Stop Subaru Wind Noise: Window Gusset Replacement

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I thought wind noise came equipped from the factory. All the Subaru’s I have owned had it. Now I have to check the window gussets on my new forester project. Thanks.

[@bellisperennissturdivant]

I did my fuel filter and spark plugs for my first time after watching your videos. I am so grateful to have such an intelligent and knowledgeable person out there who shares the same passion for my car. I myself do electronics repair and am just now getting into automotive and your videos are always absolutely perfect and totally helpful. thank you for everything you do! my 02' outback appreciates you

[@garret4466]

Just bought an 05 Forester, this is my first project! 🤫🤫

[@ericn7698]

Once again, Mr. Subaru comes in clutch with a topical video. I replaced both gussets in my '07 Forester, and I can 100% confirm that this eliminates the horrendous wind noise. Even though later models don't typically exhibit this issue, I must admit that I love the classic Subaru frameless windows.

[@Willohbee]

Same same same!

[@sherrymccauley7712]

I did it! I actually did it!! Thank you so much for this video. I was so nervous. Took it step by step, pause/play, and voila! Quiet car ride now. Thank you!!!

[@DrewMiller4_18_5_23]

I've had this issue for a while but have not known how to fix it. Gotta love it when I can skip the research phase and just watch one 15 min video to solve a problem. Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Try the *free* clamping method first. I did mine on my '06 X and it worked great.

[@Rickmakes]

I saw a tip once on pulling the plastic film back. You use a razor to cut down the center of it. Then some of the adhesive will still be on the door and the plastic. When you are done, you press it back together. I think it is a handy tip if the plastic is fragile from age.

[@newdayyesterday]

Made that look easy. I find car trims more of a pain to do than the mechanical parts.It is knowing which way to pull/push the trim part without breaking/bending or deforming it is the skill, and even then something is bound to break...lol

[@thomassallings1921]

The consistency is impressive. They all have the same problems at the same mileage.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Pretty much.

[@802Garage]

Subaru does some thinks fantastic. Interiors, dashes, plastic, wiring, hoses, all hold up incredibly well. Then there are some things that just consistently die. Door seals, exhaust joint, head gaskets cough cough. Hahaha. I love them as a brand overall though. Very reasonable approach to almost all engineering and they do put quality into a lot of areas that matter.

[@thomassallings1921]

802 Garage Well put. I bought my 01 Outback Limited at 76,000 miles and immediately got the head gaskets changed. It’s totally a champ.

[@Nightfire3714]

You sir are an absolute cutie. I had an old 2000 legacy with terrible wind noise and i cant believe that it was this part lol

[@misi2752]

On my 2006 Forester I had the same problem. Clamping it together and not moving the door from the glass solved it for the last year or so.

[@charleskanyarusoke797]

Mr. Subaru, you are a national treasure! Your video on solving the Subaru wind noise is a Godsend. Thank you for your most eloquent and vividly portrayed demonstration. Like a good teacher, you know how to take your students through the learning task following small, manageable steps. I will, most certainly, replace the gussets on my 2003 Forester.

[@mati3h]

It would be great to see front side window adjusting procedure :)

[@jamesstewart6236]

I have owned an SVX for 15 and 1/2 years and this has never been a problem. Hehehe

[@Willohbee]

Thank you for giving me the confidence to do this myself! It was really simple even though my model (XT) had some extra steps! I will admit, I have a cheap ratchet set and I did what you said not to do.. I DOPPED THE SCREW IN THE DOOR. I seriously tried not to but the socket just didn’t hold it as I pulled it out! Haha oh well, thanks again!

[@pattigray5415]

That was a really good instructional video. Thank you for also doing the reinstall of everything. That is so much better than the instructions, ‘“put everything back together in reverse order”’.

[@AssTroll]

I got my 02 outback 2.5 manny trans from the original owners who had done everything to spec and kept every maintenance record for it since 2002 and they had multiple shop papers of their wind noise from driver side window corner and all th3 shops said they couldn't figure it out. Now I'm gonna have to do this damnit! I may just get some sealer and try and fix it first but think I'll probably just have to suck it up and cough up the green backs. Thanks for the video! Can't wait!

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

Hey Mr. Subaru. Thanks for all the good knowledge. I never liked frameless windows.

[@Darthvolvo]

This video was so helpful. No more annoying wind noise! Thank you!

