'09 Subaru Forester - Both Front CV Axles

In this video I swap out the creaking, snapping and crunching CV axles on the front of a customers 2009 Subaru Forester with over 300k on the odometer!
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@montestu5502]

The curly cue method is a good one. I prefer to tie the ends like shoe laces. It takes a lot of time, but I feel it’s worth the effort.

[@truthsmiles]

I just leave them straight and let God decide

[@stevewhite3424]

Bah! If you don't tie it like a bowtie you aint trying hard enough. 😊

[@ajfurnari2448]

@@stevewhite3424 Bowtie is the same as shoe, the more you know

[@scotts4125]

@@ajfurnari2448 I prefer a half Windsor. It helps against the vast rust and freezing temps we get here in So. Florida.

[@TheOtherBill]

Solder it, cover that with weld, then encase it in concrete. Grind it, paint it. Done.

[@lifeaccordingtobri]

Many years ago I was lucky to have a CV rebuilder just down from me. He'd rebuild our OE axles the same day with OE parts. We never had an issue....... ahhhhh the good old days. We don't use cotter pins anymore. Our policy is we weld the nut to the threads that way we can tell if anyone has messed with our repair for warranty purposes.

[@chasedyer5950]

I wish. Idk if every car brand is like this, but the aftermarket cv axles for Subarus are garbage, and oem ones are almost $500

[@SB-vb8ch]

That's quite some technique on the split pins, I always thought that the curlyque method was an Area 51 secret....not anymore! Brilliant vid as ever!

[@mph5896]

Better than the method I have been seeing as of late. The missing split pin. Guess somebody crawls under cars and steals them at night.

[@glassvial]

For an 09 PRNY dirt road car with 300K+ on the clock that thing is in amazingly good shape, all things considered. You've had newer Chevy trucks on your channel that were more rotted with less miles!

[@mundanestuff]

That's what I was thinking. I'm in the same general area and my Subaru never sees a dirt road, and I'm willing to bet our 2013 with 145k on the clock is in worse shape.

[@harrylister804]

Is it possible that the electrons from the first coat of mud/dirt did their corrosion thing and until they ran out of ummph, and then subsequent coats of mud/dirt sealed it thus stopping further decay? 😉

[@murphymmc]

Does the PRNY salt their dirt roads? I live on the other side of the country, the dry side of the PRWS. We can get two ft. or more snow but roads are not salted, they get sand/gravel. We've seen winter months where temps never get above 25F all month. I drive a '92 Ford F250, has a little surface rust underneath, it lives outside. I think the states that use salt get a kickback from auto manufactures and salt providers. Our commie leaders live in the west side, snow is rare, result of the Japanese current we're told. Good thing, we'd be in the same boat as the PRNY.

[@Wrang15]

​@mundanestuff wow my 2014 does dirt roads every day. It does not look that bad. But it did eat 3 cvts. It's still yet to hit 100k. Exaust flang rusted through at 49k. It's been a much better car then my Chevy 2016 truck. I had to junk at 88k. Too much frame rot through for state inspection. Truck also had abs issues every 2 years.

[@Wrang15]

​@@murphymmcin PA 3 hours south they Calcium Chloride em. I think its worst then salt. At least this summer the cut way way back because of cost. They only add gravel when it snows at intersetions So the grinds the paint off. Plow is set to 3 inches so you get a good rub down. State sprays liquid brine so it eats everything. 30 years they have to rebuild the bridges.

[@kenj.8897]

Nobody I mean nobody has the excellent camera work like Eric does!!!!. We should all appreciate the extra time it takes him to do it . 👍

[@daveclark8337]

Eric O. is a much better mechanic and way more entertaining but Rainman Ray does have some pretty good skills as far as getting the camera and the lights up in there.

[@kenj.8897]

​@@daveclark8337Ray is Ray not knocking him but my vehicles are in pristine condition. He is so ramey slamey I'd never let him touch my vehicles.

[@yeahitskimmel]

That control arm holder/bender is pretty slick, can't count the number of times I couldn't get great purchase with a pry bar

[@petermoto409]

I made my own after seeing Eric use one a few years ago. What a time saver!

