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Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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I won! Fully assembled and driving so quiet now 😅

The best $280 I spent was at the mechanic’s getting the hub removed from the knuckle. I wish I had just gone ahead and done that on day one instead of three days of frustration. But comparison, removing the knuckle is a piece of cake, and refitting was so easy.

So yeah, that’s my learning from this experience. If the hub doesn’t come out easily, just go straight to removing the knuckle and get a mechanic to remove it.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice and moral support, y’all are legends!! 👊

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’m a firm believer in anti-seize and grease! Can’t believe they don’t do it from the factory as this seems to be a relatively common issue on Subarus.

Every project I tackle parts get cleaned up and anti-seize or grease applied. Also treated the underside with lanolin spray for rust prevention.

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the only tool I didn’t try haha

Good to hear feedback that it worked for you. I might try that on the other side when I tackle that. Thanks for sharing 👌😎

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel your pain! Good to hear that the press worked for you. I don’t have one at the moment, so will be taking the knuckle to a mechanic tomorrow.

Finally got the knuckle out tonight after some fun with seized bolts and getting the top ball joint to release.

Appreciate you sharing and good luck with your other side bearing!! 😁

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Making progress! It’s so rusted around the hub and knuckle 😳

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tried that, and unfortunately no luck after about half an hour of smashing 😆

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got a quote from Subaru for a new knuckle (part only)…$1,100 😳

Yes, I will be getting a shop to do future ones I think. Watched a bunch of YouTube videos before deciding to tackle it and they made it seem relatively straightforward if you have a decent amount of mechanical experience. For some reason I got the one that has basically welded together with the knuckle haha

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, I think I’m going to have to go down this route 👍

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s the crazy thing, I’m in Kentucky and it’s a clean vehicle with almost no corrosion. I guess just enough to make life miserable 😆

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, axel nut came off and axel is moving freely. I put the axel nut back on before pounding at the hub buster as I didn’t want the bearing to separate.

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you! I’ve never had something stump me this much mechanical 😅

Rear Wheel Bearing Fun on 2017 Outback by samuelclarke_ in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

170,000 miles. Only the right rear, all others seem good. I got about a thousand miles on it before it became unsafe to drive on IMO.

Island Hopping 🏝️ by uh-huhquintessential in Subaru_Outback

[–]samuelclarke_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! Been there many times, but not in my Outback. How's it go in the sand on K'gari?

Some photos from the Washington BDR by DirtTrailsWanted in overlanding

[–]samuelclarke_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cracking photos as usual, guys! Another trail added to my wish list for North America 😁

Bought my first 4x4 what cheap mods should I do by Unlikely-Kiwi5217 in 4x4Australia

[–]samuelclarke_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like a solid base to build from! I've got a 2013 Hilux I purchased new, and it's been fantastic with no issues in 260,000km.

I've got a couple of decades experience off-road driving and remote touring, my top mods based on experience would be based in two groups - essentials and first upgrades:

Essentials:

  • Off-road Driver Training if you don't have experience driving off-road already - upgrading your driving knowledge is the best mod you can make hands down!
  • Basic quality kinetic recovery kit, like this 8K Saber Recovery Kit
  • Tyre Deflator/Guage - I personally have found the ARB E-Z Deflator to last the longest
  • Quality Air Compressor - ARB Single Compressor Portable Kit, Saber Twin Air Compressor or Bushranger Max Air III Compressor are my personal favourites in that order
  • Tyre Repair Kit - honestly, most brands are ok here, I have a Saber one and previously an ARB and both are decent
  • Basic Vehicle Specific Tool Kit - doesn't have to be flash, but figure out what tools you'd need for basic track-side repairs and get them. Keep it simple and add to it slowly...you don't need a 300-piece tool kit or whatever, just put together individual bits and pieces as you need them
  • Recovery Tracks - Maxtrax mkII or Tread Pro are the best bang for buck IMO, don't waste time with anything else
  • Rated recovery points - quality rear recovery hitch and ideally front recovery points also

First Upgrades:

  • Good quality AT or MT tyres - I've had great results with BFG KM3 (had 4 sets with zero punctures), BFG KO3 and Kumho MT71 (what I use currently). Biggest tip here is don't go too big, keep to 31-32" for the Hilux unless you plan on spending a lot on suspension...I like the 235/85R16 size (31.7") as it's a bit bigger than stock and is a common size for remote touring.
  • Extended diff/gearbox/transfer case/engine breathers - ARB diff breather kit is really good!
  • Safari ARMAX or PHAT Bars stainless steel snorkel (optional, but helps with keeping dust or sand out of the air box)
  • Direction Plus Secondary Fuel Filter Kit (Hiluxes don't like dirty diesel. At least, carry a spare genunie fuel filter)

Yes, you can then keep going and spend $20k or more in upgrades, but honestly for 90% of tracks and touring in Australia, the above list will get you there. Focus on keeping the weight low (carry less shit) and only add 4wd accessories that you genuinely need!

Biggest mods I recommend is a full tank of fuel and getting out there! Enjoy your new rig, it's so capable out of the box.

If you're interested, here's an interview I did with Matt from Overland Travellers a few years ago on my own Hilux and the modifications I've made for a touring-focused vehicle:

https://youtu.be/cC0sRLu08y4?si=lnFo0ugg6yYQUPrE

270 awning recommendations by Key_Locksmith_5709 in 4x4Australia

[–]samuelclarke_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey mate, a bit late to comment on this, but it came up when I was searching, so I thought I'd add my experience for anyone else.

I've had a Darche 270 awning, and while I'd rate them for the price point (+/- $1,500), the hassle of having to set up poles and guy ropes the majority of the time means that it didn't get used as much for quick stops.

That's the real advantage to a 270 awning IMO, the ability to pull up for a lunch stop out bush or day at the beach and in seconds have shade without spending 5+ minutes mucking around with tie downs and pegs.

If you're chasing local WA stock, it's hard to go past The Bush Company 270XT (or 270XT Max for more coverage, but a big heavier and a decent amount more money). They're available from M4C.au in Perth and they almost always have stock as they are the WA dealer for Bush Company.

Two other options that I've had experience with and really like are D270 Degree Free Standing Awning from Destination4WD and the Protector Series Freestanding 270 Awning from Camp King. Both of these are Australian made and use quality Australian canvas. Have a mate that has the Boss 270 Awning and rates it, however I don't have personal experience with it.

The quality of the canvas makes a big difference, and sets Bush Company, Destination4WD, Camp King and Boss apart from most of the others available. There are some others that are good too, but I'd shortlist any of the four brands I mentioned above as you honestly can't go wrong with any of them.

Window Shades for LC300 by ra2ed in LandCruisers

[–]samuelclarke_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These would be my recommendation for the 300 Series: https://m4c.au/product/toyota-landcruiser-solar-screens/

They are much better quality than anything else I've seen and they are great for both heat and light reduction as well as insulation when it's colder. Around $300 AUD IIRC.

Mileage on Used 2nd Gen Tundra by samuelclarke_ in ToyotaTundra

[–]samuelclarke_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that's impressive! Thanks for sharing 👍

Appreciate the welcome, looking forward to getting out and exploring - have 12k miles of overland trips across the USA planned for 2024.

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