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Old 02-07-2011, 12:48 PM   #1
protosport
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Member#: 140845
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: ann arbor, mi
Vehicle:
02 wrx
blue

Angry 02 subframe rust

I have a 2002 wrx with a subframe that is rusted to point of failure. The car has 144000 miles on it. I called Subaru to complain and they set up to have it inspected. They called to inform me that they will not be replacing the subframe because of the cars age and milage! Is this acceptable? Has anyone else experinced this?
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Old 02-07-2011, 07:49 PM   #2
scooby did !!
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
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03 gonna be
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that sucks. sorry to hear it. use POR next time on the new one. ( http://www.por15.com )
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Old 02-07-2011, 07:59 PM   #3
buggereye
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: illinoisy
Vehicle:
2003 wrx
stormtrooper white

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I think it's mostly how you take care of it determines how much the car will rust. I'm getting some on the quarters so I have to take care of it right away (just bought it a couple months ago)

I'm going to check into that por15
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Old 02-07-2011, 08:09 PM   #4
scooby did !!
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Every car I've ever helped restore has used that POR-15. It's like rhino lining that uses moisture to cure. The stuff is frigging unbelieveable!
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Old 02-07-2011, 09:22 PM   #5
.kyle
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Cave Creek, AZ
Vehicle:
1983 antarctic blue
super sportswagon

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control arms don't mount to it. engine is not mounted to it. it's failure will not cause a catastrophic accident that will cause the manufacturer to be held liable. that's business. find someone who put all the bracing on their car and buy their stock one from them.
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Old 04-22-2012, 07:20 PM   #6
wrxtc
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: adell,wi,USA
Vehicle:
2012 impreza wrx sed
wr blue

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Sorry to dig up this old post.

ive just noticed that my subframe is rusting out on the passengers side.

wondering if there is a thread or link for a "how to" replace.

Also is something better left for a dealer to fix

i am willing to try it myself ?

thanks in advance.
2002 WRX 120,000 miles

Paul J.
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Old 04-22-2012, 09:20 PM   #7
txl146
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02 WRX VF34 (SOLD)
Junior Tuned 301whp

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Very simple - there are about ~10 bolts (don't remember) you have to unbolt in order to remove the sub-frame. Make sure you have a breaker bar.
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Old 04-22-2012, 09:55 PM   #8
belacane
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Location: New Orleans
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1986 BRAT

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I have an '02 WRX 115,000 miles with the same rust on the subframe passenger's side.

the arrow is pointing at the worst point, but further towards the rear is pretty bad too.



I think I'll give Subaru a call too. I'll try to remember to post the outcome.
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Old 04-25-2012, 07:50 PM   #9
eastbloc
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2002 WRX Wagon
SOL by SoA

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I have an MY2002 wagon with 69k miles in New Jersey. Bought it new. Gently driven. No rust on the body.

Two weeks ago, I had a control arm snap off. Towed to mechanic, who pointed out the recall, but said the front subframe would also need replacing. Towed to dealer, who summoned the SOA distributor.

The distributor states that due to the $5000-7000 (in their estimate) of repairs that would need to be done in order to make the car road-worthy, they will not cover ANYTHING, including the parts covered by the recall.

They generously <sic> offered $750 towards the purchase of a new Subaru (Yeah, right).

Incredibly, the SAME THING happened to a friend of mine with the same year Impreza in MA. The distributor made all the same statements, including "we've never seen one this bad". I guess every one that comes in must be worse than the last.

So they've basically totaled the car on me. Any suggestions? Anyone wanna buy a really nice, great-running drivetrain/body/interior donor car?
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Old 04-25-2012, 08:43 PM   #10
Visualboy86
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Chicago,IL
Vehicle:
1995 Impreza L
Red?

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I have mine for sale ( sorry for the hijack )
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Old 04-25-2012, 09:02 PM   #11
txl146
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02 WRX VF34 (SOLD)
Junior Tuned 301whp

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Quote:
Originally Posted by eastbloc View Post
I have an MY2002 wagon with 69k miles in New Jersey. Bought it new. Gently driven. No rust on the body.

Two weeks ago, I had a control arm snap off. Towed to mechanic, who pointed out the recall, but said the front subframe would also need replacing. Towed to dealer, who summoned the SOA distributor.

The distributor states that due to the $5000-7000 (in their estimate) of repairs that would need to be done in order to make the car road-worthy, they will not cover ANYTHING, including the parts covered by the recall.

