Mr B

the struts work fine on XT but looks like might need specific spring to get ride height correct, probably why we used springcoil in the past plus better handling option for XT/prodrive spec. Some minor ground spec differences are purely due to different tyre wheel combo's between models/regions. Do also note the same pedders ezifit kit fits all SG versions including Turbo, kind of pointing at fact there is no difference. I know springcoil done some development on XT for the likes of KYB strut conversion from SLS & do rear & front springs for various scenarios such as fast road driving or those carrying a lot of cargo, trailers or more off road/trails use. A call to these guys should be very useful.

only other XT I can find invoice with suspension was the KYB struts, KYB protection boots & springcoil springs. used progressive springs giving comfort ride but stiffer as compressed that was benefit for spirited driving & allowed less drop when loaded or towing, see we also changed front springs for springcoil too a month later as handling improvement. You can call springcoil on 0114 273 1111 , they have a few specs of spring but if you explain your use you should get good result. Think a rear pair is around £90. Still think the KYB springs will work on XT as do on SG X, springcoil is super good quality & a true upgrade very fitting for a prodrive XT beast. ** Update: Have done XT now with KYB Springs & it is fine, if towing, carrying more load, want change your ride height a bit or sharpen handling a bit more then custom spec can be useful from springcoil.

KSRS-43 is part number for king-spring 25% higher rated springs (standard+ I think they call it). They do standard rating & part number is KSRR-43 . As far as i'm aware these are same model range fitting as the KYB springs. Will try & dig out an invoice for an XT & then can confirm parts we have used. Is a spring company in Sheffield that does car springs, custom spring setups etc & they done quite a few for the forester but can't recall name off hand, will look on the workshop pc tomorrow.

Peddars springs will be same as they use the exact same kit on X & XT as far as I'm aware so that points at the KYB springs being fine too. Main problem is 2.5XT gets excluded from lots of lists even though it is compatible. My KYB list shows XT as compatible on that spring part number. I am not aware of the XT running a different ride height by using different spring height or using stiffer springs than standard, I would measure current ride height on good strut side from top edge of rim to bottom edge of arch & compare to standard X model ride height as if same all but a few mm to allow for wear & measuring tolerance then they will indeed be fine. Pretty sure we have done more than 1 XT rear suspension in the past & we use only KYB or Monroe . Done one with full set of KYB's & 25% stiffer king-springs without any issues/complications that I can recall. What year is your XT

Cat joint with the spring tensioners is one with conical gasket . Not going gain much with cat removed unless it blocked badly at present.

My KYB list shows RC6431 compatible with > Subaru Forester 2002 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 1994ccm 125HP 92KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2002 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 S Turbo 1994ccm 177HP 130KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2003 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 1994ccm 125HP 92KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2003 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 S Turbo 1994ccm 177HP 130KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2003 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2004 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 1994ccm 125HP 92KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2004 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 S Turbo 1994ccm 177HP 130KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2004 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2005 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 1994ccm 125HP 92KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2005 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 S Turbo 1994ccm 177HP 130KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2005 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 X 1994ccm 158HP 116KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2005 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2005 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 XT 2457ccm 230HP 169KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2006 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 X 1994ccm 158HP 116KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2006 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2006 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 XT 2457ccm 230HP 169KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2007 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 X 1994ccm 158HP 116KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2007 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2007 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 XT 2457ccm 230HP 169KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2008 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.0 X 1994ccm 158HP 116KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2008 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 2457ccm 211HP 155KW (Petrol) Subaru Forester 2008 SG [2002-2008] SUV SUV 2.5 XT 2457ccm 230HP 169KW (Petrol)

looks right to me & other spring suppliers cross same part on 2.0-2.5 X & XT Take peddars for example the XT set crosses all engine X & XT models. All parts are listed from same supplier so would be wise call them with your exact model details- reg number & the KYB part numbers of items we looking at & get them confirm or correct as then if wrong they responsible for reshipping correct ones.