[@toddbartlett8817]

Seen them for sale on Amazon. Astro tools maybe?

[@jamesu]

SIM TOOLS LCAT6803 is the current version. There are cheaper knockoffs as well as a hook by otc used with a long pry bar.

[@scientist100]

@@jamesu I have the hook lol, but I need the longer and stronger prybar.

[@jamesu]

@@scientist100 I have a 50” that won’t fit in the hole on the hook. Ha ha

[@charlesswart]

I just finished at the NASA academy last year and I can verify - Major Tom is still teaching it the same way.

[@Rolo_McFlurry]

Glad to see you're feeling better. Your commentary on "solder" vs. "welder" reminds me of the skits by the late great Gallagher...always ending with the sledge-o-matic. Happy New Year.

[@JeRKII]

Your narration and comments make these 100 times better. FYI you forgot the third way of installing COTTER PINS twist ends back around both sides of the nut.

[@usefulcontent9894]

Less cuts to the head when you don't have a lift and are crawling in the dirt when you do the side-bend method.

[@johnt.848]

SPLIT PIN. Cotter pins have tapered shafts.

[@PCDoctorUSA]

Your explanation of avoiding refurbished non-OEM made perfect sense. Hope you and the family had a Merry Christmas and wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2024 in the PRNY.

[@paullittle4040]

Now that I have been shown the correct way to secure a cotter pin I have to go back and change everyone I've put in wrong in the last 37 years. Thanks Eric O! Liked the discussion on reman parts core degradation over time. For as crusty as it was you were able to dance around the potential obstacles without too much hassle. You sound a lot better too. Happy and Healthy 2024 to you and the family!

[@scottbehr5690]

I have to say...Being a shade tree parts changer for many years...I approve of your highly technical cotter pin termination method!

[@RobertJohnson-kv6dr]

Glad to see you're better after your last video Eric, great video as always keep up the good work in 2024

[@paulchapin4472]

My friend (I only have one) had a '99 Forester. It went 440k on the first engine and another 220k on the second before the front end just gave up. Pretty amazing cars. Love your work, Eric.

[@seanpop2886]

I had a 98 Outback that hit 330k before an accident. My 11 Outback barely lasted 89k after transmission problems from month one and a blown head gasket made me swear off the brand. Their CEO made a public apology for their bad quality.

[@Clearanceman2]

They used to be.

[@neildeatherage2269]

Wrecked my '16 foz with 85k and loved her but I didn't necessarily trust her completely either. Cvt was temperamental until I added an extra cooler but still worried anyday for no reason she could go Britney Spears on me.. now I have a '10 foz with 150k and holy smokes the build quality difference is night and day. Not sure if they were all about shaving weight to improve their MPG rating but my '10 is a machine to what a tin can my '16 was.. use to be is a good short answer

[@peachyclean93]

​@@seanpop2886My dad Subaru was absolute pile of garbage he got rid of it at 100,000 miles It needed thousands of dollars worth of work he was so grateful to get rid of it It was a headache!

[@chrisforker7487]

Great video to kick off a new year! Entertaining and educational as always!

[@LouJustlou]

I believe the internet just caught on fire due to cotter pin abuse and solder mis pronunciation. Thanks Mr. O for the great start to 24!

[@johnchambers12]

Thanks for my first enjoyable video of 2024. You do know how to stir them up! As far as the odds of getting OEM from a rebuild shop i agree it is getting worse but that is the way of all cheep parts, the auto parts store recycles the cores they get and we are at a casino betting on part quality. I only drive my daily driver about 8000 miles a year and I’m about 2 hours south west of you so i rust up my brakes in a parking lot . Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@earlpatton6489]

Glad to see you feeling better and back at it

[@Blake_the_Drake]

My first car ever was a '91 Subaru legacy station wagon that would eat through CV axles. I probably had to do two a year, and got so good at them I could have one done on the side of the road in about an hour. Took that Subaru from 150k to almost 400k, original engine, 3 clutches in the manual trans. Finally broke a connecting rod and sold it to the junk yard for $200. Your spot on about the aftermarket axles, I once went through four axles from the usual suspects before I found one that was right. Either too long or too short or the splines were wrong.