[@Hayer01]

while we are at it, an other well known issue with this door design is the fact, that those small window guides at the very top of the inner door frame (part number 61256FE010) tend to clog up with debris after time. Thanks to those, neary every subaru i have ever seen, had those scratches in the windows going top to bottom. Have you come accros a way, to get rid of this issue?

[@wigglyworm1203]

This worked perfect for me! Warning - some of the screws that attach the side mirror would NOT budge for me. Had to take it to a shop to help me out. Lube the screws ahead of time.

[@LH-he9xr]

I'm having the same problem. You just went to an auto shop?

[@mrb0bd0balina]

Excellent video, much appreciated. Of course didn't go so easy for me. The top 3 screws holding the mirror, I had to free with an impact driver. A small detail when you pull back the weather strip, there's a little pushclip in there that fell out.

[@nigelbrown3491]

Dude you have to be reading my mind.....was thinking about when to change mine.....again.

[@caodesignworks2407]

As much as I miss my '98 forester, I do not miss the wind noise now that I'm in a 2010 Forester XT. Though, I do miss the frameless doors and slightly smaller body.

[@malkeyatsingh4312]

Thank you, sir, for the tutorial. I just replaced these on my 04 Forester . God bless you 🙏

[@jojopojo9516]

As somewhat of a Subaru fanatic myself, you have taught me so much. Thank you for all the detailed and insightful videos. Your work is much appreciated.

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@raiken_au]

Glad I came across your channel. Just bought a 2005 Subaru Forester and am in the process of restoring it, this was one of the issues it has that was driving me crazy! Thanks for the video.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Just did this on our '03 Forester. I also replaced the weather stripping on both doors. Wind noise drove me nuts!

[@ronaldchong]

you're the best bruh. finally a video about how to actually *fix* this problem. i just ordered the parts for my 05 forester. interestingly, my 04 STI still doesn't have this problem.

[@ronaldchong]

i just installed new gussets. such an easy and cheap-ish fix to a long-irritating problem. thanks again!

[@ronaldchong]

we just did this on my stepson's 04 forester. one bolt broke. an extractor did the trick but didn't have a 10mm bolt so left it be for now. uneventful otherwise. thanks again.

[@Bobakradbin]

Thanks a lot, just ordered some gussets for my Subaru Outback, can't wait to replace soon!

[@Bobakradbin]

Finished replacing them, thanks a million!

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

Nice job .I do hate playing around with doors and windows.

[@carlos_basualdo3933]

i didn't know what to search for this issue thanks so much

[@Grooove_e]

Love the frameless windows on my Bugeye even with the wind noise and all

[@802Garage]

Same. Really love the frameless windows. Whenever I go to work on a car that has frames I open the door and almost wreck myself with the corner, hahaha.

[@Glowingeyes99]

@@802Garage When I used to own an older outback that had frameless windows, I used to smack my body on the window so hard I thought it would break haha.

[@802Garage]

@@Glowingeyes99 I have always been impressed how strong they are!

[@802Garage]

@the machinist Well obviously don't love the wind noise, but I love the look, the ability to move around the open door with the window down, and some other benefits that come with like less door components. :)

[@Grooove_e]

@the machinist I'm more of a person who prefers a car that is very bare bones and simple so the frameless window design is perfect from a simplicity point of view

[@PedroFTeixeira]

I just saw a video a couple of days agora, a guy clamping these to have it tihghter and it worked. It's temporary... for a couple of years, but it's free!

[@robertlombardo5346]

Extremely helpful, so glad to finally have this done. Many thanks!

[@shamwaymoonyos9578]

this was very relaxing. Car repair ASMR hehe

[@macbusinessanalysis276]

Appreciate this. I'm in New Zealand, I know these are 'bread and butter' videos but they contribute a lot to the community. Thanks!. BTW I need parts for a 2001 STI Wagon. Any hook ups would be great.

[@barrythomas6429]

I had a 05 that had horrific wind noise that I tried every trick in the book and never managed to fixed it. But my 06xt has never had this issue. Even though it is exactly the same design.

[@appa37168]

Great video and I'll try this but I had someone else drive my car while I listened everywhere in the car and the wind noise is coming from everywhere besides what you did in this video. What else can I do? I already did dynamat and closed cell foams on all the door panels.

[@bbodan5393]

Probably OEM part regardless. But for what it's worth, I found a dealer in Decatur Ga for OEM parts, price on point, you can call the parts department, they are intelligent, and not just a web source part source. Worthwhile post for those who have sourced OEM on the wild west web. Not a shameless spam plug, just a FYI.

