Project Rotted Subaru Subframe - Part I
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- Опубликовано: 13 дек 2022
- In this video I bring you along as I start the process of replacing the customers rotted out engine cradle on their 2014 Subaru Outback with the big 2.5. It's not a bad job just a little time consuming.
-Enjoy!
Part I : • Project Rotted Subaru ...
Part II: • Project Rotted Subaru ...
Part III: • Project Rotted Subaru ...
Was it really rotted?! • Let's Clear Some Stuff...
How much did the job cost? • Was The Subaru Job Wor...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained. 
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27:02 - tip for you, Eric. When in that situation where the stud is spinning and you need to put some tension on the tie rod to get the nut off, use a ball joint press. You'll know what I mean.
That’s such an incredible tip, I’m stealing this!!!
It's tips like this that piss me off! 🤬
I mean WHY THE HECK didn't I think of that 25 years ago!! So freaking simple too and the perfect size hole in the top for the chrome socket on the impact haha I owe you a beer buddy!
I don't like that idea. Its way to logical.
I would usually put a jack under the bottom of the tie rod and push it back into the arm socket.
@@SouthMainAuto We are always learning. That's why I watch these vids. Sometimes taking a hammer for everything isn't the best idea.
We've been doing these regularly at the Subie dealer I work at. Pro tip Mr. O: take the power steering pump and reservoir off leaving all the lines connected. You can snake the whole assembly done and don't have to worry about opening up the power steering system to air. They can be a mother lover to get quiet once you open them up.
Another pro tip for getting power steering systems quiet after opening the system up - use a vacuum pump - put the adapter at the reservoir opening, pump a little bit, and then let the pressure off. Usually within a couple times, it’s nice and quiet.
You can also crank the engine and turn the wheels with them up off the floor and the ignition disconnected.
You circulate fluid and return air to the reservoir without making champagne bubbles by aeration.
These videos help me emotionally so much :) I’m twenty two with a daughter and I can whole heartedly say that I would want to be like you when the grey hairs start showing ! You treat your customers right and your family even better nothing but love for you man !
I remember when I worked at a Subaru dealership we replaced many subframes. If I remember correctly there was a recall on the older legacy and outback’s on the rear subframes rotting out. I do live in New England so the salt gets to them quickly.
How you remember where everything goes when it comes to putting that back together is beyond me. Kudos to you Mr. O!
After doing several mechanical repairs, it just comes naturally.
Magnetic trays separated top and bottom bolts
ikr, it seems like with all the makes models and years it feels like a job like this would be rare but then you hear Mr. O be like, this is only the 37th one I've done...
I used sandwich bags. Write what bolts go where on said bag.
I just lay stuff in piles, reinstall bolts where they go, and lay stuff out in component location.
Just did a cam job on a HEMI. Laid a thick blanket over the roof and laid out parts there.
Had a 1992 Saab 9000s. Drove it 23 years and 256,000 miles in the upstate NY area (they called it Rottenchester :). The front power train cradle was made of galvanized steel. When I dismantled the car at the end of its life, the cradle looked like new. Note to Subaru, think about galvanizing, think long and hard about galvanizing.
Even galvanized metals can corrode too under the right conditions
SAAB was the master of over-engineering, which is why they were so solid and lasted so long...and why GM was so pissed at them when they found they were killing their profit margin by overbuilding and strengthening in places they were told not to. 😁
@@aussiebloke609 yes they became Junk after 2000
@@aussiebloke609 What model years? Are you saying certain SAABs are reliable?
@@ferndog1461 I was thinking more of structural engineering...but now you mention it, the 99 and 900 were actually pretty reliable. The 9000 was a little less so, likely because of GM's influence in that period...and my understanding is that GM's influence increased dramatically in 2000 when GM bought out the rest of SAAB and attempted to add their own brand of cost-cutting, including badge-engineered mechanicals direct from GM.
Very nice job pulling the subframe, it’s a shame that a 2014 needs a new front Subframe already though.
Welcome to the salt belt
I have a 2014 Outback, driven since new in the Illinois salt belt. I would like to find someone as competent as Eric, to do a fluid film job on it, before I need to do this job. 😟
Salt belt baby!
Eh like they say on TV it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru..lol
Should have bought a 2011 so the head gaskets would have dumped oil over the subframe
Amazing to watch. You and Kurtis at CEE make RUclips worth watching.
You know you’re in New York when every fastener is a fight!
That was freakin' awesome. Looking forward to part 2!
and #3
It's amazing how easy you make these complex jobs look. You are the best, thanks for taking us along.
Eric, I only found your channel about six months ago and have watched around fifty of your videos. For naysayers to question your diagnosis of anything is preposterous. Having done some mechanical work myself I understand the difficulty in some of your projects. What stands out to me is your thorough preparation prior to installation of new parts, cleaning, lubrication, blasting rust etc. You perform superior work and are second to none. You also show concern for your customers wallet, something unheard of in the auto repair industry. Keep up the great work, I look forward to seeing more videos.
Gh
Eric, glad I made it early enough to make a comment you might see. Been wanting for a long time to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I’m not a mechanic but am mechanically inclined! I always learn something g from your videos! I also enjoy your joviality, honesty and that you show us your wonderful family every now and then. How Mrs O puts up with you I don’t know but not do I understand how mine has with me for our 40 years together. Thanks for reading and for the great knowledge and entertainment!
I did the same job on front and rear of 2008 patriot while battling cancer. Did pretty much what you are doing. Actually went pretty well for a backyard mechanic. Chrysler actually reimbursed me for parts as well.
There was a 10 year warranty extension on those subframes.
While battling cancer? Impressive. You intimidated that subframe into submission lol
Wish this was out 2 months ago! I just did this job for the first time in my driveway and I couldn't find any DIY videos online so definitely made a few mistakes learning as I went. I posted a super quick how-to vid on my channel Monument Auto to help others but now that your video exists it'll be the gold standard! Great content, thanks Eric!
Damn it would suck doing one without a lift!
@@JPAutoService everything is funner laying on your back under a car.
@@JPAutoService yes rather challenging haha one day I'll have a lift...
Greatest thing I ever did was buying a bendpac midrise lift. Garage ceiling is only 9’, but I can get the car up 4’ and roll under it with a short stool.
@@mph5896oh thats a good option, thanks I'll look into it
Eric I gotta say again. Your wife is definitely a keeper! Keep smiling and keep bringing these great videos!
Allen Millyard stops for cup cakes and tea supplied/made by his wife Tracy too! I really enjoyed this project - looking forward to part 2.
Nicely done. A couple of years ago a buddy took his Toyota in for service to the dealer. A couple of hours later he was called to come in to discuss "an issue." Turns out hos truck was one of a large of production batch that had horrible metal in the frame. The dealer was compelled to seize the truck for structural defects of the frame. My buddy never suspected anything but they showed him the swiss cheese rust of the frame & how it was flexing just from being raised on the lift. He was pissed because he did not want to be forced into a situation where he was forced to buy a new vehicle even though Toyota was offering a relatively handsome rebate. He ended up with a new vehicle and n a short time he was overall pleased with the outcome.
Seized the car? I can't say the dealer didn't try in order to sell a new one, but seized? It's not his property and they wouldn't have a title to even scrap it. There was value in that rusty truck and it belonged to the owner.
@@hugh007 Yeah. Some dealerships will claim they can't release the vehicle because it's too dangerous or somesuch...but in reality it's just one of those unethical, dishonest tricks they use to pressure you into buying something else. Personally, if I had that much unsuspected rust in my frame, I _might_ want to get a different vehicle - but I'd be choosing a different brand then, too.
Saw this yesterday and just saw the short where you show just how rotted that frame actually was due to the mean comments, and glad you cleared that up.
This just shows that a 7 year old car is very rusty, even if it at first glance looks fine. Outside of the sub frame, the bottom of the car, of what I was able to see, didn't look too bad, but it also is proof that rust can kill a car in a few years time if not periodically rinsed off underneath, or rust proofed so the car will last a bit longer.
About 7-8 years ago, or so, Bill of UXWBill fame here on the 'Tube showed how just rinsing the wheel wells periodically during the winter months can prolong the life of the truck bed. At the time, his brother, affectionately known as the "key keeper" would do this with a 90's era brown single cab/short bed truck known as the big brown piece of junk and they live in Illinois, just south of Chicago, so rust is an issue there and yes, I believe that truck eventually succumbed to the rust as he replaced it with a long bed, newer green Chevrolet.
In fact, he would take it to the high pressure car DIY car wash place and do the entire underside of the truck. Even at the time of that video, the bed had not rusted out, yet. Their 84 GMC diesel had bad rust in the body and it was scrapped a year or two later of that clip. Eventually many of their older vehicles from the 80's-90's all eventually had to be scrapped due to the rust. I think most everything now is 2000 or later.
Eric is THE MAN !!! 101 out of 100 shops would not do this work, and that other 1 would hire someone else to do it.... best mechanic ever
what gets me is it seems the body panels show little rust but the undercarriage is pretty well done. An inverse of the Square Body Chevy Truck days were you would go through five fenders and doors before the frame was done.
Dont forget the rockers
@@danfarris135 up here in wisconsin I thought rocker panels were some kind of factory option because I never see them.
Like GM cars of the 90s....all that body cladding hid so much rot
I replaced the sub frame on my Toyota Sienna the floor panels and actual frame looked good but the rockers rusted right off
@@danfarris135 and the cab corners...and the tailgate and the pickup box and the hood and the cab roof....
I once had to change the tranny in my olds Aurora and I made an engine support from a bed frame . Worked great for a diy job.
That's hilarious but pretty inventive..👍🇺🇸
rebar and recycled bed frames are considered 'safe' frame substitutions in great states that dont require state inspection. cant forget the structural bailing wire though, the frame will fall apart without it
You think that's inventive - Eddie Murphy changes his tranny from the back seat.
Nice. Amazing the $$ folks will spend on “specialty” tools that are no more than square tubing, flat stock, all thread, etc stitched together. I prefer to make my own as well
What did the car identify as after that? LOL!!!
Older subarus don't have this problem because subframe is usually soaked in oil from leaking head gaskets
Josh never gets cake and tea
Ok Eric, we're gonna stick around. Got to admit you have us "engaged"! Looking forward to Part 2. Thanks for Sharing!
I have a 2011 Outback it's in great shape 283k just did Ball joints , tie rod ends and end links timing belt kit and new radiator hoses.
Mrs. O. definitely spoils you so you’re a lucky guy. Always Enjoy seeing her in the video because we never know the direction of the conversation. 😬👍
I award this video with "Safety Squint of the Month". Congrats! Well deserved; good form.
Multiple instances of great trigger control. A highly underrated practice. Great video as always Eric.
Never seen that before, scary that engine hanging by a thread (all thread that is) can’t wait to see it go back in.
Still the best car channel on RUclips even after all these years! Keep it up Eric O!
Perfect timing! I was just looking at a subie with a rotted sub frame just the other day to buy on the cheap. Now you popped up with the perfect repair to answer all my questions.
Thanks Eric! Merry Christmas!
Love the video nice job can't believe that subframe is that far gone can't wait to see the other part
Another sweet video Eric, Thanks for recording it.
I really don't think anybody with brains cares if the compressor comes on or the camera angle is right we are I am just thankful for the information that you've given me over the years this is from Tom from California thank you so much for your knowledge
Remember, if you can do it, I can't even imagine doing it. Staying tuned in for South Main Auto Assembly PT. 2.
Put a junkyard K-frame in a '93 Taurus in my driveway... used an engine hoist and a Homer bucket. Definitely character-building.
Easy peasy👍
Thanks for the video Eric O. Take care of yourself and family ❤️❤️
What I like is, no matter the job, you make it look like you've done it a hundred times! 👍
WOW! Definitely looking forward to part 2. I saw rust on the subframe but not where it entirely rotted through. Not living in the salt belt, I didn't pick up on the clues of where it's entirely gone.
Good one Mr. O!
Same, surface rust but didn't look too bad from what was shown. Perhaps there's some actual holes in a section we can't see on video.
@@unimportant5122 there's lots of holes. Look at the video section starting at 14:25. The section of frame to the left of Eric is completely rotted through. It's not easy to pick out, but not much is left.
@@Tommy_Mac Indeed, those sides are totally gone once you know what to look for.
8 years old and this thing seems to only have another year or so left. Fluid film FTW!
Average lifespan of a car is 11-13 years
@@johnengland8619 not in upstate newyorkistan, so this subie is doing okay. not great, but okay.
What’s up Eric O. Merry Christmas to you and the family. Always impressed with your videos. Keep it up brother!
Been a while since we had a multiparter from SMA!! Thanks as always, Eric!
Great series Eric - definitely best to have a lift when doing something like this! I changed the front subframe in my mates 05 Mondeo 2.2 diesel. It was a fight to the death.
Cake AND a cup of tea? Mrs O for wife of the year I say!
What a great video. Entertaining and informative. I enjoyed this one. Looking forward to part II.
Another great video. I’ve said it before, I’m more into classic cars ‘n stuff but South Main Auto is my go to channel and perfect for my morning coffee when I’m kicking the kid out the door for school time. Makes my mornings happy time.
On Subarus when you support the engine you use the mount that’s built into the compressor area or you use a “special tool” that bolts into the block in the same area. Also when you remove the engine I use the bracket on the pass rear and the spot near the compressor. That’s what it’s meant for. But that how Subaru wants you to do it, what works…. WORKS! 😂
So far, Eric is the most conscientious mechanic I’ve ever seen! Thanks Eric for sharing your knowledge ! 👌🏻👌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Eric gets er done.Keep on keeping on. That's one of the phrases ,that I use regularly. Great video content , and humorous. Happy Holidays to you n your family.
Ok, it’s a good start for today, the videos have been great and educating to young folks who don't have the knowledge
I have a 2013 Forester and live in Nova scotia. Will watch this video to see what I need to do in a couple of years.
Rust proof it! Krown is good. Get started this year. Do it every year and you won't ever have to do this. About $150 per year.
A Subaru in the official SMA SubaruBay(tm) and not one but TWO Josh cameos? Christmas came early, lol!
Thank God I've been Fluid Filming my rust-prone 2010 Dodge's subframes...they're still holding up okay..
Oh man you must be a LONG TIME viewer if you know this as the Subaru bay haha
Now that's what I call heavy maintenance. Great job. Cant wait fir part 2.
the idea you got this job done in 8hrs. is a mind blow!!! The world at large needs more dudes like you doing serious repairs to keep this world turning!!!
You could have edited out the part where Josh kicked over the stand and you forgot the O2 sensors and you guys could have looked cool as the other side of the pillow! 😊
He clearly told him to kick out the stand
The differences in customers is always interesting. First guy says don’t do anything more then the minimum to get me out the door. Next guy says if it needs it do it. I would have figured a sub frame on a 8 year old car would be a death sentence
as long as the rest of the car is fairly decent, a new subframe to make the car go a few more years is cheaper than a whole new car.
Never seen this job done before ! ........ Great stuff Mr. O 🤩
I really enjoy watching your videos; I learn something new from almost every one. One thing that drives me crazy though: You hardly ever wear safety glasses, even when you're under a car looking up at the rust flying off while you're using air tools. I got a piece of metal in my right eye helping put an engine in my friends van when I was 17 (66 now). It hurt like hell, and getting it taken out was no fun either. I've worn them whenever I work on anything where that could possibly happen again ever since then, and they've saved my eyes from damage more than a few times. I wear the ones with the magnifiers in the lower lens these days, and that's a big help too. Just some friendly advice, but I'd hate to see you get hurt. Stay safe and keep making these great videos. I watch due to your sense of humor as much as for the information, you're never boring!
My wife has this very vehicle. I look forward to the entire series! 😃
Just buy something new.
get it fluid filmed asap :) as will I.
@@shahsmerdis I'm sure he doesn't live in the salt belt.
Could you show where it was failed?
Love your videos.
a great nuts and bolts video! going full beans yet ginger enough to not break stuff = ART!!!!!!!!!!
Another outstanding job done! Great work. Glad that me and my Subie aren't in the PRNY.
That's the shop I dream about. Concrete floor, inside, nice lift, all the cool tools, pretty girl to make your tea and cake for break, some guys got it.
Just gotta make sure the floor is coated 😉
@@Ariccio123 Yeah
I've done 2 of these in the past month at my shop. Not nearly as crusty as that one. The rear control arm bolt that goes up through the subframe into a sleeve broke away on both. The worst part is no Subaru dealers deliver to me so I have to drive 75 miles to go get the subframe.
Haha… going for a drive would be my favorite part. I love driving and getting out of the shop every now and then is good for me.
I super appreciate what you do, Eric. Stay cheeki breeki, my friend.
Ha ha, watching Josh position himself behind the tire reminded me of Wilson in "Home Improvement".
WAY over my head ... I would have junked it! LOL. You are an amazing technician for a 'local' garage mechanic and you have a wonderful Mrs. O and son.
This is a great video - never changed out a whole sub-frame. Did rear end housings, leaf and coil types. Was worth the coffee and chimichangas consumed during the duration. Part two should be just as exciting !!! Good job of removal, let's see how installation goes !!!! Tea and cake made the job go much smoother, ahh, the perks of a loving wife !!!!! Merry Christmas to you all in the Salt Belt of Avoca, PRNY !!! 😃😺👍🌲🌲🌲
On the west coast of Florida we have a better way of getting salt on the road. We like to call it storm surge. The Gulf Mexico ends up in people's front yards and across roads. People being people they drive through it. I've seen a few people crack their blocks bombing through two feet of water pretty impressive. Cars that have been in the Gulf of Mexico or in the water like that you'll rot out in a couple years
I worked in a body shop for Lincoln dealer on the west Florida coast in the mid 70’s and we fixed a lot of cars that were parked under beach houses before the condo boom. Those cars were pure salt crusted in every nook and cranny and underneath, worse than any car I ever saw living in New England previously. Those cars were all junk from the high rent Distric of the beaches !!!!
@@rogern5368 doesn't surprise me. I lived in south Tampa, salt water on three sides. Part of why I hate aluminum air conditioner coils on home air conditioning.
Yeah but that's the result of stupid not the roads being salted mercilessly by the tax suckers ie govt
@@pudermcgavin4462 no argument here
Mrs. O is a saint! You’re living the American dream Mr.O!!!
My brother and I did k frame on my 96 cavalier changed ball joints, tie rods struts and motor mount and trans mount when we put it back together.... fun weekend job.
Would appreciate showing us the specific rust issue with the subframe that caused this in the first place. thanks
Watch the short. He did.
@@ME-xd4he yup.. saw it
Can you show us some close ups of the rotted parts of the subframe?
I'm not seeing rust holes.
Just watched a B.O.B video that had me crying my heart out,needed some excellent cheerful,to bring me back to sanity,first choice Eric O,master of cool,thanks !
Always nice to see Mrs.O.
