Subframe likely to be damaged in read end collision?

[msteel]

My sister has the same 2002 outback as me.  Mine has a rusty subframe that is starting to make me nervous.  Hers is not rusty but it got rear ended a week ago and is totalled.  If she buys it back from the insurance (she knows someone interested in the engine) I am considering if it would be wise to swap the rear subframe from her car into mine, or of it is likely to have been damaged in the collision.  Anybody seen enough wrecked Outbacks to have an opinion?

[nipper]

Depends upon how hard the hit. Since these cars are unibody odds are that the body is bent but the subframe is fine. The body tends to buckle after the wheel arches or at the wheel arches.

The rear subframe is a big chunk of metal. Is there a picture of the car, and has she seen a Dr just to make sure she is ok?

 

You will alos know pretty quickly with a steel rule or a straight edge if it is straight or not. Did she get hit square or was it offset. 

 

I dont know if this includes you or what can be done but someone is liable to bring it up

http://www.arfc.org/autos/subaru/outback/rear/recalls.aspx

[idosubaru]

should be fine to use her subframe.  worst case scenario the struts are bent and lower arms - but those aren't a big deal to replace or reuse on yours.  almost no way the subframe itself was damaged.

 

that said - post a picture if you want a much more accurate assessment, without a pic it's impossible to say.  "rear ended/totaled" doesn't tell us anything about the damage sustained.

[msteel]

Yes, my sister got checked out and was sore for a few days but seems fine.

 

As to her car, I don't have pics and am not at the car at the moment, possibly could have pics later today.  The hit was square on.  The center of the bumper is pushed in at least 6 inches, the hatch is crumpled and the spare tire area is affected at least enough that the hardboard cover won't sit flat anymore.  The hit was hard enough that the car also sustained significant front end damage as it was pushed into the car ahead (likely would have bumped without damage without the rear hit).

 

I had not been aware of the subrfame recall until a few days ago and do not know if the car had the cleaning/rusproofing done under the previous owner.  I can still ask him in case he remembers.  Otherwise I suppose I'll have to have the dealer look up records?

[Bushwick]

There's no way you can definitely say "yes it's good" or it's "definitely shot" w/o actually looking. It's purely speculation on what it's condition might be. With that said, the factory subframes on these aren't actually race quality to begin with. My 95's rear crossmember was totally shot when I got it. The metal they used was too thin, and stamped out with poor reinforcements. Reminds me of the old fox body Ford rear control arms that were stamped out as well with the round flaring on the metal ends to "increase" rigidity, but it was far from an ideal boxed arm. With the replacement unit removed from the car, laying it on it's side, it IS possible to flex it. My donor's crossmember appeared to be a brand new Subaru replacement about a year old when I acquired it, complete with the factory paint. I'd be extremely leery to use one from a totaled wreck w/o a full inspection. I realize 02' isn't a 95', but use common sense and inspect for bent suspension, etc.

 

Whatever you end up with, I suggest coating it with axle grease, oil spray, etc. to help it last longer. ANY exposed metal needs to be treated with some sort of rust inhibitor to get the most from it. If she buys the car back, sells the engine and trans, parts out interior pieces, she'll come out ahead and you can guys can still get scrap value for what remains. If it has heated seats, I suggest removing them AND carefully remove the harness for it which runs from the seats to the switch. can sell it someone looking for a heated seat upgrade as all you have to do is add a 20 amp fuse to the 12v+ and it can fit it pretty much anything. Doors and carpet would be another good seller. I'd use the tire locations to the wheel wells to see if the subframe moved or not. Also inspect the tire position to gauge if the trailing arms were moved or not either.

[Gloyale]

Likely that the subframe from her car will be fine.  BUT...........

 

If your car is so rusty that the subframe needs replaced........You will likely break bolts and rip out captive nuts trying to change out the subframe.

 

Save the time and energy and just keep a good eye on the rust and condition of your rear subframe and save up for another subaru.

 

OUtbacks of that age should be cheap and easy to find with blown motors/trans.  Swap in your motor/trans probably easier than changing rusty subframe.