Peter Banks If you own a Subaru and need to remove the undercarriage for maintenance or repair purposes, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to safely and efficiently remove the undercarriage on a Subaru, including the tools you’ll need and potential issues to look out for.
Tools Needed
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather some tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Socket wrench set
- Rubber mallet
- Penetrating oil
- Safety glasses
Steps to Remove the Undercarriage
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Jack up the car. First, ensure that the car is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake. Then, use the floor jack to lift the front and rear of the car. Place jack stands at the front and rear of the car and lower the car onto them. Make sure that the car is stable and secure before continuing.
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Remove the tires. Using the socket wrench set, remove the lug nuts and take off the tires.
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Remove the plastic skid plates. Locate the plastic skid plates under the car’s front and rear. Using the socket wrench set, remove the bolts holding them in place. Be sure to keep track of which bolts go where, as they may differ in size or shape.
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Release the undercarriage. The undercarriage is held in place by several bolts and fasteners. Remove all of them using the socket wrench set, being careful not to strip any of the bolts or fasteners. If one won’t budge, try using a rubber mallet to gently tap it loose. If necessary, apply some penetrating oil to help loosen any stuck fasteners.
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Remove the undercarriage. With all of the bolts and fasteners removed, the undercarriage should be loose and ready to come off. Slide it out of its place carefully and set it aside.
Tips and Potential Issues
- To make the process easier, consider labeling your bolts as you remove them. This will help ensure that they go back in the proper places during reassembly.
- Before you begin, check to make sure there are no loose wires or hoses that could get in the way of the undercarriage removal.
- Be careful not to strip any bolts or fasteners. If one is particularly stubborn, try using a rubber mallet to gently break it loose.
- Some Subarus may have additional bolts or fasteners holding the undercarriage in place. Check your vehicle’s manual to ensure that you’ve removed all necessary components before continuing.
- Once the undercarriage is removed, take some time to inspect it for any damage or wear. This is a good opportunity to clean it and perform any necessary maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the undercarriage for routine maintenance like oil changes?
No, you don’t typically need to remove the undercarriage for routine maintenance. However, removing the undercarriage may make it easier to access certain components for maintenance or repair purposes.
Is it safe to remove the undercarriage on my own?
If you have some basic knowledge of car maintenance and follow the steps outlined in this guide, it should be safe to remove the undercarriage on your own. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, always consult a professional mechanic.
Do I need any special tools to remove the undercarriage?
The tools required to remove the undercarriage are fairly standard, and you should be able to complete the job with a socket wrench set, floor jack, and jack stands. However, if you encounter any stubborn bolts or fasteners, a rubber mallet and penetrating oil may be helpful.
With this guide, you should now be well-equipped to safely and efficiently remove the undercarriage on your Subaru. Happy tinkering!