[@lowlifeangler]

My 2007 Malibu had a bad window chatter. It was a warped plastic bottom windshield frame. Probably the mold was to hot of water temperature or water was shut off. I taped the plastic bottom frame with gorilla tape. Been fixed since 2012

[@anthony_capel]

Great super clear video. Gave me the confidence to have a go. Thank you. A

[@jimdopango]

Hey, thank you very much for this video, it'll be very helpful when/if I manage to find the replacement gussets for my Forester. Do you happen to know whether the older 98-02 Forester uses this same gusset? The specific part number for that generation (the passenger side is 62320FC002) seems to be discontinued and is not available in any of the online stores I checked.

[@lowlifeangler]

The Outback mirrors are mounted lower on the door. Eliminates blind spots. Another problem that other automakers ignore

[@mlusk1237]

You are the best - seriously - I am learning so much and I do so very much appreciate your advise. Mike

[@johndavy3820]

My Subaru 2011 Forester is extremely noisy around the windows. Could it be the channel the widows slides in or a misfit of the door shape? The rubber seals around the back doors are loose and 'hanging' somewhat. Thanks, Great video John

[@ItchyKneeSon]

It's good to know that the replacement of the gussets isn't a big job. But $140 per side is heavy on the wallet. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The wind noise on my 2006 Forester X was HORRID. The clamping worked wonders and it was $0.00. Now, replacing the rear wheel bearing (with a seized lateral link bolt rusted solid to the inner sleeve of the bushings), that was a different story.

[@MrSubaru1387]

$140 per pair not each.

[@TenthPrestegeisaFAG]

@@MrSubaru1387 Still, I can pinch it together every week and use the $140 to buy more tools.

[@nsrankin]

My exact car, down to the color. Dope.

[@nightsidewanderer]

Speaking of windows. Could you do a video on how to fix a window that is starting to go up slow and sideways?

[@dennisbrandbyge2161]

Thanks 😊 Do you have a video on the moonroof that will not go down..? Small plastic piece brake 😢

[@lockshabaz1876]

Looked everywhere for this and of course your vid pops up as always!! awesome!!!! needed to know the name of these damn things. mine are ripped and leak causing the door speakers to pop

[@lockshabaz1876]

Any chance finding the driver side for a 98 impreza? having a rough time haha.. the part # i couldnt find on opposed forces

[@chriskelley845]

Are the new gussets any stronger or designed any better?

[@802Garage]

Have an 04 Forester XT with some bad wind noise. I suspect this is the culprit. Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Welcome bro 👍🏻

[@jasonxhx7854]

I have to imagine you won't see this, but I just got my new gussets from Amazon. The one has almost no space between the rubber that seals to the window, but the other has a decent gap that already looks like the size of the thickness of the window. Should I return this before installing?

[@adjgamer]

In my 02 Bean, every time I notice it, I put the windows down and pinch the rubber sides together and that usually takes care of it for a few days. I always shut my door by the window :( can't help it, I always forget

[@cornfusedatbest6693]

I stuffed some home window screen gasket around the gusset. Seems to be working for now. This noise was quite LOUD, but it's a lot better. BE HONEST, how many of you have had someone tell you; "Just turn the radio up!!!" ... to which I always reply, "WHAT, WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN???" ... and if ya live in the RUST BELT, while ya got the door panel off, now, don't go apeshit, but squirt some tranny fluid in any orifice closest to the bottom. Trust me, the salt will have less effect.

[@shrimpu]

So just to clarify : The only place where there was a JSI screw was in the door pocket / window switches panel? All others involving the mirror and the gusset itself were 10mm bolts or regular Philips ? Thanks.

[@maybenot6075]

Done this the other week after the bathroom sealant and heat shrink wrap bodge started coming apart lol 1 of the screws had seized turned into a ball ache

[@mlusk1237]

Hi Thanks for this - very very helpful. Silly question - can you still get this window gusset for a 2007 subaru impreza Wagon 2.5i- I only ask as I cannot seem to find it anywhere is all. Is that part perhaps no longer made? Mike

[@MrSubaru1387]

www.subaruparts.com/oem-parts/subaru-corner-reinforced-61158fe002?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHMmYT1zdWJhcnUmbz1pbXByZXphJnk9MjAwNyZ0PTItNWkmZT0yLTVsLWg0LWdhcw%3D%3D

[@donaldjames4437]

Guess I got screwed with my 2007 paid the dealer $460.00 got it done anyway thanks for sharing.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Ouch. That was some high labor cost.

