BIG END FAILURE @39k
27 March 2009, 06:29 PM
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BIG END FAILURE @39k
HELP?!
My 04 WRX after having its 40K service at the main dealer has been making a weird noise. A reliable source has looked at and thinks its the big end failing. Stupidly I did not extend my Subaru Proven warranty last month because I was looking at changing to an STI. I will take it back to main dealer for second opinion but it sounds expensive. What sort of cost will I be looking at? Ive been given a ball park of 3K all in. Will the main dealer be sympathetic? Anyone been in this situation. (I've tried searching the forum but it appears to be down for maintenance). I am gutted!!! Can't believe it, the car has been really well looked after!
My 04 WRX after having its 40K service at the main dealer has been making a weird noise. A reliable source has looked at and thinks its the big end failing. Stupidly I did not extend my Subaru Proven warranty last month because I was looking at changing to an STI. I will take it back to main dealer for second opinion but it sounds expensive. What sort of cost will I be looking at? Ive been given a ball park of 3K all in. Will the main dealer be sympathetic? Anyone been in this situation. (I've tried searching the forum but it appears to be down for maintenance). I am gutted!!! Can't believe it, the car has been really well looked after!
27 March 2009, 08:17 PM
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27 March 2009, 08:58 PM
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Are main dealers not aware of priming the filter??????
I did an oil change myself between services and I did based on advice on here. You would asume a main dealer would know what they were doing. How wrong was I? Has anyone on here succesfully got a dealer to admit responsibilty and sort it for free.
I did an oil change myself between services and I did based on advice on here. You would asume a main dealer would know what they were doing. How wrong was I? Has anyone on here succesfully got a dealer to admit responsibilty and sort it for free.
27 March 2009, 09:58 PM
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Its loud enough to hear it inside the car. It seems to start around 3000 rpm but then settles. Its like a rattle or tapping sound (not very loud). I took it to Powerstation today and 2 of there guys listened to it and they were convinced it was the big end. Hopefully they are wrong. I was hoping it would be something loose like a spark plug but they didn't seem to think so. Obviously I will get a secong opinion just trying to arm myself with as much info as possible first. Sounds expensive though!!! 
27 March 2009, 10:07 PM
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Are main dealers not aware of priming the filter??????
I did an oil change myself between services and I did based on advice on here. You would asume a main dealer would know what they were doing. How wrong was I? Has anyone on here succesfully got a dealer to admit responsibilty and sort it for free.
I did an oil change myself between services and I did based on advice on here. You would asume a main dealer would know what they were doing. How wrong was I? Has anyone on here succesfully got a dealer to admit responsibilty and sort it for free.
There does seem to be enough 'evidence' to prove that the Subaru Approved Service Procedure is wrong.
Test it in Court, it would be worth it as a rebuilt engine will cost much more than the Court costs.
27 March 2009, 10:16 PM
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How much would it cost to rebuild? Who should i go to?
I had a look at youtube. The noise is much quieter than most of the video (its similar to Pgbelli's "big end bearing" video). Sorry I don't know how to post a link.
I had a look at youtube. The noise is much quieter than most of the video (its similar to Pgbelli's "big end bearing" video). Sorry I don't know how to post a link.
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27 March 2009, 10:26 PM
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£3000 Approx. I think.
But, I repeat, it will be MUCH cheaper to sue for the cost than just get the job done .... there are plenty of posters on SN who, I am sure, would stand as expert witnesses, you simply cannot lose ....... then the re-build will be paid for you.
But, I repeat, it will be MUCH cheaper to sue for the cost than just get the job done .... there are plenty of posters on SN who, I am sure, would stand as expert witnesses, you simply cannot lose ....... then the re-build will be paid for you.
27 March 2009, 10:43 PM
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I honestly don't have the time or inclination to do that although I agree with what you are saying.
**** me! This is my first Scooby and I used to think they were bullet proof. When you buy a low mileage car you don't expect to be forking our that sort of money. Have I just been unlucky? How many people has this happened to?
