My fantastic 97 outback legacy wagon started whirring one day 200 miles from home. The sound got louder on acceleration. There was rubber and metal dust around the timing belt.
I had the car towed to a mechanic who found that the tensioner bolt had broken clean off, ripping a path in the timing cover, and tensioner was floating but engine had not seized up yet.
What could be the internal engine damage and how much to repair? I think it is an interference engine but not sure. Mechanic who looked at it only inspected timing belt assembly and did not open engine but thinks there is probably internal damage.
I had the timing belt and tensioner changed only 2 1/2 months ago. Is this the mechanic's fault who did the job? If so how? What else could have caused the bolt to break?
Should I have a subaru dealership evaluate it before I have the car towed back at my expense to the timing belt mechanic so he can look and maybe assume responsibility?
If not do I have a small claims case? thanks.
2006-12-10 01:33:35 · 4 answers · asked by jessagullo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The Subaru engine is an "interference" design, meaning that when the timing is off, valves and pistons can slam into each other. Confirmation of damage requires removing both cylinder heads - a nice 2-day job. If the belt was damaged still on you might have dodged a bullet.
If the tensioner was replaced but then failed 2 months later the shop that replaced it should take care of it under warranty - along with whatever damage may have resulted from it.
Don't go running to the damn lawyers yet. First things first. Call the shop that replaced the T-belt and tell them what happened.
2006-12-10 03:03:35 · answer #1 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be that there probably is damage to the belt itself. As for the pulleys, probably not. My thought is that maybe when the mechanic replaced the tensioner, he didn't use a grade 8 bolt. Grade 8 is the hardest, strongest bolt used on vehicles. I wouldn't have used any lower grade bolt for that application. Make the mechanic that did the repair fix it again. Make sure he uses the correct grade bolt and a torque wrench. You can easily over torque a bolt if your just guessing at how tight it is with a standard wrench. Just taking a guess though. I'd have to actually see it to make a proper assessment. Also grade 8 bolts are usually charcoal in color.
2006-12-10 02:15:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do no longer think of he's attempting to scam you. think of fixing the belt just to make certain the tensioner craps out 500 miles later. you will finally end up changing the tensioner and the belt- lower back. that's noted as preventative upkeep. Do it each and all of the 1st time. it somewhat is properly worth it while in comparison with doing the interest two times. As for the motor mount, they do flow undesirable. And in case you don't get it replaced, it somewhat is going to reason severe the place on each and every thing else from the cv axles to the transmission. the generic sign of a broken motor or transmission mount could be a clunking while putting it in kit or beginning quickly from a lifeless end. in case you intend on keeping the vehicle and don't prefer to place additional funds into it later, do your self a huge prefer and take his advise. that's properly worth it. i've got been there and that i sell vehicle areas for a residing. I see what vehicles desire what on a on a daily basis foundation.
2016-12-30 05:24:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if a tensioner bolt broke,then the belt would come off,but i dont think it would cause internal damage,because i think you got a overhead cam.
2006-12-10 02:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