[@sfbfriend]

I have always pronounced it SOLdering, never SAWdering. I hear a lot that do though. 37 years certified soldering for aerospace manufacturing. I sincerely enjoy watching you work and hearing your banter, excellent. Can go on and on about the english language, crazy crap for sure. Why do we spell phone and not fone! Or phish instead of fish.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Working on B52s and other planes, we were taught in the USAF to use the second method of cotter pin installations. I've been using that ever since 1972 when I left the service and haven't lost a wheel yet.

[@skip7243]

Considering the condition & use, that thing came apart pretty easily. Of course there was a lot of experience at work there! You make it look easy. Probably would have been a two day job in my home shop!

[@spencerduncan]

Thank you Eric for the lesson con proper use of cotter pins. I worked on space craft, but machining parts that went to the space telescope, and in contamination control (clean rooms and testing cleanliness on units) for later spacecraft at Kodak and ITT space systems. No assembly done.

[@hammermekanik]

I love it when Eric trolls the trolls!

[@MrCoffeeman58]

I’ve got an 09 with 155 on her. Hard day at work and with the gf, seeing this made my day

[@LogicIndustries]

Perfectly executed Curly Que. You NEVER see that done correctly on the internet. Subscribed for life.

[@musicalgreasemonkey]

You know it's the original engine and transmission and they just know how to keep oil in it 💪

[@kens.3729]

This Subaru is a Sole Survivor. Most were Buried 5+ years ago in the New York Salt Belt Cemetery. 🙏

[@pedroequis9396]

Starting the new year with a SMA Smackdown .... '24 looking to be a good year

[@miketeeveedub5779]

I know what you meant Eric. Used to be a remanufactured part was sometimes better than OEM, as they were updated when they were rebuilt. Those days are long gone. The influx of Chineseium parts changed that dynamic. Best to get OEM nowadays...even if they're $$$.

[@richardthomas1743]

Good morning Eric and Mrs O. Happy New Year!

[@williamschmitz971]

Dang! That’s 3 videos in a row without ol’ Eric using a “fire wrench!” 🔥 😅

[@bobbyv5143]

It would not be a proper SMA video without Eric trying to trigger the internet! Gotta love it! Thanks Eric.

[@johnz8210]

That was fun. For a while now used OEM is often better than new AM junk, and not just axles. Cotter pins - under the who cares heading: a cotter was some kind of tenant a few hundred years ago. Maybe a non-permanent resident.

[@trotva]

Great way to start the year. Always entertaining and happy informative. Plus funny as hell.

[@Intabih]

10:30 Totally using the curly-Q and alternate curly-Q method from now on.

[@sw7366]

Happy new year! The SMA educational channel just taught me why the NASA way is sometimes seen in the wild. Thanks, Eric!

[@user-ft2fr9vg6u]

You whippersnapper, why don't you just tie the long cotter pin legs together, as in a Chevy bow tie ? That's the way we did it in the old days of RWD, front wheel bearing spindles... lol ❤ happy 2024

[@davidd8435]

Glad you’re feeling better. Great video as always.

[@neiljuedes1661]

It’s nice to see a master at work ! Love watching your videos as I live in the rust belt of Wisconsin.

[@sspnugen]

Happy New Year, glad you are back

[@darkerbinding6933]

Love your sense of humor... thanks for the entertainment!!!

[@robertmazzawy8322]

Glad to see that your humor has not skipped a beat in the new year....aka the cotter pin instructions. Happy New Year.

[@jimhaines8370]

The Astro tools make this job fairly easy and the ball joint puller when needed just works so good.

[@geraldfields6276]

Glad to see you are feeling better today

[@erickieffer8440]

Folks, you absolutely must watch this maybe multiple times, Eric has really put out a gem here.

[@FaceInTheCrowd09]

Thanks for all your videos!

