What causes Subaru rod bearing failure?

Causes of Subaru Rod Bearing Failure
Subaru rod bearing failure can be caused by several factors, including:
1. Lack of Lubrication: The primary cause of rod bearing failure is the lack of lubrication. This can result from a low oil level, a faulty oil pump, or clogged oiling passages, leading to isolated bearing failures.
2. Design and Build Quality: Subaru engines, particularly the EJ series, have been associated with weak main bearings that can lead to oil pressure problems and both main and rod bearing failure. The main bearing bore alignment in EJ blocks is often out of line, which can lead to bearing failure caused by incorrect clearances.
3. Detonation and Knock: Avoiding detonation or knock is also crucial in preventing bearing failures. High boost and high cylinder pressure applications can cause distortion, leading to bearing failure.
4. Maintenance and Upgrades: Upgrades that outperform the capability of the oil system, such as cornering in excess of 1g on the skidpad, can cause oil starvation and lead to bearing failure. Additionally, poor maintenance, improper assembly, and poor bearing construction can contribute to rod bearing failure .
Prevention and Rebuilding
To prevent rod bearing failure, it is important to prioritize proper build quality, including ensuring proper clearances during the build and using stock bearings with proper clearances. Additionally, maintaining proper oil levels, addressing oil system design issues, and avoiding detonation or knock are crucial preventive measures.
In the event of a rod bearing failure, a major engine overhaul is typically required. This involves thoroughly inspecting and cleaning every part that is a part of the oiling system and replacing any part that cannot be thoroughly cleaned to remove all of the bearing material. Proper procedures must be used during the rebuild to address the metal contamination that gets sent through the engine due to the failed bearing .
It’s important to note that Subaru rod bearing failure can lead to significant engine damage, and addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and more expensive repairs.
If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!

How many miles do rod bearings last?

The engine’s rod bearings should be swapped at 60,000 to 80,000 miles, especially when an owner has followed the 15,000-mile oil change interval.

How much does it cost to fix a Subaru rod knock?

Expect to shell out around $3000 to $5000 for a rod knock repair, depending on all these factors. However, the cost can go beyond $10000 if an engine replacement needs to be done. Rod knock repair requires replacing engine components like gaskets, seals, connecting rod bearings, etc., which are complex and expensive.

What is the Subaru rod bearing lawsuit?

Engine Bearings Settlement
This website provides information about a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit claiming that certain 2012-2017 Subaru WRX and STi vehicles experienced premature connecting rod and main bearing failure.

Can I drive my car with a bad rod bearing?

If you have bad rod bearings the engine will have a knocking sound when running and will be louder as you give the engine more gas! Eventually keep driving like that engine rod will leave through the side of the engine block, stopping the engine permanently from running again!!

What causes Subaru rod knock?

Rod Knock
Parts called rod bearings mate the piston rods to the crankshaft. If these bearings fail, a gap can form between the piston rods and the crankshaft. As the piston shifts around due to this gap, it’ll rattle back and forth, creating a percussive knocking noise from under the hood.

Is it OK to drive with rod knock?

A knocking sound can be a sign of internal damage, and continuing to drive a vehicle with this issue can lead to further damage and potentially catastrophic engine failure.

What causes a bad rod bearing?

Most of engine bearing failures are caused by one of the two factors: – Mixed lubrication with direct metal-to-metal contact between the bearing and crankshaft surfaces; – Fatigue of the bearing material. Mixed lubrication is one of the main causes of engine bearing failures.

How long should rod bearings last?

How Many Miles Do Rod Bearings Last? It depends on the type of rod bearings you have. Some can last up to 500,000 miles, while others can last up to 100,000. The type of rod bearings you have and how well they are maintained can also affect how long they last.

Why do Subaru rod bearings fail?

Subaru Oil Starvation’s Negative Effects on Rod Bearings
The oil pickup is the “sipping straw” that the oil pump uses to syphon oil from the oil pan. If it cracks or is clogged up, the oil pump cannot supply oil to the engine as it should. When oil pressure to the rod bearings drop, catastrophic failure occurs.

What is the life expectancy of a rod bearing?

BMW Rod Bearing Maintenance
The original rod bearings should be replaced every 60-80,000 miles, especially on vehicles which followed BMW’s 15,000-mile oil change recommendation.