'97 Legacy Outback

[Richard R. Field]

2 questions....

Why does my '97 Outback smell like it's burning when I have the heater on?

Why does my '97 Outback's steeringwheel shake at and above 65 mph?

Thanks

Richard Field
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Richard R. Field]

2 questions....

Why does my '97 Outback smell like it's burning when I have the heater on?

Why does my '97 Outback's steeringwheel shake at and above 65 mph?

Thanks

Richard Field
(e-mail address removed)

Perhaps I should clarify on my first question... It smells like burning oil

 

[Jim Stewart]

If the heater core has a pinhole leak, you'll get an
antifreeze smell. It might be confused with an oil
smell if you haven't smelled both.

If you get the smell all the time, look under the front
of the car. If there is wet oil clinging to the frame
and exhaust headers, you have an oil leak that is spraying
onto the hot exhaust pipes.

Look at where a shaft goes into the back of one of the
front wheels. There will be a pleated rubber bulge on
the shaft where it mates to the wheel. The bulge is
the CV joint boot and the CV joint is inside. Make
sure the boot isn't torn and flinging grease on the
hot exhaust pipes. Check both sides.

Does it shake up and down - might be unbalanced tire
or a bent wheel.

Does it try to twist you hands right and left -
might be wheel alignment or worn tires.

There are many other things that could cause this,
but these are the most likely.

 

[Richard R. Field]

Thanks for the tips, Jim. The wheel is shaking left-to-right and the tires
are pretty new. I kinda figured it just needs an alignment, but I thought
I'd ask here to see if there are any known issues.

I think I know why the car smells like burning oil when the heater is
on...whoever last filled the oil filled it up way too high. When cold, the
dip stick reads well above the "Upper" level, even above "full when hot"
notch. I imagine the car is spraying the extra oil out.

Again, thanks for the input.

richard field

 

[John]

Why does my '97 Outback smell like it's burning when I have the heater
on?

Perhaps I should clarify on my first question... It smells like burning

oil

Because it is. Most likely the cam seal or similar. You dont smell it
until you turn the heater on which is set to draw air in from the vents just
under the windshield....which also happens to be just under the hood. It
doesn't take alot of oil to make the smell (and smoke).

Why does my '97 Outback's steeringwheel shake at and above 65 mph?

unblanaced or out-of-round tires
wheel bearings
damaged front end components
misalignment
steering gear

First thing I'd do here is take it to a shop to balance the tires where they
can replicate the load of the vehicle on the road.