Be brave, building the strut is 1 nut & placing spring & few parts in correct. If you have rubber strips on original struts that spring sits on reuse them, once spring in add the strut rod boot & top hat parts & nip the nut down. Compressing springs is not that hard & you don't need wind them down too much. expect a local garage would build struts for 20-30 quid if you couldn't, plenty of online help here too if needed . Replaced a few peddars as don't seem last long, KYB for quality-price-ride is damn decent, we fit them & do 2 year no quibble warranty boldly printed on invoice as been that faultless. Standard Tokico made SLS struts are superb items but as only made to order direct to Subaru the prices are just ridiculous. Your non leaking strut is probably easily worth £60 as people grab them up if trying keep a working SLS set ...

can you not pad it out so better shape or tighter fit against glass.

not a fan of peddars, never used them but have had a few in with them fitted. I prefer the Jap KYB struts & must be paired with the KYB springs or ride height wrong. part numbers below > Right Absorber KYB 334344 Left Absorber KYB 334345 Coilover Springs KYB RC6431 These are normally around 80 to 100 quid each, we been paying £65 trade & get free boot kit for pair purchase. I see on eBay they doing these same KYB struts for £50 delivered :-O that is cheap Links below: Struts option 1 (try links below or fresh eBay search to get best prices as always changing) > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Right-Shock-Absorber-To-Fit-SUBARU-FORESTER-KYB-Excel-G-334344-/231696653638 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Left-Shock-Absorber-To-Fit-SUBARU-FORESTER-KYB-Excel-G-334345-/321872620069 Struts option 2 (different seller, prices keep fluctuating) > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KYB-Rear-Right-Shock-Absorber-OE-High-Quality-Replacement-Excel-G-334344-/371255156011?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AForester%7CPlat_Gen%3ASG&hash=item5670881d2b http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KYB-Rear-Left-Shock-Absorber-OE-High-Quality-Replacement-Excel-G-334345-/171674590359?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AForester%7CPlat_Gen%3ASG&hash=item27f89a5c97 Struts option 3 (different seller, prices keep fluctuating) > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KYB-Rear-Right-Shock-Absorber-OE-High-Quality-Replacement-Excel-G-334344-/391051412361?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AForester&hash=item5b0c7b0389 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KYB-Rear-Left-Shock-Absorber-OE-High-Quality-Replacement-Excel-G-334345-/231476279528?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AForester&hash=item35e50fb8e8 Springs > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Coil-Spring-To-Fit-SUBARU-FORESTER-KYB-RC6431-/231145952439?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35d15f54b7 Springs option 2 (sold in pair) > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-KYB-Rear-Suspension-Coil-Spring-OE-High-Quality-Replacement-RC6431-/151573055486?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AForester|Plat_Gen%3ASG&hash=item234a7547fe Springs Option 3 (custom from Springcoil) > http://springcoil.co.uk/ Boot kit > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Protection-Kit-To-Fit-A-SUBARU-FORESTER-KYB-910046-/321380934320?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Model%3AForester&hash=item4ad3cbe2b0 Now all that will cost less than £160 * prices are at time of posting, do search to see if any better prices can be found before commiting to purchase* Fitting is quite simple, you will need spring compressor but this cheap tool if can't borrow one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-Heavy-Duty-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Kit-Twin-Hook-380mm-Professional-/281246170899?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item417b93ff13 Top tip is mark position of bolt heads to strut mount plates on hub mount as they are concentric camber adjusting bolts & then transfer marks to new struts so when refit your camber setting will be very close to original thus hopefully close to perfect. Very little involved really besides 2 bolts on hub & bolts on top mount in strut turret (remove inner trim carefully) Once removed you will need compress springs just enough so it becomes loose/no load on top hat, now remove old top hats for fitting to new struts (you could indeed buy new top hats if so wish, expect old will be totally serviceable though) your hardest part is the bolt on the strut rod to remove top hat, I got an airgun so super easy but I do know it can be a pain without an airgun in some instances . Be sure build up struts correct with springs positioned in spring cups properly (take good note of ones removed prior to stripping or don't strip both down so have one for reference if needed) Is tiny bit more work over peddar pre-built as have build struts (15 minutes work if bit experienced) but half the cost & better quality plus you will be a suspension master so any future suspension work will be a fearless before lunch fix :-) Main thing is have plenty of time, be calm & think first rather than hammer first :-) , treat things with respect & use a little wd40/duck oil rather than the hammer . If you are some what handy & have decent basic tools you will have little issues ... Rough guide on suspension heights ( middle of wheel hub to lower edge of arch )

I've only ever replaced handful of window switches, mainly deteriorated wiring & motor from all ones i;ve done over the years. Different climate of Oz could be reason of switch issue & is quite possible you guys are operating the switches around 3 times as many cycles in the same vehicle life span due to the nice weather Oz has.

Switches are not that bad & indeed as bitman has said can be opened for cleaning/inspection As you say you can here clicking when button pressed I expect fault could be motor or wiring, the wiring feed into the door can fail as flexing every time door opened/closed. Bit of investigation & checking voltage feed to motor when operating switch will help track area of fault.

Best option really, rebuilding starters is a bit hit & miss really. Some faults/wear are easily resolved & some not, for price of used or recon with decent warranty it hard to justify doing major rebuild work on them really.