[@Mr.Elektric]

Awesome. Starting 2024 with yet another SMA video. Happy New year 🎆

[@edbernier5513]

My team and I had to sign NDAs before we worked on the Mars Rover Projects. One document specifically about cotter pins. I recall us having to all go to “one day Cotter Pin School “ I am amazed that Eric is sharing this with the world. He could be in a whole heap of trouble!

[@jeffdayman8183]

First SMA video of the year and we're treated to NASA cotter pin curlicue technique as well as the dangerous old fashioned way, plus pronunciation discussion about solder vs welder words. (what about folder and holder?) It don't get any better than this folks! 8^)

[@stevewhite3424]

Explain comb vs. tomb 😊

[@TheOtherBill]

@@stevewhite3424 Or good food.

[@joeconway2940]

I enjoy watching these videos. Takes me back to when I was working in a similar garage full time. I wish I could find someone here in Ohio to fluid film my truck. 09 Silverado 308000 miles. 1 trans rebuild and original DOD engine with the AFM turned off.

[@Sandberm]

I like reading this. I have an 08 that I turned the AFM off at 70k miles. Its got 105k now. I'll be shooting for 300 on it too. No rust up here in Pacific Northwest

[@emporium597]

The 1st SMA post of the new year. Thanks Eric O and Happy New Year

[@williamhall2669]

Just love, straight to the point jobs, Thanks

[@keithstroud2908]

Good to see your back at it for 2024!! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!

[@mikepierce4657]

Hope your feeling better !!! Thanks for the video

[@paulcochran1721]

Another great episode. Happy New Year!

[@golferpro1241]

Impressive mileage! Great job Eric!

[@elcastorgrande]

Happy New Year to you, Mrs.O, and family.

[@louisgara8754]

Thanks for the video. I learned something today with your curly-cue method on the cotter pins.

[@davebigdog]

A long time ago when I lived in New Mexico I walked into a auto part store and asked for a cotter key Dude had no idea, took us little bit to get on the same page

[@2nickles647]

Musta Been by the border towns...😅😅

[@davebigdog]

@@2nickles647 no Albuquerque area

[@rickharper1497]

I'm glad your feeling better! Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!! Pensacola

[@cliffordstreck9723]

Glad to see your feeling better, a couple days off maybe a little holiday cheer, I believe I detected a new improved level of sarcasm loving it. Happy new year to you and Mrs O.

[@SV2LLJ]

Happy New Year Eric ,Mrs O and family...

[@jamesbruno5896]

Happy New Year team SMA!

[@brucehobbs1734]

Glad to hear you sounding better!

[@Dave-ei7kk]

I almost fell off my chair when I saw the NASA approved, curly-que method of securing a cotter key. Thanks Eric for brightening up my afternoon.

[@user-du4ik4op3n]

your inside tire kick gives away your ninja cage fighting skills. Thank you for being you. I find great knowledge and some sort of mental relaxation therapy while being thoroughly entertained by your dulcet tones. Best wishes for '24

[@freetolook3727]

Installing cotter pins: Just like when I had an RV repair business. I winterized a lot of travel trailers and mobile homes. I winterized more RVs in one season than anyone would in a lifetime. And yet people wouldn't hesitate to tell me their winterizing method (as if I were doing it wrong). I told them that there were many ways to winterize but only one wrong way. If the system froze up and leaked in the spring when the water was turned on for the first time, then that was the wrong way! Same way with cotter pins. If it fails or falls out, then that was the wrong way to install it! 😂😂

[@2nickles647]

Yup...leave the frozen turds in the holding tank. Call it winterized

[@dropinbiking92]

I've come to love my 2009 forester with 330k on it now. Haven't done front axles, one front inner boot it split, it'll need a set sooner than later. Amazing vehicle though.

[@smellbag]

Happy '24 Mr. & Mrs. O & family.

[@joet4806]

Love watching an Expert - YOU make it look so easy

[@georgereiss998]

Ahhhhhhhh, some witty chit chat from Mr. O combined with some valuable knowledge. The world may be crapping itself into oblivion but I have found some peace and serenity. Thank you Eric.

