Re: Recall

"David R. Birch" <[email protected]> wrote:

> I have a couple of recall notices on my 75k miles 2013 Impreza Sport.
> 
> Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2013-2017 MY 
> Crosstrek vehicles, 2014-2016 MY Forester vehicles, 2008-2016 Impreza 
> (4-door) vehicles, 2012-2016 Impreza (5-door) vehicles, and 2008-2014 
> WRX (4-door) vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch.
> 
> No big deal.

You don't think getting rear ended because your rear brake lights didn't
come on when you braked is no big deal?  The recall covers the switch.
Whose going to cover the damage from getting rear ended?  Yep, your
insurance company, but you'll be eating the deductible.

> Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru 
> Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Station wagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek 
> and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these 
> vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine 
> stall.
> 
> Is there any other work related to this that should be done while I have 
> it in to the dealer?

Ask the car shop what else gets exposed that could get replaced at the
same time.  You'll save on the labor charge since there won't be a labor
charge later to get at any other replacements.  Can't think of anything
else under the rocker cover to include in preventative maintenance.  I
don't know they can do the work with the engine still in the car.
Pretty tight in there.  They should inspect the valve stem seals to see
if leaking and need replacement.  

Since they'll have to yank the spark plug wires, might be a good time to
get them replaced or, at least, tested.  They should get a complete
valve cover gasket *kit*, so all the seals and seats get replaced.  They
shouldn't reuse anything except the metal cover itself.  It's possible
when they remove the cover that they discover other parts right there
that need replacement that may not be covered by the recall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1Io3lG8ZY

After the work is done, you might want to clean the engine, so you can
check for valve cover gasket leaks soon after the work was done, not
thousands of miles later.  Check noise after the shop work to check if
there is more clap noise due to improper rocker adjustment.  My guess is
the rocker has to get removed to replace the springs, so then they need
to adjust the rocker when they put it back in atop the springs.  They
could screw up that adjustment.

I'm sure if you ask, they'll offer to replace other parts when replacing
the valve springs.  The recall they have to submit to Subaru to get a
reimbursement.  The other parts and labor they get to charge to you for
immediate payment.

> There's a local car shop that works on Subies that has made me happy, is 
> there any reason why the recall work has to go to the dealer?

Depends on the car shop.  They don't get paid immediately for the work
and parts.  They have to submit for a reimbursement, just would the
dealer's service shop.  They would have to do the work without any
immediately following payment.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2012/safety-recall-reimbursed-money.shtml
"Again, these are government rules, so red tape is everywhere."

You also have to follow all the rules defined by the car maker.  So,
rules plus more rules.  You could yourself pay for the work and then
submit a recall reimbursement.  Would you want to risk that, and hope
you got repaid?  Well, same for a car shop.  The dealer has already
setup for the recall processing, and have far more experience with doing
recalls.  

"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" (Popeye comics, but
Wimpy never visits on Tuesday).  Do you think YOU could find a
restaurant that would accept those conditions?

Just ask them.  See what they say.  It's just a phone call.