Fan relays are switched via ECU. I would check heater matrix not blocked or partially blocked as this make circulation very poor, also I would suggest only ADL or genuine Subaru thermostats as many other run of the mill brand thermostats don't work well on the Subaru. My guess is still a blockage in the system & some more flushing may be needed ... Take it the temp gauge on dash seems report the facts correctly !?

Well I use our shop exhaust gas tester so you don't really want buy one of those as super expensive. Either take it to local garage & get them sniff over rad filler & see if can conclude anything or buy a chemical test kit but test kit may not work well if can't run car very long. Still sounds very much like an airlock though but to be honest they are not normally much bother to refill & I can not recall having any major airlock issues on any I dealt with.

Would be surprised if pump the issue, only have pumping issue if blade corroded badly or clogged with sludge & not a normal problem on Subarus. Could be lucky & the draining & refilling helps move an airlock should that be the problem. Other thing check is the thermostat fitted correct way round/up ... if all checks out & still playing up could be time put a gas analyser over rad cap or get a chemical test kit to check for combustion gases in the cooling system ... As said above does not sound like normal HG issues so rule out airlocks & basic cooling faults first.

Deffo sounds like airlock, you need leave interior heater on full hot so can circulate whole system. If thermostat old it may be worth getting new one for refitting. When I refil as soon rad almost full I start car then top up as needed & squeeze top rad hose to help shift air, also increasing revs for short duration helps pump force water better & perhaps move an airlock (back off throttle slow or chucks some water out rad filer) Some condensation from exhaust is normal until car run for some duration to clear moisture in exhaust & be full running temps.

I would phone (company number in listing) and confirm parts via your reg number, also assume if you use 'add to cart' on ebay for both those bushes you will only pay one postal fee ...

FRONT-RIGHT-WISHBONE-ARM-REAR-BUSH http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Forester-2-0i-TURBO-1999-2007-FRONT-RIGHT-WISHBONE-ARM-REAR-BUSH-x1-/200824608138?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Cars+Year%3A2003|Model%3AForester&hash=item2ec214558a#shpCntId FRONT-LEFT-WISHBONE-ARM-REAR-BUSH http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Forester-2-0i-TURBO-1999-2007-FRONT-LEFT-WISHBONE-ARM-REAR-BUSH-x1-/200903868974?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Cars+Year%3A2003|Model%3AForester&hash=item2ec6cdc22e We get these from our local motor factors, maybe from FirstLine brand but sure had SolidAce boxed ones before.

Should come off quite easily just be sure handbrake fully off. Rear brakes can wear fast due to Electronic Brake Force Distribution system but I would also expect the skirt was using the brake a lot, some manual drivers find autos a bit out of control so use left foot braking a bit too much, have seen some incredible amount of brake damage due to this.

You probably best sticking with OEM type sourced from ADL Blueprint or SolidAce parts. Poly-bushes are good for performances factors of reducing flex thus keeping geometry precise & giving driver more feedback. Small downside can be extra vibrations being transferred to the cabin. If you have a source for cheap poly-bushes & prefer to fit them then do so. If not a sporty driver & prefer cost of standard bushes then go with them as unless changing most to poly-bushes you will have little to gain ...

T rated does open up a few more winter options & perhaps some other good all seasons like the Hankook Optimo 4S. You should be able find something for your requirements and around the £75 price range which keeps the cost for a full set reasonable. Changing tyre size is classed as a modification, dropping one step in speed rating is normally not a big deal but I would get a written letter or email to state you informed them of the fact as a belts & braces precaution.

Local motor factors for likes of filters, water pump & timing belt kit from likes of ADL Blueprint. Oils, leads, plugs can be found online probably cheaper & with wider range of quality & performance rating as required. Just buy wisely, especially Timing kits & water pumps as no point throwing original quality pump in bin & bolting on a cheap European monkey metal pattern part. A lot of large motor factors list on eBay so can be good if not getting trade prices locally or if local motor factors not too helpful.

You need check feed of oil through pipe to turbo & the oil pressure at the feed pipe outlet if no blockages or pipe/fitting damage found. Return loose ! leaking !? any irregularities need looking into as even a TD04 is pricey when on 4th unit. General engine oil pressure check would be good & fitting quality oil filter & recheck if readings low. Most common issue is clogged gauze on banjo fitting for oil feed so check that if applicable to your exact model.

For Forester you should get decent set of rubber for £315 & even a little under £300 is possible pending on your exact criteria & luck on any deals at time of purchase. Don't think that bad really in this day & age plus as the Fozzies are good on tyre wear so makes it less frequent billing :-)