2001 Subaru Outback has super strong exhaust smell coming into the cabin. I also see a small hole in the muffler. Could the hole be causing exhaust to come in through the vents or is it something else too?

SOURCE: cabin air filter on a 2006 subaru outback limited

The cabin air filter is behind the glove box. The first thing you need to do is empty the glove box. (2) you need to remove the side panel that runs along the side of the shifter, it is a long panel and has on clip near the firewall, the clip will have a phillips head on it, just back it out and remove this panel. Then remove all the bolts (10MM) holding the glove box on, The glove box is will stay up because it has two hings that run into the sides of dash. All you need to do is squeeze the glove box untill it pops out and the glove box will be out. There is no need to unhook the wiring for the light bulb just let the glove box hang on the floor. Now you will see a black cover that is held on by 4 small metal clips, remove these and pull the cabin air filter out. when you reinstall the new one, make sure you put it in with the air flow arrows pointed in the right direction or else you will cause blockage. reinstall and enjoy your new heppa filter

SOURCE: 2005 subaru outback cabin air filter install

Yes the o5 outback has a cabin air filter and it is located behind the glove box. You have to remove the glove box, once you get it out of the way you will need to remove the 4 metal clips that hold it in place and make sure you put the filters in with the arrows pointing in the right direction for air flow. Other wise you will have restriction through the vents

Brandon Johnson

• 253 Answers
• Posted on Aug 09, 2009

SOURCE: Power steering pump replacement for Subaru Outback

REMOVAL

1. Remove ground terminal from battery.
2. Remove pulley belt cover bracket.

1. Loosen lock bolt and slider bolt and remove power steering pump drive V-belt.
2. Disconnect connector from power steering pump switch.

1. Disconnect pipe C and suction hose from oil pump. CAUTION:

• Do not allow fluid from the hose end to come into contact with pulley belt.
• To prevent foreign matter from entering the hose and pipe, cover the open ends of them with a clean cloth.

1. Remove bolts which install power steering pump bracket.

1. Place oil pump bracket in a vise, remove two bolts from the front side of oil pump. CAUTION: Do not place oil pump bracket directly in the vise; use soft pads and hold oil pump lightly to protect the pump.

1. Remove socket from oil pump.
2. Remove bolt from the rear side of oil pump.

SOURCE: Schematic of exhaust system

http://www.autopartslib.com/search/subaru+outback+1998+exhaust+system+diagram

SOURCE: How to change cabin air filter in a 2003 Subaru

Your cabin filter is located behind the glove box.
First you will need to remove the glove box. Open the glove box, and on the left and right side on the inside, there will be a retainer that you will need to pull out. This will cause your glove box to fall forward, exposing all of the screws. Unscrew the 10 screws around the outer edge of the glove box, and pull the unit down and out of your way.
After the glove box is removed, you will be able to see the HVAC casing. You will see the access door to the cabin filter, held in with some clips. Disconnect the resistor connector that is in your way, then remove the four clips in order to access the filters.
Once you pull the filters out, you can install the new ones in reverse order. Make sure that the arrows on the filters are pointing up, and that the door is sealed properly when you close it back up.
Good luck and please let me know if I may further assist you. -TXTEXAN