[@donaldjames4437]

@@MrSubaru1387 Once I got home I still had to tighten the screws as there was an 1/8 inch gap on the passengers side. Fixed now the noise was ridiculous and the cost of new models is greater than my mortgage so I will keep the 07 EJ25 with all it,s little bugs still a great vehicle

[@las3k91]

Wow, there is so complex method to fix this... I just rolled down the window and hand-pushed this 2 triangles against each other. Works great, no more wind noise.

[@JulitoPapitoo]

I've done the same thing

[@visques]

doesn't work in all cases and/or it lasts only for a couple of weeks

[@las3k91]

@@visques you're right, wind noise is back

[@Willohbee]

Haha

[@CarsSimplified]

Nice fix!

[@802Garage]

He really Simplified this one.

[@marcojiron6158]

Hello Mr Subaru great channel! question how reliable is the 2020 crosstrek with stickshift transmission as well the 2.0? Oil consumption problems? Thank you.

[@MrSubaru1387]

It's a brand new car. Can't comment on longevity or reliability. I can say that there has been oil consumption issues on some FB20B and FB20D engines. My 2013 currently has 210k miles and uses no oil to speak of. The 6MT is a solid transmission.

[@Dwaynesvideodump]

Thank you I just got a 03 and it's annoying as on the highway lol

[@brotherbrian1]

This would be the perfect job for those Sunex magnectic sockets.

[@MrSubaru1387]

That it would. Should've grabbed them instead of my Ko-ken Z-Series.

[@brotherbrian1]

@@MrSubaru1387 They are so handy. I got a set of shallow and deeps after your video, and use them all the time.

[@maybenot6075]

Mr subaru do you have any tips for removing the front window motors from this forester? I need to replace mine but dont fancy taking the whole door & mechanism apart

[@derrickray1123]

really glad they moved on to framed doors because of this reason.

[@acela30th]

I wonder why a company who’s marketing is customer “love” just let issues fester, like the EJ head gaskets, window gusset and panel risk. They knew about those issues early enough to correct them at some point, not 10 years later. I love Subaru, I have drove two, over 200,000 and have 3 more headed that way but geez... I am beginning to look at the manufacturer a little differently after watching Mr. Subaru. Not a reflection of Mr. Subaru, he is cool 😎.

[@acela30th]

Rust in panels.

[@802Garage]

Look at how many issues they DON'T have that other brands do. Poor wiring or connectors, hoses that rot or harden prematurely, failing door hinges, failing door handles and locks, problematic alarm systems, interiors that rip or fade, cracked dashboards, plastic that gets brittle and breaks interior or exterior, window regulators, faulty gauge clusters. They put a lot of quality into their vehicles, but they do have some issues that go missed or only pop up after 5-10 years of ownership. It's unfortunate, but no brand is perfect. I really do wish they had predicted certain rust areas better. Would save so many good cars. On the plus side too, they lay everything out quite logically. In my experience Subaru is far easier to repair and maintain than most brands internally and externally.

[@acela30th]

802 Garage a few good points but they knew about those head gaskets in enough time to change them, not until 2009 . I preface my comments by stating that I have only purchased Subaru since 1998 and I have DRIVEN 2 vehicles to the salvage yard to retire them. They never quit. But I am just saying....thanks for the clarification.

[@802Garage]

@@acela30th I definitely here you. The head gasket issue makes me big sad. I just take the good with the bad, hah. I have two 93 Imprezas among many other old Subarus and they have basically 100% original interiors, wiring, and hoses other than radiator. Oh and people tend to break the sun visors too, hah.

[@ChickyDoodleAnnie]

What about wind noise in ones that do have a frame? I recently bought a 2013 Forester, and the wind noise on the driver's side is almost unbearable at higher speeds. I don't feel any air leakage and the windshield seems to be tight-fitting. Is there some sort of piece I can add or something to get rid of this awful noise??

[@TheElephantRoom1]

Thank you for the video! i have an extra issue: my power window motor died while being in the up position. Based on what I've just watched, I need to fix the power window issue before I replace the gusset, correct?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes.

[@spirovmihail]

Naaah all that noise is fine, money saved!!! issue solved!!! :D

[@remiel3315]

i did the drivers window regulator in mine(an 05 SG) and noticed that my window switches had nissan stamped on it with a nissan part number

[@alkynaldovino6592]

have you got any subaru impreza videos?

