I have a 1998 Subaru Outback Legacy Wagon with an exhaust leak. The leak is coming from a connection just to the rear of the catalytic converter, at a place where two pipes join with a gasket. It appears that the connecting piece broke off. The remaining connector has a large spring tensioner on each side of the connection. The broken (missing)piece is what this tensioner attaches to. I have a manual but the schematic is really poor and does not show the connecting hardware (or the springs for that matter). It looks like all I need is the correct piece of hardware to re-connect the two pipes. Do you know where I can get a detailed schematic so that I can identify this part? Thanks. Russ Leach

Replace the catalytic converter. No air in, no air out.

Sounds like weak connection somewhere,I would start by one at a time,clean by scraping the prongs of each fuse. If this does not resolve your issue go by one of the parts houses that provide free electrical and charging system checks

Yes, under the rear seat bottom on a sedan or behind the rear seat back on the panel under the carpet on the cargo area, right behind the seat back, screws hold the panel on, fuel pump right below it, easy to replace...I just did mine,1998 Legacy Wagon.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/michael_2496c4f07ad24453

I think you should go for manual first after that it would be easy for you to solve your problem. I had visited this site past 2 months before for my vehicle and find it quite helpful may be you will also get something useful here
SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK SERVICE REPAIR MANUAL 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998...

While this could be a simple bad manifold gasket, I have had the down pipes go bad on these cars. If the engine is a 2.2L, the parts should be readily available at a salvage yard for not too much $. I've also had the exhaust pipes rust through where the pipe from the manifold joins the catalytic converter.

I'm not sure about what gasket to check, but I've always left my manual tranny's connected to the transaxles and removed the axles at the transaxle. This made simpler by popping the ball joints out, thus allowing the hub assembly to swing away. Hope this helps.

check exhaust for blockage(cat) might be bad.

steering column bearing sounds like a worn out steering column... jack the front wheels off the ground both sides relieve load on steering wheel to see if it lessens the amount of feel and noise, if it does it shoud be the column bearing, replace bearings or complete column,,, also try with the wheels off the ground and safely supported to manualy steer the wheels by hand and see if you feel in roughness or hear any noises,should some minor resistance but be smooth in it movement if everything suspension and steering component wise is in good working condition... please rate my help.. thanks...

dearship parts are high.you can buy a factory catalytic converter or universal converter cheaper at auto parts place.they basic the same parts the.dealership has same catalytic converter.they put their price and labor rate charge an hour your pocket book will be empty.i have used universal catalytic converter.had no problem with it.the only difference is universal converter body a little shorter.but has same lengh as factory.if check engine is coming on you cant turn it off .if computer showing you a code.you could have a misfire causing rich exhaust emission.that can ruin a catalytic converter have it scan.dealership charge you about $130.00 .you can have it scan at advance auto or auto zone.to see what pcm code is.it could be oxygen sensor somethinh minor.

Your catalytic converters guts have broken apart and are exiting the pipes. It's like a honeycomb lattice structure. Replace catalytic converter.