[@MRrwmac]

Knowing all the tricks and tios of a certain model sure does make it go quickly! Very nice work there MR. O! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@donlemme898]

Your commentary was hilarious. Caught the “Doors” reference. Good stuff. Hope 2024 is good for you and your family.

[@michaelbinning5010]

Hey Eric, glad you're feeling well again!

[@tonywastler5944]

If you want your wheels to fall off, do your cotter pins that way. Well now I guess I'll be rethinking my methods everytime I do one. As always good show, and thanks for making me second guess myself. Lol

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Eric

[@abw121]

Hope Eric O feels better! Happy New Year SMA! Making my cup and bagel to watch him work on RUST!

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

Nice work. Happy New Year

[@basshunter428]

Happy New Year, Eric and family! ⚙️🔩🔧

[@larrysmith9359]

Glad you are feeling better!😊

[@steveg8337]

Glad your feeling better

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Good job, Eric! Happy and Fruitful 2024!!

[@DIYDaveOK]

"Building Apollo 37..."😁😁😁 Love it. Thanks as always, Eric, and Happy New Year!!

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Happy new year Eric and clan👍👍

[@tylerwilliams3868]

and there you have it folks : doesnt matter how rusty or crappy your POS is Erick O still does a hell of a job!

[@scotthill1278]

Over 50yrs of pretending to fix cars, an I never used the curly cue method. How many people have died due to lack of knowledge. I'm ashamed of myself for not knowing the right way. Thank you Mr.O for showing me the error in my ways.

[@noberet]

Very informative. Thank you for your courage.

[@pokitty100]

Good video and happy new year!

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Healthy & Happy New Year to you & your family!

[@rssvss]

Glad you are feeling better also!

[@jerryplante4239]

Happy New Year Eric and Mrs. O.

[@samrugtiv3839]

Good job eria o. Happy new year to you and your family Sam

[@jeremyah78]

Always entertaining! Even when just slinging some axles on one of the most common cars on the road! 🤘🤜

[@mikehonda7934]

I have a 2015 Outback (BSACC5) and have 202,000 miles on it. (90% highway been to all corners of America!) I replaced my Axles with the Import Direct axles and got a little torque vibration you speak of, but at higher speeds around 75-80mph light accel and light decel, but doesn't shake my wheel, but feel a shake through the body, and a slight click from reverse to drive from a stop. If my driver side axle wasn't clicking when turning, id be fine, but I had to go and replace both and now have issues..... Subarus.... Expensive to maintain time to time, but a solid car for the long run!!! I need 300,000!! Happy 2024 to you Eric and the family from TX, coming from an east side Upstate NYer!!

[@nonyabiz2777]

Pefect timing. I need to do a set on the pathfinder. I was trying to get the gumption to do it. Nice work. I kinda feel bad you have all that rust and I don’t so I never complain about a bit of dirt or rust.

[@dropinbiking92]

I grew up working on rusty cars in the dirt. The worst of both worlds. I have a small concrete slab to work on now, and I'm forever grateful. Still working on rusty junk though, that will never change.

[@nonyabiz2777]

@@dropinbiking92 me to. When I was young I didn’t even think about crawling on the ground with the dirt ect. Now I do have a garage. I do admit I never had to work on rusted out vehicles as you and S.M.A and others work on. . Thank god as I watch what a chore it is.

[@dropinbiking92]

It's not as scary as some people make it out to be, and even Eric will play it up for fun sometimes. But yes things can hit the fan quickly. Just makes you better at judgement, and being very wise about your next move, and plannin ahead@@nonyabiz2777

[@gregsidel3557]

Like Eric, love you video. Watching this 1-2-24 Good luck for the new year

[@AnthonySmith-hr2kp]

Neck of a job Mr O. Happy New Year

[@gwbuilder5779]

Happy New Year Mrs. O and you too Eric!🎉

[@CedroCron]

Happy New Year Eric!

[@tomg721]

Happy New Year SMA family.