Can't believe I didn't extend my warranty but then again because I had modded my car a little i'm not sure if that would have covered it anyway. Anyone on here had this happen to them?
Who do people recommend for engine rebuilds??
**** me! This is my first Scooby and I used to think they were bullet proof. When you buy a low mileage car you don't expect to be forking our that sort of money. Have I just been unlucky? How many people has this happened to?
Can't believe I didn't extend my warranty but then again because I had modded my car a little i'm not sure if that would have covered it anyway. Anyone on here had this happen to them?
Who do people recommend for engine rebuilds??
27 March 2009, 10:54 PM
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upload the clip to photobucket or somethin,does this sound happen while driving to ,ie does it get worse/less if you are driving up a hill with a load on the engine
27 March 2009, 10:55 PM
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API are highly regarded ....
Someone on here will support you in a claim against the dealer if they did not disconnect the crankshaft sensor, it is claimed that there is a mass of evidence to prove that this omission destroys the Big End Bearings.
Of course, the counterclaim may be that the car is modified and thus operating outside of its design intent and placing undue stress on the bearings.
But, I really would claim - £3000 is a lot of money to just let go of without getting any justice you think you are entitled to.
Someone on here will support you in a claim against the dealer if they did not disconnect the crankshaft sensor, it is claimed that there is a mass of evidence to prove that this omission destroys the Big End Bearings.
Of course, the counterclaim may be that the car is modified and thus operating outside of its design intent and placing undue stress on the bearings.
But, I really would claim - £3000 is a lot of money to just let go of without getting any justice you think you are entitled to.
27 March 2009, 11:14 PM
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The noise doesn't seem to be affected by a hot or cold engine. Its still quite subtle i'll have a close listen going up a hill. I'm a bit of a I.T phobe so it might take me a while to upload some footage.
I suppose I could be a complete c#*t and part ex into some poor unsuspecting dealer!!
If it is the big end I assume it will be cheaper to fix it now than when it does actually go bang??
I suppose I could be a complete c#*t and part ex into some poor unsuspecting dealer!!
If it is the big end I assume it will be cheaper to fix it now than when it does actually go bang??
27 March 2009, 11:22 PM
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I am really puzzled as to why you won't claim against the servicing garage? It's a lot of money to throw away.
As I said, there are lots of experts on here who I'm sure will produce evidence to assist you.
As I said, there are lots of experts on here who I'm sure will produce evidence to assist you.
27 March 2009, 11:35 PM
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I totally agree with you sunny but:
1. Due to work commitments I don't think I would have time to chase it up
(I will be abroad between May and December).
2. I think it will be time consuming, expensive and difficult to prove.
3. If my car was totally standard I think I would stand more of a chance
1. Due to work commitments I don't think I would have time to chase it up
(I will be abroad between May and December).
2. I think it will be time consuming, expensive and difficult to prove.
3. If my car was totally standard I think I would stand more of a chance
27 March 2009, 11:38 PM
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2. I think it will be time consuming, expensive and difficult to prove.
3. If my car was totally standard I think I would stand more of a chance
totally agree
3. If my car was totally standard I think I would stand more of a chance
totally agree
27 March 2009, 11:41 PM
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Maydew,
Car was serviced a couple of weeks ago but I haven't done many miles since then. As to when it started I don't know. Because its not very noticeable (not when idling) I couldn't hear it above the stereo. Just noticed it a couple of days ago when I didn't have the radio on. Hopefully i've got it all wrong but I think the guys at Powerstation know what they are talking about. I'll get some others to look at it. Thanks for your help guys.
Car was serviced a couple of weeks ago but I haven't done many miles since then. As to when it started I don't know. Because its not very noticeable (not when idling) I couldn't hear it above the stereo. Just noticed it a couple of days ago when I didn't have the radio on. Hopefully i've got it all wrong but I think the guys at Powerstation know what they are talking about. I'll get some others to look at it. Thanks for your help guys.
