Hey all.

Just got a 2003 Outback Wagon the other night. Love it, especially
with all the snow we've had lately. But I've noticed that once I get
up to about 40mph I get pretty noticeable wind noise from the driver's
side window, which I'm sure is due to there being no frames around the
windows. I've read several other posts from people who had the same
issue, and they mentioned having the dealer either "reseat" the
window, or adjust the window tension against the seal. But since mine
is no longer covered under warranty, and the nearest Subaru dealer is
25 miles away with unconvenient hours, are these things easy for me to
do myself?? How much would a dealer charge for something like that
anyway, since I'd have to pay for it since it's not under warranty any
longer. It drives me crazy now that I've noticed it. I sat in the
passenger side last night while my husband drove, and I didn't hear
any noise from that side at all - just the driver's side window seems
to be the problem.

Also - I'd like to get an Armrest Extender for that useless center
armrest (sits way too low and far back), but the dealer and
subarugenuineparts.com both told me that Subaru didn't offer them for
the 2003. WTF? I know they're available for other OBW years - would
another year's Armrest Extender be compatible with the '03?

I can't help you with the armrest question and only a little on the
one about wind noise. I have found if I lower my window and squeeze
the blank plastic triangular piece I can greatly reduce the noise, but
only for a while.

Jay M
'03 Baja
VA, USA

On Feb 2, 8:48 am, "M. Baker" <thebakers... (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote:

What do you mean, "squeeze" the plastic piece? I'm trying to picture
it in my mind; are you talking about the rubber seal that goes around
the door frame where the window rests against, or something else?




On Feb 2, 1:54 pm, "jMon54" <jMo... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

No, not the rubber seal. At the front lower edge of the window there
is a plastic triangle. Just grab it between your thumb and the rest
of your hand and give it a hard squeeze.

I think when the dealer does the repair they take it apart and adjust
it from the inside so it stays squeezed.

On Feb 2, 2:13 pm, "M. Baker" <thebakers... (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote:

OK - sounds weird, but I'll try it.

It does sound, though, like the wind noise is coming more from the
back/top of the window, i.e. behind my left ear as I'm driving. But
I'll try the "squeeze" and see if that does anything.



On Feb 2, 4:28 pm, "jMon54" <jMo... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

jMon54 wrote:
Be aware that this triangle may also be a tweeter speaker on some option
packages. Same basic temporary fix except it may just need a "push" on
the lips with the window open. It's been over 8 months since I last
"pushed" mine.

There is a TSB on wind noise. I replaced the gussets on my 01 Legacy
and its very quiet now.


Body - Door Mirror Wind Noise
NUMBER: 12-82-04
DATE: 04/15/04

APPLICABILITY:
20000-2004MY Legacy/Outback & Baja

SUBJECT:
Door Mirror Gusset Wind Noise

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this bulletin is to address wind noise coming from
either the left or right mirror gussets.

PART NUMBER INFORMATION

INFORMATION

Should you encounter a customer complaint of wind noise and determine
the noise is from the door mirror gusset area, proceed as follows: You
can determine if the wind noise is coming from the gusset area by
pushing on the glass during a road test or by taping off the gusset
area.

Repair Procedure

1) With the door open, ensure the window glass is in a full-rest,
closed position. Close the door.

2) Measure the clearance between the front door glass and the door
gusset at both the inner side and outer side with a thickness gauge.
If the clearance is less than 0.2 mm the wind noise may be coming from
somewhere else. If the measurement is 0.2 mm or more, proceed to step
(3).






3) Retract the glass completely, then measure the clearance between
the left and right lips (see the picture). If the clearance is less
than 5 mm, the door gusset does not need to be replaced. Go to step
(6). If the dearance is 5 mm or more, proceed to step (4)

4) Replace it with the new style door gusset. Refer to the applicable
service manual for replacement procedures. After the installation of
the new gusset is complete, go to step (5).

Right Gusset PN 61158AE00B
Left Gusset PN 61158AE01B

5) With the new gusset installed, repeat step (1). Next, re-measure
the clearance between the door gusset and the door glass with a
thickness gauge. If there is no clearance at both inner side and outer
side, no further action is required. However, if there is a clearance
at either the inner side or outer side, proceed with the following.

6) With the door panel removed, turn the adjuster bolt for the door
gusset to tilt the door gusset toward the smaller clearance.

Note :When tilting the door gusset to the outer side, turn the
adjuster bolt clockwise. When tilting it to the inner side, turn the
adjuster bolt counter-clockwise. The adjuster bolt has a screw lock on
the threads. If it is difficult to turn, remove the gusset and turn it
while holding the head with pliers.

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Warranty period, refer to the
Warranty Labor Time Guide for claim information.

Thanks - I tried squeezing the triangle of plastic, and it didn't do
anything. I just have a basic wagon, so I don't think there's any
speakers in there. I might look into having a dealer look at the TSB
issue - that would be free if it was the cause, right?


On Feb 2, 10:14 pm, "Fred" <davidmru... (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote:

During the warranty period.

Blair

"M. Baker" <thebakersmml (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

OH - well so much for that. The warranty is long over for me.
I wonder how much a dealer would charge me to do that, then? If I
called them and asked them for an estimate on performing that TSB,
they should be able to give me a ballpark figure, right?



On Feb 3, 6:58 pm, "Blair Baucom" <jbbau... (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote: