good news for those breaking engine mounts!! - Page 2

krazyk1371 · 05-06-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerup44

this is probably a really noob question but how do i know that they are broken?

I haven't broken one on my STI but I had broken one on my old car a GTZ. You could feel the engine jumping around and slamming back down onto the frame every time you took your foot off of the gas. My wife who was my girlfriend back then wouldn't even ride in my car as the sound and the feeling of the engine bouncing around scared her.

Rixxy · 05-07-2006, 12:42 AM

on the STi yo u can feel it rocking in the gear shift. it will actually rock a little bit under hard accel. also when i shifted hard it would pop loudly.
you break them cuz this engine is so powerful and they are plastic, just driving the car hard will break em. from launching or shifting hard twisties when your just nailing gears and the gas hauling ass. anything that your driving the car hard making the engine really kick can break them. your best bet dont be afraid. break them now and get them fixed with metal

dareseven · 05-08-2006, 05:37 PM

Broke one on my 06 a few days ago. Got to head to the dealer in the morning and pick up all of them. Going to install them myself. I just hope it isn't much of a pain.

I absolutely hate for anyone to do work on my car. I was a mechanic at one point in my life (in college), so I like to do the stuff myself knowing I did it right!

1BA06STI · 05-08-2006, 05:47 PM

Ive got an oil change coming up soon, do you guys think they dealership will replace them even if they arent broken, do i need to go out and try and break them? Or should i just live with the plastic mounts until i eventually break them.

dareseven · 05-08-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BA06STI

Ive got an oil change coming up soon, do you guys think they dealership will replace them even if they arent broken, do i need to go out and try and break them? Or should i just live with the plastic mounts until i eventually break them.

Very good question.

They are certainly recalled, and most dealerships have received a service bulletin. Give your dealership a call and see if they will. Let us know what develops.

It is only a matter of time before you break them. Especially if you drive "spirited".

***wdb*** · 05-09-2006, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supermarkus

Not quite, they have rubber mounts sandwiched in metal. Group N, the most desirable mounts available through Subaru, are hardened rubber. Metal mounts would be insanely loud.

And the '06 mounts are not quite plastic either. They are also a sandwich construction, also liquid filled which I do not believe the earlier models are. For the sake of simplicity and quick description I believe it is fair to call the earlier mounts metal and the newer mounts plastic.

Mykl · 05-09-2006, 05:56 AM

That's awesome, it's great to hear that Subaru is dealing with a defective part instead of just ignoring it.

2fas4u · 05-09-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rixxy

no my dealer told me this over the phone. and my friend that broke 2 was driving a 04, last i heard it was a common problem in a lot of newer STi's not just the 06

pfft if you are breaking metal mounts there is a problem in your driving! The 04's and 05's have metal mounts not plastic like the 06's...

Stargazer · 05-09-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dareseven

Very good question.

They are certainly recalled, and most dealerships have received a service bulletin. Give your dealership a call and see if they will. Let us know what develops.

A recall is good. That way we wouldn't have to wait for them to break to have them replaced. It would definitely be nice to see a copy of that TSB.

krazyk1371 · 05-10-2006, 07:36 PM

I work part time at a Subaru dealership and I've not heard of this recall. I'm not saying that there isn't one I've just not heard of it. I'll check this Friday if I don't forget and if it's true I too will have them switched out. I'll also see if they can offset the cost with GroupN mounts.

dareseven · 05-15-2006, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazyk1371

I work part time at a Subaru dealership and I've not heard of this recall. I'm not saying that there isn't one I've just not heard of it. I'll check this Friday if I don't forget and if it's true I too will have them switched out. I'll also see if they can offset the cost with GroupN mounts.

Unfortunately I found out that there is not a formal service bulletin relating to the often breaking 06 STI engine mounts. My previous post stating there was a TSB issued is incorrect.

I went to my local dealer (Koby Subaru in Mobile, AL) and spoke with the Service Manager and Parts Manager. Both were unaware of issues with the 06 mounts. I advised that I had "read on the internet" that there were clear issues and that SOA had issued a service bulletin.

The service manger then called the tech line and was advised that what he referred to as a "retro fitment" or something of that nature was advised. The engine mounts are being replaced (as I have read before in other threads) with 05 mounts/part numbers. My mounts were ordered, as well as a hood insulator since mine has been torn/rubbed by the oil fill cap due to engine movement.

The mounts are due in today or tomorrow. We shall see how this plays out.

In the meantime, Motor magazine in Australia broke engine mounts in their testing of the 06 STI. Thankfully, they published their findings so the Subaru dealers are at least a little more willing to work with the consumer since the issue has become a little more "public" (think Subaru of Australia was embarrassed?).

THE MORAL OF THE STORY: If you have an 06 STI, it is only a matter of time until you break an engine mount. Unless, of course, you do not drive the car. When you do break one, the others will follow quickly. Contact your local dealer, have them call the tech line if they are unaware of issues and order/replace the 06 mounts with the 05 mounts (metal).

