Hi. I am new to this forum, but not new to forums in general.
I did the usual stuff like searching using google to try to find topical threads.
My brother just gave me a 2004 Legacy Auto, with a few issues. 150K mi. I would prefer manual, but it's a gift horse, so I am grateful and avoiding dental inspection.
He is very far from mechanical, and I am relatively adept non pro. (I've done frame ups on motorcycles, rebuilt diesel engines, hydraulics, clutch replace, overhaul motorcycle engines, stumbled through various electrical... You get the idea of what I can handle. Tool access moderate.)
So far I can see that the issues are as follows:
1) LF wheel bearing is scary bad. Replace ASAP. Probably DIY unless you guys talk me out of it. Will be looking for a guide herein, but links are appreciated.
2) Rear brakes are metal on metal. Definitely a thing I can handle. However I have a question that is my main question on that to follow.
3) He said something about the Cat causing a CEL code. That he replaced some cat component to pass oregon emissions, then another component died just after. It is hard to tell exactly what he is describing, but this may mean something to you, that you can enlighten me about. Not my highest priority.
4) coolant was low. Topped it off, and quickly hit the same level. No obvious source of loss, no overheating signs or history per brother.
5) He tried to top up AC and thinks he blew a seal. Don't know if compressor is bad. Want AC badly, but first the mechanical safety stuff.
6) needs new rear struts as damping is gone. I can DIY.
He recently had front brakes done, new tires, power steering pump- though the fluid looks nasty. (I will flush that.)
My main question. title is rebuilt. Brother said that it has "Forester pads in the back" so I need to use those. I don't want to take his word for it, so how can I tell what hardware is there visually? I would prefer to have the GT spec brakes as those are apparently beeefier, I think. (or std legacy, which it turns out the car is.) I can jack that up and get pics with the wheels off, and find any numbers in the castings. I know I will at least be getting new discs and pads, will do calipers if necessary. Please advise. What do I need to look for, and what should I have?
Edits-- I just got the car home and looked a few things up on it, and inspected closer. I was wrong about it being a GT model. It is the standard 2.5 Legacy. Assuming the trans is origninal, it is 4EAT
