Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, Nissan Maxima
Differentiating Factors:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine Design
Owner Profile:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, enthusiasts seeking detailed repair information
Regions Covered:
Australia, New Zealand, Global (for Legacy variants)
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on common sales practices for this type of manual)
Engine:
All engine types and variants for 1998 Liberty/Legacy
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual Transmissions
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brakes, ABS System
Steering:
Power Steering System
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Components
Bodywork:
Exterior and Interior Body Repair, Trim, Glass
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Fuel:
Fuel System, Tank, Pump, Injectors
Exhaust:
Exhaust System Components
Cooling:
Cooling System, Radiator, Fans, Thermostat
Emissions:
Emission Control Systems and Diagnosis
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seatbelts
Maintenance:
Routine Inspections, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Fault Code Interpretation, Common Problems
Repair:
Component Removal, Installation, Rebuilding Procedures
Rebuild:
Engine, Transmission, Differential Rebuilds
Calibration:
Sensor Calibration, Throttle Body Synchronization
Adjustment:
Brake Adjustment, Clutch Adjustment, Parking Brake Adjustment
Installation:
Accessory Installation, Component Upgrades
Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission overhaul)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagrams, illustrations
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder
Displacement 4Cyl:
2.5 Litres (e.g., EJ25)
Displacement 6Cyl:
3.0 Litres (e.g., EZ30 - although EZ30 was more common in later BH models and specific markets)
Engine Codes Common:
EJ25D (DOHC, naturally aspirated), EJ25 Turbo (for GT/GTB models)
Horsepower 4Cyl Na:
Approx. 165-175 hp (Varies by exact specification)
Torque 4Cyl Na:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft (Varies by exact specification)
Horsepower 6Cyl Na:
Approx. 205-210 hp (for EZ30 variants if equipped)
Torque 6Cyl Na:
Approx. 200-205 lb-ft (for EZ30 variants if equipped)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 210-220 hp (for GT/GTB models)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 240-250 lb-ft (for GT/GTB models)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
Timing Belt Chain:
Timing Belt (for EJ series)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (refer to manual for specific Subaru type/color)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A (These were the primary options)
Drivetrain Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90, refer to manual for exact spec)
Differentials Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90, refer to manual for exact spec)
Body Styles:
Sedan, Wagon (Outback Wagon variant also available)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 in)
Length:
Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 in) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in) for Sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1550 kg (Varies by model and trim)
Towing Capacity:
Refer to local regulations and vehicle specific rating (typically around 500-1000 kg unbraked/braked)
Ancap Rating:
2000-2005 Subaru Liberty (BH/BP) received 4 stars ANCAP (Note: 1998 data might be less specific, but the BH generation performed well for its time)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most models)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often available on higher trims or optional
Airbags:
Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger), Side Airbags (Optional on some models)
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear Seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD Player, typically 4 or 6 speakers
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control depending on trim level
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Ports:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions would be required.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km or 7 years (crucial for EJ series engines, consult manual for exact interval and related components like water pump, tensioners)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Automatic: 40,000-80,000 km (depending on driving conditions), Manual: Refer to manual (often longer interval)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 50,000-100,000 km (depending on plug type - standard vs. platinum/iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 40,000-60,000 km or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5-5.0 Litres (with filter, for 4-cyl), Approx. 5.0-5.5 Litres (for 6-cyl). Consult manual.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher). Refer to manual for specific climate and engine recommendations.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual)
Head Gaskets:
Common issue with EJ25D engines (d-head) due to coolant leaks and potential overheating. Later EJ25s (e-head) were improved. Manual will detail inspection and replacement.
Automatic Transmission:
Some reports of torque converter shudder or delayed engagement. Regular fluid changes are key. Manual will offer diagnostic steps.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to knocking noises. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail, leading to intermittent starting or stalling. Manual will provide testing procedures.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some EJ engines can develop cracks in the exhaust manifold, leading to ticking noises and exhaust leaks. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Founder:
Nakai Company (now Subaru Corporation)
Founding Year:
1953 (as Fuji Heavy Industries, vehicle division)
Core Technologies:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Generation:
Second Generation (Second Generation BH/BG)
Introduction Year Generation:
1998
Previous Generation:
First Generation (BC/BF/BJ)
Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift occurred in 2001 (affecting post-1998 models).
Manufacturing Plant:
Subaru Corporation Plants (Japan)
Production Years Generation:
1998-2004
AWD Recognition:
Subaru's AWD system is widely recognized for its effectiveness in various weather conditions, often leading to positive reviews for traction and handling.
Model Reliability Perception:
Generally good, though specific engine issues (like head gaskets on EJ25D) are notable. The manual's detail is key to addressing these.