28 March 2009, 12:13 AM
#18
Pete, I think we all know that there is no evidence out there that conclusively proves that Subaru's service procedure is wrong (To those who don't know thats; to not fill the oil filter and leave it dry, fill the engine with fresh oil and just start it up ).
However, I see the point your trying to make (others might not
), that until there is direct evidence to prove that Subaru's oil change procedure is wrong and is proven to cause engine damage (which I may add their procedure is no different to the oil change procedures on 99% of road-gong cars in the UK), their procedure alone cannot be blamed as the only or singular cause of failure. And that will remain the case until a) someone does provide conclusive evidence, whilst ruling out every other possible failure mode, and b) it is successfully ruled in a court of law.I would welcome a court case on this - if only to put an end to the "correct" (or ****
) oil change debate, if nothing more. 
Last edited by ALi-B; 28 March 2009 at 12:14 AM.
28 March 2009, 12:22 AM
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Maydew,
Car was serviced a couple of weeks ago but I haven't done many miles since then. As to when it started I don't know. Because its not very noticeable (not when idling) I couldn't hear it above the stereo. Just noticed it a couple of days ago when I didn't have the radio on. Hopefully i've got it all wrong but I think the guys at Powerstation know what they are talking about. I'll get some others to look at it. Thanks for your help guys.
Car was serviced a couple of weeks ago but I haven't done many miles since then. As to when it started I don't know. Because its not very noticeable (not when idling) I couldn't hear it above the stereo. Just noticed it a couple of days ago when I didn't have the radio on. Hopefully i've got it all wrong but I think the guys at Powerstation know what they are talking about. I'll get some others to look at it. Thanks for your help guys.
Give me a call or perhaps call up to us at APi with the car close by junction 12 of the M40 and let me have a listen to it. l'll be happy to give you a no obligation opinion and price quote for a repair.
3000 rpm is rather higher than usual for a big end failure noise, it usually starts at about 1500 and eases off at about 2500. A loud ticking noise is usually the sound.
Here's a location map to find us;
API Engines, Subaru Impreza Specialists
Or ring me on 01926 614333.
If it is a big end failure then the damage is already done and no more harm can come if driven quietly. My quotes always take account of doing it properly and once quoted are fixed price.
Good luck - or perhaps better luck !
David APi
28 March 2009, 04:20 AM
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you cant really blame anyone for the bigend failure for such a low mileage vehicle and unless you own the vehicle from brand new then you will know the history of the vehicle how it was treated. sometimes buying car second hand from unknown seller you risk the guage been tamper. i rather purchase a used vehicle from a reputable dealer with a warranty
since lot of people choose API in your area it is better to get there opinion before you bring ito to anyone else so you will have others people opinion
since lot of people choose API in your area it is better to get there opinion before you bring ito to anyone else so you will have others people opinion
Last edited by Sc0oby; 28 March 2009 at 04:22 AM.
28 March 2009, 10:07 AM
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Scooby. I bought it from the main dealer that serviced it. I bought it @29k with a full year Subaru Proven warranty. The car was absolutely immaculate which suggested that it had been very well looked after.
28 March 2009, 10:24 AM
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David,
Thanks for your comments. I think I will probably take you up on your offer. Shame you aren't open saturdays I could have done with a definitive answer today. I'm off abroad 2moro for 3 weeks so i'll have to press pause here and try and resolve it when I come back. If we are talking big end how much and how long would it be off the road? Is it cheaper to transplant another engine?? How much to rebuild in a stronger spec? Thanks.
Thanks for your comments. I think I will probably take you up on your offer. Shame you aren't open saturdays I could have done with a definitive answer today. I'm off abroad 2moro for 3 weeks so i'll have to press pause here and try and resolve it when I come back. If we are talking big end how much and how long would it be off the road? Is it cheaper to transplant another engine?? How much to rebuild in a stronger spec? Thanks.
28 March 2009, 05:15 PM
#23
API are highly regarded ....
Someone on here will support you in a claim against the dealer if they did not disconnect the crankshaft sensor, it is claimed that there is a mass of evidence to prove that this omission destroys the Big End Bearings.
