub bearings because it is likely that the left front one will need replacement soon.
My first question for you is, do I need to replace just the bearings packed in grease and both the inner and the outer seals, or must I replace the entire hub assembly (assuming of course, that the old hub is not warped, cracked or otherwise damaged)?
My second question is, what is the procedure involved for my specific vehicle, which is described below?
- 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon
- 2.5 Liter
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
- Fuel Injection
- ABS brakes
- P/S, A/C, Cruise control
- Rack and pinion steering
Thank you for your information and the time you devote to this website, which is very informative.
Mike
Answer: Well Mike, before I go and start replacing the front wheel bearings, I would rotate and balance the tires first. The noise you're hearing may be a bad tire. Rotating the tires in the Modified X Pattern will help eliminate this possibility.
If you find it is, indeed, a bad wheel bearing, then replacing both at this mileage is not a bad idea.
As for the replacement procedure, it is a bit involved and limitations prohibit me from detailing it here. You can go to your local Public Library and in the reference section you will find the Chilton's and MOTOR repair manuals. They will detail the removal and replacement procedure with diagrams. Or you can get a subscription to AllDataDIY.
