Subaru Legacy - "do not fit snow chains" ?

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#1328919 21-Jun-2015 23:29

Yeah i was thinking chain the higher axle ie front going up, rear going down. If chains are needed on a 4wd albeit with road tyres (as opposed to all terrain tyres with mega thread) then it must be pretty treacherous

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#1328963 22-Jun-2015 08:24

chains go on the front of an AWD if you are using 1 pair and on all 4 if using 2 pair. they dont go on the back if using 1 pair on an AWD. going up or down the hill makes no difference.

what ever got that into your head?

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#1328972 22-Jun-2015 08:50

Jase2985: chains go on the front of an AWD if you are using 1 pair and on all 4 if using 2 pair. they dont go on the back if using 1 pair on an AWD. going up or down the hill makes no difference.

what ever got that into your head?

I've driven Subies a fair bit in snow. They'd generally plough along just fine without chains, albeit with winter tires. Carried a full set in the trunk for 10 years, never used them in anger.

Here in NZ though, I do sometimes use chains, as I drive on beaches a fair bit. In spite of Jase2985's (correct) advice I'd only put them on the rear (look under the front of your car with steering full lock to see why..)

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#1328973 22-Jun-2015 08:50

Yes i know

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#1328976 22-Jun-2015 08:52

Jase2985: chains go on the front of an AWD if you are using 1 pair and on all 4 if using 2 pair. they dont go on the back if using 1 pair on an AWD. going up or down the hill makes no difference.

what ever got that into your head?

Huh? Got in head? What?

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#1329000 22-Jun-2015 09:13

What gave you the idea it would be wise to put chains on your lesser breaking, non steering (back wheels) is what is asking....

Jase2985

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#1329022 22-Jun-2015 09:20

Sidestep:
Jase2985: chains go on the front of an AWD if you are using 1 pair and on all 4 if using 2 pair. they dont go on the back if using 1 pair on an AWD. going up or down the hill makes no difference.

what ever got that into your head?

I've driven Subies a fair bit in snow. They'd generally plough along just fine without chains, albeit with winter tires. Carried a full set in the trunk for 10 years, never used them in anger.

Here in NZ though, I do sometimes use chains, as I drive on beaches a fair bit. In spite of Jase2985's (correct) advice I'd only put them on the rear (look under the front of your car with steering full lock to see why..)

beaches are a little different though, your trying to achieve different things

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#1329023 22-Jun-2015 09:26

lxsw20: What gave you the idea it would be wise to put chains on your lesser breaking, non steering (back wheels) is what is asking....

Afraid of spinning 180 degrees?

Jase2985

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#1329036 22-Jun-2015 09:36

you are going 15kph, and driving an AWD

Sidestep

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#1329037 22-Jun-2015 09:40

Jase2985:
beaches are a little different though, your trying to achieve different things

You're right. Just pointing out that even though they're cable type chains they'll fit on the rears only, with my airbag jack they've got me out of some sticky situations. Certainly wouldn't drive on the road with them.

The problem with Subaru is there's almost no clearance between the front strut spring plate & the inner tire edge. Even worse, at full lock the inner edge nearly touches the front flexible brake line, has only minor clearance to the plastic inner fender.

The only chains you can use on the front are the Zero-clearance type that I used to carry (fit on the tread only, held on by a solid arm hub type tensioner). Even then it's tight.

MattR

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#1329240 22-Jun-2015 13:10

Page 8-11 of my 2008 Legacy 3.0R Spec B manual says correct sized chains on front only, do not exceed 30KM/hr.

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#1329266 22-Jun-2015 13:36

Ok thanks

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#1329589 22-Jun-2015 22:26

Jase2985: you are going 15kph, and driving an AWD

you obviously have not driven down hills in icy conditions ... once the rears break traction .... away you go. happens every icy morning in Dunedin. without fail. fluffy snow = fun for AWD. frozen road = do not lock up the rears [translated to do not step on the brakes harder than 1 finger pressure]

having said that, i've never driven on chains down a treacherous mountain road. carried them, never needed to put on. so i have no idea. except,

... chains in front means no traction at the rears. should be ok in normal winter mountain roads, except if you get caught out when it is not normal, ie treacherous. most mountain roads are ok. except the remarkables ... how fast do you think this guy is doing https://youtu.be/MDY5wLayYU0?t=91

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#1329592 22-Jun-2015 22:38

You actually need the chain on front tyres more than rear especially when going downhill!

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#1329593 22-Jun-2015 22:39

i hope you're right, sir! but there is no room in the front axle. might have to find some zero clearance stuff.

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