I have an 11’ Outback. It spent its first year in the rust belt. I’m lucky that I didn’t suffer rust damage like that. It did cause hub bearing replacement to be a challenge with hand tools in my driveway. Took me hours. I did my wife’s in 30 minutes, but her car has never left Texas.
Nice video, I'm suprised that it makes financial sense to replace that do you mind telling us how much the new subframe was? Also could you please show in part 2 why it failed inspection?
Re spilling the ps fluid, you're not a hack lol, that's the only reason the exhaust bolts came out Haha!
It's significantly cheaper to replace the subframe than to go out and buy a new or used car in the current market. Even in previous years for most cases, its cheaper to maintain a car than buy a new one every three to five years. For some reason folks like to keep that car note rolling on forever.
I doubt the new sub frame will be brand new. Most likely used rust free. Can't wait for part 2
that U frame is about $400 brand new from a dealer. i just welded a patch on mine yesterday. =]
Cheers
I am so glad I don’t live in an area where a 2014 vehicle is so completely rotted out from rust it’s requiring a subframe replacement! I have a 2001 Honda Accord coupe here in North Carolina that has absolutely zero rust, I can only imagine what it would look like up in the rust belt area of the country, no thank you! Keep up the great work, I love what you do and the humor you share while doing it!
Yet another outstanding display of talent and craftsmanship Eric. I've learned a few things about my hondoo(s) watching you. I chuckle at your descriptive handles for what most would call c r a p. My wife has HGTV and I have SMAC 😉
That is just insane that it has that kind of rot for a 2014. There's gotta be something going on there that isn't going on in other parts of the salt belt.
I was thinking the same thing. I live in Chicagoland and I'd think we get just as bad winters but my 2013 Kia is no where near that bad!
It's the metal quality
Eric O, we need more honest mechanics like yourself!
Nicely done sir! Looking forward to part II
"That's what you do with those, pretend no one's looking and go like that." Those Subaru clips are the worst, I can never work on my car without breaking them. I always have to have a fresh pack ready.
The subframe does not look that bad. Can you please show us in the next video where it is compromised?
He showed us in a Short video
Here in Michigan that subframe would have at least another 5years ;). Nice work!
That is quite a big job. Great work!
Show us the reason for the change out please. It dont look to bad to me.
He did in a short video.
Ironic since the body looks rust-free.
Thanks for all your videos and help,most of tie rods that I’ve been working on lately have all been spinning like that. Very aggravating 😝 thanks again
I was laughing so much when you dropped the nut in your pocket. Hot pockets. Really like your videos.
I always thought a Subaru would leak too much oil to rust. 😀
I see some rust but not seeing the rot. Must be a requirement in NY to replace the subframe if any holes are present.
He showed us the rot in a Short video.
WOW😳 Don't see that every Day, very cool process Eric O !!!
You kill me, "need an inch, story of my life" keep em coming.
I must be missing something here. It’s a 2014 and the frame shouldn’t have rotted through yet. I don’t think he has showed exactly where the problem was and why the frame was not salvageable. A torch can do amazing things when it comes to frame repair. Hope he explains in part 2.
Nope! You need to check some out! Body on my patriot still had manufacturing tags on it and subframe let go on turnpike causing left front wheel to collapse into wheel well. Nothing left but rot!
Eric show us the issue in a Short. Clearly it needed to be replaced.
@@ME-xd4he yup. I saw the short. Comment was made before the short.
Give this comment a like!
👎
@@richardthomas1743 what the hell? Why hate the comment?
@@bearing_aficionado WTH , why give it a like?
@@richardthomas1743 because the comment said to.
@@bearing_aficionado 👎
That’s a huge job! Great video!
Eric, it's a big job and looking forward to part 2.
It’s easy to see why you are so popular Eric, thousands in the UK very much appreciate your video’s and skills at repairs. Peter Lindop UK.
great series, tanks for sharing