Hi Ozbargain Family
I recently purchased an 04 Subaru liberty and just noticed a crack in this part. Can anyone shed light on what it is and whether I should be concerned?
https://ibb.co/cCDCQvV
https://ibb.co/HxVD417
https://ibb.co/QYhzWVt
https://ibb.co/TkgKLZB
https://ibb.co/7Qk1gVF
Subaru Liberty 2004 - What Is This Part
sharka on 26/05/2022 - 22:28
Last edited 26/05/2022 - 22:38
Last edited 26/05/2022 - 22:38
Comments
Looks like a cv boot or something, but not a very good picture. What is it connected to?
Not sure. I think the rim
I don’t know Subaru’s but that does look like a cv boot. Have a look at some YouTube videos for Subaru liberty cv boot replacement and see if it’s something you are comfortable fixing yourself.
CV boot to drive shafts its normal.. replace the rubber boot any mechanic can do it
That's the shaft and it connects to the CV-joint, the rubber is the boot.
It looks like the engine has a leak somewhere above on that (front-left) side, and it might need replacing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOiwDMA5USsThe boot or engine needs replacing?
The boot needs cleaning at the least, otherwise the oil will attract substances which will clog your CV-joint.
Does it make a noise (clungk) when you turn the wheel in either way?
- if yes, it is likely the shaft needs a clean, and the boot replaced.Engine?
Can't say, you will need to do a thorough inspection. But that much oil on the boot is a bad sign.Source: not a mechanic
Thanks. Appreciate the input
No knocking sounds when turning
Torn inner CV boot. Get it looked at ASAP before it goes click click click.
It's the inner CV boot as others have suggested.
It's an easy enough job, especially for a mechanic. Get it in ASAP to replace the boot before you hear clicking or it will cost you way more as you'll have to do the CV too then.
The mess is the grease from inside that has been thrown everywhere. Degrease it and hose it off once you get it back from the mechanic.
Good luck!3 options, 1. replace the boot only(cheap on parts, but expensive on labor), 2. replace with refur cv shaft, 3. replace with new after market cv shaft.
cv boot, i would prepare to pay $500 or so
Inner CV boot is cracked, It'll take a mechanic maximum 1hr and parts ($200ish?).
Inner joints don't click like outer ones do as they do no turning, only extend and compress to accommodate suspension movement, but if it has no grease that's a problem.It’s a normal ‘wear’ part that has a lifespan. No need to be concerned, but it does need repair. While you are at it, check the other ones. They are likely to be in similar condition. Subaru will have CVs at each wheel.
Thanks Everyone
I’ll give my mechanic a call to book it inI had a 2002 Liberty and it was a great car; still going strong after 18+yrs until wiped out in a hail storm. It would have easily gone another 2-4 years, still very solid on the inside, engine good (although see below)
However the CV boot was something that I replaced a few times (on various wheels) so I it might be a sort of weakness of the part/design given that often these are meant to last up to the life of the car. Then again, maybe 18 years is way over 'life' for most cars.
The other thing to keep an eye on is the head gasket. A well known problem for these engines; one symptom of which is oil leak on the left side of the engine …however (and do the research yourself - there are multiple articles about this issue on the web), a small oil leak alone doesnt necessarily require replacement of the head gasket, it just means its something to keep an eye on because it might get worse. It is not unknown for people to dump their old Subies when the leaks start appearing because the cost of the repair is greater than the value of the car. That said, most of the time the problem occurs around 100k km, so if the car has more km than that it might be fine or maybe the repair has already been done
Keep an eye on the engine temp. If its above half way then get it checked
Rubber deteriorates quicker than the metallic parts. 18years in this case is way more than you expect it to last. Suspension issues relate directly to the age of the vehicle, as bushes, ball joints etc. are worn merely due to material age and cyclic fatigue. But we’ll looked after vehicles can be an exception for example when you always park it away from direct sun, promptly address any fluid leaks and replace worn parts sooner rather than later. These measures do not stop material ageing but slow down the cyclic life consumption.
CV accordian boot.
Get it replaced. It will throw grease everywhere and allow dirt into the CV joint and wear it out.
Spoke with mechanic and will be $150 parts and labour. Booked in for next week
Suggest $30 pedders suspension inspection before you commit more funds to this vehicle. If it has latent suspension issues that may be about to surface you may be looking at a $1000+ job.
If you do get the inspection know that they’ll find everything slightly wrong and present you with a really big quote. Some stuff probably won’t really need doing
Which one in picture might help.