[@NoName-zz9ls]

He says the designs are similar but uses different part numbers.. Can I get one from a newer legacy that would fit my first gen?

[@elissiaschank57]

i tried to replace mine but the screws attached to the mirrors are stripped. if i was to buy a new set of mirrors i could just bypass unscrewing them from the gusset and replace the gussets and mirrors all at once, right?

[@Hunting_Party]

Was going to do it. But instead got a loud exhaust. No more wind noise.

[@JoniliSoller]

Any tips for removing the screws without dulling the heads? Tried WD40.

[@CreativeCadaver13]

Thanks. Very useful.

[@flat4forlife588]

Believe it or not, my 2016 legacy drivers side down has bad wind noise at highway speeds but at this point, with the other issues, I'll just deal with it like the rest of the issues as I refuse to waste time at the awful LI dealerships. If it's under warranty, they will find a way to not fix it. If you are out of warranty, they will happy charge you up the dumper hole for something they didn't fix but said they did so you have to come back again. I love subaru's, I hate the dealerships in my area, all a bunch of crooks and the warranty work when done, eh, not so great. Interesting though, my older subies, which I had many, never had this issue, I guess I closed the doors the right way and never thought about it hahaha.

[@802Garage]

Oof, Long Island. 😬 Sorry the dealers out there suck!

[@mickefy]

Do you have a recommendation as to where to purchase the most inexpensive new gussets?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Subaru, OE is all I recommend.

[@varonandezferlonaescalona8286]

Great job!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks!

[@jenniferbishoff]

Mr Subaru, Really random, but would you do like a 10 min video/Face time inspection of a 2009 subaru forester that im looking to buy? I just moved to CO and dont have a trusted mechanic yet and trust your opinion, would def pay ya for it. I think its in pretty good condition but have a question about something I saw while looking underneath the car. Comment me back if so, and ill shoot you my number.

[@layzorbeeemz7317]

Is there any fix for cars that can no longer get that part? The parts for my first gen legacy are discontinued.

[@crankshaft007]

I had to fix that on my 2000 forester

[@courtneyblackwell9211]

sweet video.

[@hereinmidmn4084]

Is one engine less troublesome on the newer models?

[@jojopojo9516]

I have a Forester like this except it's the 05' with the EJ20. When the driver side mirror receives power, it does not stop at the designated position. It keeps turning until the mirror is facing outwards. I could stand facing the door and see myself in the mirror; that's how bad it is. Any idea what may have caused that and how to repair?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Sounds like the switch is sticking.

[@gjkrisa]

Why would you ever not use the handle I've done it once and it feels so weird.

[@bostonlover6080]

I'm wondering whether anyone has tried clamping the sides together and gently applying a heat gun to get the plastic to relax back to its original shape.

[@diannetipton8208]

I’ve never closed the door with the window…ever.

[@zahari_s_stoyanov]

Who grabs the door by the glass?! What if you snap it one of theses days :D

[@wc7568]

classic every subaru ever..stupid frameless windows! too bad the gussets for my 95 legacy have been discontinued for a long time. sigh

[@hmlgtr]

Thanks

[@ojjenkins7110]

What is the wire for that you left hanging unplugged?

[@oldtimer6528]

It's for speakers if it came with that option from the factory.

[@MrSubaru1387]

As stated in the video, it's for the optional tweeters. This Forester didn't have the option, so the wiring remains in the door, disconnected.

[@ojjenkins7110]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thanks my old earballs missed that :-)

[@donaldjames4437]

Tweet Tweet

[@VenturiLife]

I can't really hear it at 155mph

[@apicars1287]

Is it the same on the 07 Forester?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Identical.

[@seungjae7462]

How do i know if the wind noise is from these specifically? Or do they all do this after a while?

[@MrSubaru1387]

0just look at you gussets. If they're stretched out around the window glass, as shown, or are split. Time to replace them.

[@seungjae7462]

MrSubaru1387 I will look in the morning. Thank you :)

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@andrewfranco4826]

Hey I’ve been a new subscriber , and I was wondering if you help ppl with the car problem questions via email ?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Sometimes. What do you have going on?

[@jonathanluttrell1380]

If you have a driverside 95-99 Legacy door gusset I'd love to buy it off you! Subaru quit making them :(

[@Costa6500]

👍