Questions for the geniuses here.

[Tom Andrecht]

I need a bit of advice and some opinions here from all the subaru geniuses.
I have a 91 legacy sedan which has just recently gone south on me. I'm
wondering if it would be smart to try to get this car fixed, or if I should
have her replaced with something else. If I do get another car, I'm looking
at buying a used one since I can't yet afford new. My problems are as
follows:
1. Power steering out. Not just at slow speeds, the car requires massive
effort even at high speeds to turn.
2. Multiple warning lights on. They just started burning the last time I
started the car. These lights include the oil temp, battery, brake, and
tail light warnings. The check engine light is not on, and the engine
sounds normal.
3. Fan belt going out. I know this isn't a difficult fix, but I don't have
the arm strength to do it properly.

So what do you think, repair or replace? If I replace, can you give me some
good advice on what to look for and look at so I don't get a lemon for a
car? Thanks for the help folks

Tom

 

[Tom Andrecht]

Ok, I got an idea and looked at a couple of things under the hood. Fan belt
isn't dying, it's dead; probably the reason for the warning lights.
However, I don't want to drive this considering I'd likely kill the car
completely if it can be saved.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I need a bit of advice and some opinions here from all the subaru geniuses.
I have a 91 legacy sedan which has just recently gone south on me. I'm
wondering if it would be smart to try to get this car fixed, or if I should
have her replaced with something else. If I do get another car, I'm looking
at buying a used one since I can't yet afford new. My problems are as
follows:
1. Power steering out. Not just at slow speeds, the car requires massive
effort even at high speeds to turn.
2. Multiple warning lights on. They just started burning the last time I
started the car. These lights include the oil temp, battery, brake, and
tail light warnings. The check engine light is not on, and the engine
sounds normal.
3. Fan belt going out. I know this isn't a difficult fix, but I don't have
the arm strength to do it properly.

So what do you think, repair or replace? If I replace, can you give me some
good advice on what to look for and look at so I don't get a lemon for a
car? Thanks for the help folks

Tom

I assume, since you mentioned arm strength, you may be forced to have
someone else repair the car instead of doing it yourself. You didn't
mention the mileage/condition of the rest of the vehicle or if you are
happy with it. Keep in mind, you HAVE a 'used car'. Replacing it with
another one does not guaratee the same issues or worse could'nt surface.
Also, you didn't mention where you're located. Give us a little more
info. and post your car's problems in the proper forum at www.usmb.net
and likely at least you could be directed to a trustworthy mechanic in
your area that might tell you the cost of repairing all these items and
give you some idea of the long-term reliability of the car based on
other inspections. If the car no longer fills your needs, this MAY be
the time to get rid of it. However, people don't pay much for cars with
these problems either. It may be as simple as a power steering hose and
a new alternator. I dunno

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[mulder]

Ok, I got an idea and looked at a couple of things under the hood. Fan belt
isn't dying, it's dead; probably the reason for the warning lights.
However, I don't want to drive this considering I'd likely kill the car
completely if it can be saved.

Well, if the same belt drives both the alternator and power steering
pump then a new $10-20 belt should solve all your problems and make
the car ok again.

 

[johninKY]

I have never even looked under a hood of a 1st generation Legacy but I
think the alternator has no adjustibility. Instead one of the idler
pulleys moves up and down when a bolt is turned. First the nut in the
center of the pulley has to be loosen otherwise all you will do is snap
that bolt. If I'm wrong about this, just use a pry bar to move the
alternator.