Wish I had seen this before this weekend. But good explanation! If you have a Subaru forester/crosstrek/ascent/outback from years 19-21, take my advice and get yourself several small extensions 2x1”, 1x 1-1/2”, 1x2” (if you don’t want to bother with the separation of the 1” extensions”). The passenger side is no problem and I got it done fairly easy. The driver’s side rear is the biggest pain in the ass if you don’t have the above listed extensions. I have a 21 forester sport, so it may be a little more spacious in the ascent/outback but they all have pretty much the same engine layout and I got the instructions on how to do it from videos on a crosstrek and ascent. Get one or two small/flat screw drivers and/or small pry bar/panel fastener removal tool in order to help separate the extensions from the wrench. This is where it would have paid to have a very low profile and non quick release wrench as it is difficult to push the button on the back of the wrench when trying to separate everything out, I would have much rather just pry it apart with a flat head. Also the magnetic wand was a life saver. The problem is on drivers side rear for the forester is once the spark plug starts threading out you don’t have space to remove the 3” extension so I had to screw back in the spark plug, take off the extension and maguyver whatever small extensions/size conversions I had in my tool kit that I could remove as it threaded out. So maybe even just 3x1” might be all you need but I want to make sure I’m set for next time without any hassle. Also for next time I plan on getting the lowest profile 3/8 (non quick release) I can find. Possibly a flex head. Currently looking at tekton brand. Buy spark plug specific grease to make removal easier next time. A twist handle ratchet like from Stanley would have also saved me a lot of hassle because the fuse box and computer wiring harnesses are a massive pain in the ass to work around. Pretty sure Subaru make everything as difficult as possible to try and force your hand into bringing it in for service. I had an absolute nightmare with it and took me about 6 hours on the driver’s side only without the proper tools. GET THE RIGHT TOOLS. Cannot stress this enough.
I was looking for a video that broke down this particular tool combo so I don’t gotta f around with engine mounts and all that or lose my mind tryna figure it out dropping sockets and shi*. The magnet is genius. The animation helps a lot too I was really scared I’d mess that part up since you can’t see anything. Thank you! Where do you recommend picking up the tools from?
Really glad this was of use. I knew without the animation it was going to be impossible to explain. Ace hardware or autozone should have everything you’ll need. Good luck, and take your time. It will get frustrating with how little room you have but if you drop anything it will be a lot harder. Hopefully all works out!
They definitely didn’t think this one through super well. One of the worst jobs I’ve done in a while, my wrists were really cut up. An extra 1/2 inch would’ve went a long way
Wish I had seen this before this weekend. But good explanation!
If you have a Subaru forester/crosstrek/ascent/outback from years 19-21, take my advice and get yourself several small extensions 2x1”, 1x 1-1/2”, 1x2” (if you don’t want to bother with the separation of the 1” extensions”). The passenger side is no problem and I got it done fairly easy. The driver’s side rear is the biggest pain in the ass if you don’t have the above listed extensions. I have a 21 forester sport, so it may be a little more spacious in the ascent/outback but they all have pretty much the same engine layout and I got the instructions on how to do it from videos on a crosstrek and ascent.
Get one or two small/flat screw drivers and/or small pry bar/panel fastener removal tool in order to help separate the extensions from the wrench. This is where it would have paid to have a very low profile and non quick release wrench as it is difficult to push the button on the back of the wrench when trying to separate everything out, I would have much rather just pry it apart with a flat head. Also the magnetic wand was a life saver.
The problem is on drivers side rear for the forester is once the spark plug starts threading out you don’t have space to remove the 3” extension so I had to screw back in the spark plug, take off the extension and maguyver whatever small extensions/size conversions I had in my tool kit that I could remove as it threaded out. So maybe even just 3x1” might be all you need but I want to make sure I’m set for next time without any hassle.
Also for next time I plan on getting the lowest profile 3/8 (non quick release) I can find. Possibly a flex head. Currently looking at tekton brand. Buy spark plug specific grease to make removal easier next time. A twist handle ratchet like from Stanley would have also saved me a lot of hassle because the fuse box and computer wiring harnesses are a massive pain in the ass to work around.
Pretty sure Subaru make everything as difficult as possible to try and force your hand into bringing it in for service. I had an absolute nightmare with it and took me about 6 hours on the driver’s side only without the proper tools. GET THE RIGHT TOOLS. Cannot stress this enough.
This is all great advice I’m sure many will find helpful. Thank you
@ no worries, just telling people what I wish I had known before hand haha.
This is well done and very helpful video. Thank you for spending the time making it!
Much appreciated, glad it was of assistance!
I was looking for a video that broke down this particular tool combo so I don’t gotta f around with engine mounts and all that or lose my mind tryna figure it out dropping sockets and shi*. The magnet is genius. The animation helps a lot too I was really scared I’d mess that part up since you can’t see anything. Thank you! Where do you recommend picking up the tools from?
Really glad this was of use. I knew without the animation it was going to be impossible to explain. Ace hardware or autozone should have everything you’ll need. Good luck, and take your time. It will get frustrating with how little room you have but if you drop anything it will be a lot harder. Hopefully all works out!
Great presentation! thanks
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
Thank you
Simplicity is key 👏🏼
Use iridium plugs only so this could be delayed for 100k miles.
This is progress???? What happened to designing for maintenance?
They definitely didn’t think this one through super well. One of the worst jobs I’ve done in a while, my wrists were really cut up. An extra 1/2 inch would’ve went a long way
@@running2redlineyour sacrifice will bot be in vein for those us stuck with the car for now
I will never get a sub...what a crazy process
After I sold that car I haven’t bought one since, not fun at all to work on
Love subies !!!
A near deal-breaker here, as well. This guy describes it with a calmness that others wouldn't have.