M Wilson's Auto Service Centre

While our page features a lot of “Blue Oval” products, there is another brand with a similar style of badge that we work on frequently, Subaru.

Established in Australia in 1973, Subaru has become a staple brand, with some iconic models released throughout the years. Brumby, Liberty, WRX, Forester and Outback are a few that come to mind. We see quite a range through the workshop, with many under new car warranties.

One example is this WRX Sportswagon, in for a 30,000km service. Despite its low mileage and recent dealership “service”, we still carried out a thorough inspection and service. The air and cabin filters were replaced with genuine items, along with the engine oil and filter. A diagnostic scan was performed, along with some other smaller tasks and finishing touches.

For servicing your Subaru performed with care and attention to detail, please get in touch to book your next appointment.

Low mileage is a desirable trait, particularly when purchasing a used vehicle, but is it a true indication of a vehicles condition? In our opinion, whilst it is preferred, it’s often deceiving. This is something we see regularly, particularly with enthusiast vehicles that often see little use. Components and fluids can still deteriorate with age, often faster that those being used regularly.

This FG XR8 Ute here is one such example that came to us recently to have a service performed and to investigate some of the owner’s concerns, one of which was a vibration through the front wheels. Finished in “Silhouette Black”, it had travelled less than 40,000km and initially presented quite well.

Given the fact the vehicle had prior service history, we expected it to be relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, this was not the case as once the inspection began, we found numerous issues that would need to be rectified. We also found many components were still original, which in our opinion should have been replaced regardless of the low kilometres.

To summarize, this is the work performed over two visits:

- Engine oil and filter replaced.
- Air filter replaced.
- Upper cylinder clean performed.
- Fuel filter replaced.
- Transmission serviced performed.
- Diff oil replaced.
- Diff breather hose and clamp replaced.
- Cooling system extensively flushed.
- Front brake calipers replaced with reconditioned items.
- Brake discs machined (F+R).
- Brake pads replaced (F+R).
- Brake system extensively flushed with new fluid.
- Handbrake adjusted.
- Tailshaft centre bearing replaced and shaft balanced.
- Rear gearbox mount replaced.
- Diagnostic scan performed.
- Thorough inspection with future repairs recommended.

This list is quite extensive and at a causal glace may seem like overkill, but it is important to remember that the vehicle is almost seventeen years old. The owner also advised us to go through the car thoroughly and sort these issues after our initial inspection.

For those wondering, the vibration was largely caused by the front brakes not releasing. This was due to a common issue with the phenolic resin piston design and heavily contaminated fluid. Hence why the whole system was gone through.

Whilst far more work than initially anticipated, the improvement in the XR8 was very noticeable. There are some further items to be addressed, but for now the vehicle performs as it should and can be used and enjoyed.

As always for any enquiries, please get in touch for further information.