They generously <sic> offered $750 towards the purchase of a new Subaru (Yeah, right).

Incredibly, the SAME THING happened to a friend of mine with the same year Impreza in MA. The distributor made all the same statements, including "we've never seen one this bad". I guess every one that comes in must be worse than the last.

So they've basically totaled the car on me. Any suggestions? Anyone wanna buy a really nice, great-running drivetrain/body/interior donor car?
Is chassis badly rusted? $5-7k???
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Old 04-25-2012, 09:50 PM   #12
eastbloc
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Member#: 281014
Join Date: Apr 2011
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2002 WRX Wagon
SOL by SoA

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by txl146 View Post
Is chassis badly rusted? $5-7k???
It gets better than this. We asked the dealer to make an estimate, since the above was given by the distributor. The dealer quoted us $12,000 to make the repair.

I've asked for an itemized list, so we'll see just what this nonsense is about.
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Old 04-25-2012, 10:14 PM   #13
speedymaker
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Evansville, IN
Vehicle:
2005 VF48 wrx wagon
WRB

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I'll sell you a front subframe if that's where your problem is
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Old 05-28-2012, 10:32 AM   #14
txl146
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Chapter/Region: Tri-State
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02 WRX VF34 (SOLD)
Junior Tuned 301whp

Default

Any update on this?

Apply POR-15 before it's too late...


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Old 05-28-2012, 11:52 AM   #15
Candor
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by txl146
Any update on this?

Apply POR-15 before it's too late...
Can POR-15 be used in areas where the protective coating has been damaged due to lifts, chips etc?
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Old 05-28-2012, 12:33 PM   #16
luftpirate
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Cincinnati
Default

Can you drop the sub frame and leave everything else in place, or do other parts need to come out with it? I'm guessing you might have to tie up the rack, etc.
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Old 05-30-2012, 07:34 PM   #17
LDSubaruWRX
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Default 2002 Wrx

I just took my car in for the inspection and I have the same issue. Both sides of the front U shaped sub-frame is rusted. You can poke your finger right inside it. I tried to order a new one from Subaru however they said that they are out of stock Nationwide. Has anyone else went through this? Why would they be completely out of stock. I am trying to find one from a salvage yard but having trouble. This is ridiculous!
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Old 05-31-2012, 11:46 AM   #18
DoctorNick
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Location: Evanston
Vehicle:
2001 Forester
Arcadia green

Default

While I am a fan of the stock subframe for safety reasons(Front end accident the stock one lets the motor drop out of the body vs. entering the passenger compartment), you guys might want to consider a beatrush or perrin or someother brand subframe. There have been tons of companies that make "performance" subframes for the GDA chassis.
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Old 06-01-2012, 08:48 AM   #19
coolblue05
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Location: near Toledo, OH
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Tuned Perfection

Default 02 subframe rust

None left

Last edited by coolblue05; 01-28-2015 at 11:41 PM.
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Old 07-16-2012, 06:39 PM   #20
jjkbaed
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Location: Johnstown, Pa
Default subframe

Quote:
Originally Posted by coolblue05 View Post
I have 2-3 stock subframes in great shape with no rust that have been sitting around for a while, if anyone needs one, pm me!
I am not able to pm you with less than 10 posts. If you still have these pm me with price.
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Old 01-05-2013, 09:30 PM   #21
fmzip
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Default

What are some better choices for replacement? Can't see spending $400 for a replacement from Subaru...
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Old 01-06-2013, 12:50 PM   #22
scooby did !!
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03 gonna be
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The best aftermarket replacement I've ever found was for $600 thru Oswald performance. MUCH MUCH STIFFER with more bracing
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Old 01-06-2013, 12:51 PM   #23
scooby did !!
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different next year

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And for the record, you can drop a front subframe in your driveway with no jack stands or worries.
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Old 01-06-2013, 02:08 PM   #24
luftpirate
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by scooby did !! View Post
And for the record, you can drop a front subframe in your driveway with no jack stands or worries.
Are the lower control arms attached to it?
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Old 01-06-2013, 02:43 PM   #25
Scatman03
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Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Kewaskum, WI
Vehicle:
2003 WRB WRX
Clark tuned

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Quote:
Originally Posted by luftpirate View Post

Are the lower control arms attached to it?
No they are not
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