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RE: 1998 Subaru Legacy OutbackDrivers side rear wheel smells like it is burning. The smell reminds me of new brakes smell, except for the fact that the rear brakes are not new. There is a squeal noise when brakes not applied. Rear rotor sare worn. Shaking insteering wheel: related?
Country: United StatesMake: SubaruModel: Legacy OutbackYear: 1998 Already Tried: Nothing. I have a X XXXX XXXXX tomorrow in100 degree heat. I am trying to asertain whether or not it is safe enough to drive. I realize, ideally, I need to get it up ona lift, and I am going to try to make that happen, but I am sorking on short notice ansd thistrip is an emergency. Thoughts?
Welcome to Pearl.com, I'm Kevin and I'm here to help resolve your Automotive issue.
Hello, the brake calipers on these cars have a tendency to bind on the slide pins as well as the calipers seizing up at the pistons...especially if the car has over 125,000 miles on it. I understand that you do have an emergency trip ahead of you but if the brake is seizing, it can possibly wear out the brake pad to the point that the pad falls out, the brake piston will then travel further than it should to maintain a hydraulic seal, therefore causing brake fluid loss and brake failure!
I strongly recommend getting the car into a repair shop before driving it too far. The steering wheel shake can be from a bad or out of balance wheel or something loose, I do not think it is related directly to your problem in the left rear wheel.
Please let me know if I can help you further!
Kevin
I had a feeling it was caliper. I am not a mechanic, but I am an intuitive. The other day when I applied the brakes it felt like (and now with what you told me probably WAS) the brake pedal pushed closer to the floor of the car. Having lost my brakes before, I pulled over and checked my brake fluid. I would estimate that it was two thirds full - - definitely not topped off. Sound about right? The car has over 100,000 miles on it. What should work like this cost if someone is notripping you off? And how long does a job like this typically take?
If the Rotors are able to be resurfaced..
1 set of pads about $50.00
1 Remanufactured L/R Caliper $80.00
Labor to resurface rotors and replace caliper and pads 3.0 hours labor based on the shop rate.
Add about $50.00 per rotor if replacement is needed.
Hope this helps, please let me know if you need further assistance, Kevin
Experience: 34 years of Subaru service experience, ASE Master Technician
Thanks Kevin! You are aces. I gave youa great rating. Because of your wonderful expertise, I feel confident in how to proceed. Thanks again and have a great week. All the best, Mary
Thank you! Good luck, feel free to post here if you need more help, Kevin