Of course, the counterclaim may be that the car is modified and thus operating outside of its design intent and placing undue stress on the bearings.
But, I really would claim - £3000 is a lot of money to just let go of without getting any justice you think you are entitled to.
Someone on here will support you in a claim against the dealer if they did not disconnect the crankshaft sensor, it is claimed that there is a mass of evidence to prove that this omission destroys the Big End Bearings.
Of course, the counterclaim may be that the car is modified and thus operating outside of its design intent and placing undue stress on the bearings.
But, I really would claim - £3000 is a lot of money to just let go of without getting any justice you think you are entitled to.
SunnySideUp
You lot crack me up ...... really, you do
I will go with the way the Subaru Main Dealers do it - if it was an issue at all it would have been splashed all over the place long before now. I'll mention the sensor disconnect again next time I'm in the Dealers .... it's always great for a chuckle!
Carry on ...............
Last edited by scooby1doo1; 28 March 2009 at 05:20 PM.
28 March 2009, 05:19 PM
#24
As for the dealers not doing the oil change via disconection of the crank sensor, I had a service via stealers and had the same prob bigend after a week. Cost me 3k also first time round. Dont let the stealers do it use 1 that been advised for you. Good luck.
28 March 2009, 05:34 PM
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Scoobydoo,
Where did you get your rebuild done? Scoobyclinic quoted 2k + vat over the phone which sounds better than the 3K ball park i've been hearing. API are a lot nearer to me though.
Where did you get your rebuild done? Scoobyclinic quoted 2k + vat over the phone which sounds better than the 3K ball park i've been hearing. API are a lot nearer to me though.
28 March 2009, 05:44 PM
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If it is a big end failure then the damage is already done and no more harm can come if driven quietly. My quotes always take account of doing it properly and**** once quoted are fixed price******.
to be fair david has quoted you that if the price is say 3k it is 3k not sayin clinic or anyone else do but how many times have we all been quoted a price think great then by the end of the day spent??????? more.
before anyone starts the work my advice is to get a max price with VAT(in writing if poss) added so you know what to expect,then if its less then its a bonus then
you dont want any of this bu.. s.it yeah price is 2k but you needed xyz extra so price is now turned into 3k plus
to be fair david has quoted you that if the price is say 3k it is 3k not sayin clinic or anyone else do but how many times have we all been quoted a price think great then by the end of the day spent??????? more.
before anyone starts the work my advice is to get a max price with VAT(in writing if poss) added so you know what to expect,then if its less then its a bonus then
you dont want any of this bu.. s.it yeah price is 2k but you needed xyz extra so price is now turned into 3k plus
Last edited by maydew; 28 March 2009 at 05:51 PM.
28 March 2009, 06:02 PM
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Don't get me wrong i'm not saying anything bad about API. In fact i've only heard good things. I haven't been able to get hold of David @API today so he hasn't quoted yet. The 3k is a ballpark from Powerstation and from the forum. I just did a bit of phoning around today because its stressing me out.
F**king typical. The missus car has packed up too (the classic 206 rear axle failure) and she was going to rely on mine while I was away for a few weeks. They say things come in three's, what's next??
F**king typical. The missus car has packed up too (the classic 206 rear axle failure) and she was going to rely on mine while I was away for a few weeks. They say things come in three's, what's next??
28 March 2009, 06:13 PM
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Don't get me wrong i'm not saying anything bad about API. In fact i've only heard good things. I haven't been able to get hold of David @API today so he hasn't quoted yet. The 3k is a ballpark from Powerstation and from the forum. I just did a bit of phoning around today because its stressing me out.
F**king typical. The missus car has packed up too (the classic 206 rear axle failure) and she was going to rely on mine while I was away for a few weeks. They say things come in three's, what's next??
F**king typical. The missus car has packed up too (the classic 206 rear axle failure) and she was going to rely on mine while I was away for a few weeks. They say things come in three's, what's next??