END OF STORY.

Stargazer · 05-15-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dareseven

THE MORAL OF THE STORY: If you have an 06 STI, it is only a matter of time until you break an engine mount. Unless, of course, you do not drive the car. When you do break one, the others will follow quickly. Contact your local dealer, have them call the tech line if they are unaware of issues and order/replace the 06 mounts with the 05 mounts (metal).

Actually, it will be good if more '06 STI's break the mounts because once it reaches significant numbers, Subaru may have to issue a recall.

Are there any safety issues involved with breaking an engine mount?

dareseven · 05-15-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer

Actually, it will be good if more '06 STI's break the mounts because once it reaches significant numbers, Subaru may have to issue a recall.

Are there any safety issues involved with breaking an engine mount?

I agree with regards to the recall. Subaru owes it to their customers, especially those that hold the Subaru name in high esteem. It is ashame that these mounts have to break BEFORE Subaru of America will replace them.

In reference to the safety issue, I am not sure. I truly do not have the answer to that question. I do know, as a former mechanic, that it causes issues with the drivetrain as the axles, driveshaft, etc. are not aligned properly (i.e. the OEM engineered placement) and move around as the engine bounces and torques in the subframe without being secured. As for a true safety issue, it certainly has the propensity to be one.

But, unlike Subaru, I do not stand to lose millions in a motor mount recall. So, my motivation could be considered "bias"

.

The broken mounts are occuring under the most rudimentary driving circumstances.

Stargazer · 05-15-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dareseven

In reference to the safety issue, I am not sure. I truly do not have the answer to that question. I do know, as a former mechanic, that it causes issues with the drivetrain as the axles, driveshaft, etc. are not aligned properly (i.e. the OEM engineered placement) and move around as the engine bounces and torques in the subframe without being secured. As for a true safety issue, it certainly has the propensity to be one.

Well, if people who've had theirs break filed a complaint at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ they could investigate to see whether it affects safety.

From their site:

"Your complaint information will be entered into NHTSA's vehicle owner's complaint database and used with other complaints to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.

* If a safety-related defect exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment, the manufacturer must fix it at no cost to the owner. Your complaint is the first step in the process.

* Government engineers analyze the problem. If warranted, the manufacturer is asked to conduct a recall. If the manufacturer does not initiate a recall, the government can order the manufacturer to initiate a recall.

* We do not have to receive a specific number of complaints before we look into a problem. We gather all available information on a problem. Your complaint is important to us."

Has anyone done this yet?

dareseven · 05-15-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer

Well, if people who've had theirs break filed a complaint at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ they could investigate to see whether it affects safety.

Has anyone done this yet?

Not yet. But, now that you have mentioned it......I must.

Anybody wanna bandwagon?

05-08-2006, 05:37 PM	#18
dareseven Professional STI Driver Car: Sold 06 Aspen White/ Fav Mod: Meticulous Maintenance Location: AL Posts: 412 Join Date: Dec 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Yeah! Broke one on my 06 a few days ago. Got to head to the dealer in the morning and pick up all of them. Going to install them myself. I just hope it isn't much of a pain. I absolutely hate for anyone to do work on my car. I was a mechanic at one point in my life (in college), so I like to do the stuff myself knowing I did it right!

05-07-2006, 12:42 AM	#17
Rixxy Junior STI Driver Car: 06 STi Fav Mod: the one that brings the most attention Location: The Dalles, Oregon Posts: 141 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	on the STi yo u can feel it rocking in the gear shift. it will actually rock a little bit under hard accel. also when i shifted hard it would pop loudly. you break them cuz this engine is so powerful and they are plastic, just driving the car hard will break em. from launching or shifting hard twisties when your just nailing gears and the gas hauling ass. anything that your driving the car hard making the engine really kick can break them. your best bet dont be afraid. break them now and get them fixed with metal

05-08-2006, 05:47 PM	#19
1BA06STI Junior STI Driver Car: 06 WRB STI Fav Mod: RCE Springs, Volk CE28-N's Location: Centennial/Greeley CO Posts: 99 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Ive got an oil change coming up soon, do you guys think they dealership will replace them even if they arent broken, do i need to go out and try and break them? Or should i just live with the plastic mounts until i eventually break them.

05-09-2006, 05:56 AM	#22
Mykl S204 Racer Car: '04.5 STi Fav Mod: ZZYZX Location: Montgomery, Al Posts: 2,751 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	That's awesome, it's great to hear that Subaru is dealing with a defective part instead of just ignoring it.

05-10-2006, 07:36 PM	#25
krazyk1371 Professional STI Racer Car: '06 WRB/Silver STI Fav Mod: Kartboy Gear Location: San Marcos, Ca. Posts: 702 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	I work part time at a Subaru dealership and I've not heard of this recall. I'm not saying that there isn't one I've just not heard of it. I'll check this Friday if I don't forget and if it's true I too will have them switched out. I'll also see if they can offset the cost with GroupN mounts.