98 Accord - Rusted Engine Subframe
#1
98 Accord - Rusted Engine Subframe
Hi all,
Today I went to change a tire and noted that the engine subframe is rusted (See image. my phone cam is not good but the quality is good enough to show the trouble). I don't think its broken and I don't hear any rattling (or any other type of unusual) sounds. Yet I am worried whether this is bad enough and should get it fixed soon.
1. From the threads I've seen, there are various degrees of rust in the subframe. Some were instructed by technicians not to drive (bad cases) and some seem to have rusted subframes but have them regularly inspected. Is there a general way to check the condition of the subframe?
2. This seems to be rare and in some cases, the dealers have replaced the subframes with new ones (See Honda Accord 1998 - Suspension - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints). Does anyone have experience with such a replacement?
3. In case I have to bear the cost of the replacement, roughly what is the range? A casual Googling says roughly about 250 to 500 range.
4. Is there any 'rust prevention' I can do? (rustoleum?)
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Today I went to change a tire and noted that the engine subframe is rusted (See image. my phone cam is not good but the quality is good enough to show the trouble). I don't think its broken and I don't hear any rattling (or any other type of unusual) sounds. Yet I am worried whether this is bad enough and should get it fixed soon.
1. From the threads I've seen, there are various degrees of rust in the subframe. Some were instructed by technicians not to drive (bad cases) and some seem to have rusted subframes but have them regularly inspected. Is there a general way to check the condition of the subframe?
2. This seems to be rare and in some cases, the dealers have replaced the subframes with new ones (See Honda Accord 1998 - Suspension - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints). Does anyone have experience with such a replacement?
3. In case I have to bear the cost of the replacement, roughly what is the range? A casual Googling says roughly about 250 to 500 range.
4. Is there any 'rust prevention' I can do? (rustoleum?)
Thanks in advance for any replies.
#5
Moey,
I live in Dayton OH - pretty much heavily salted during the winter. I made it a point to take the car to an automated car wash and do an underbody wash once it a while during the winters, yet never had these components checked.
I had the front brakes done (rotors and pads replaced) a few months ago. I'm sure the mechanics would have seen this but never mentioned it to me!
BTW there are no fluid leaks. I've seen several mentions about rerouting the air conditioner water outlet but I don't think this is related.
I live in Dayton OH - pretty much heavily salted during the winter. I made it a point to take the car to an automated car wash and do an underbody wash once it a while during the winters, yet never had these components checked.
I had the front brakes done (rotors and pads replaced) a few months ago. I'm sure the mechanics would have seen this but never mentioned it to me!
BTW there are no fluid leaks. I've seen several mentions about rerouting the air conditioner water outlet but I don't think this is related.
Last edited by ajith; 11-03-2012 at 10:48 PM. Reason: missed mentioning the fluid leaks
#6
Jim
Thanks - I'll take it to a mechanics shop and have it inspected. My impression (after touching it) is that only the top part is gone (the frame is tubular) but that still compromises its strength. So I better get it looked at.
Thanks - I'll take it to a mechanics shop and have it inspected. My impression (after touching it) is that only the top part is gone (the frame is tubular) but that still compromises its strength. So I better get it looked at.
Last edited by ajith; 11-03-2012 at 10:46 PM. Reason: minor spelling mistake
#8
Hi all,
A quick update. I have a friend who is a car dealer and I took my car to one of his trusted mechanics. They advised me to get it replaced. I can get a used engine cradle / subframe for about $150 so I am going to go ahead with the replacement.
Thanks for all the replies. I'll see whether I can contribute a few more pictures of the rusted subframe for the benefit of others.
A quick update. I have a friend who is a car dealer and I took my car to one of his trusted mechanics. They advised me to get it replaced. I can get a used engine cradle / subframe for about $150 so I am going to go ahead with the replacement.
Thanks for all the replies. I'll see whether I can contribute a few more pictures of the rusted subframe for the benefit of others.
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