2012 Subaru Outback Front Subframe Replacement

Just got another car from auction and this 2012 Subaru Outback/Legacy needs a front subframe...here's a quick video showing what needs to come apart in order to get the subframe out!
This front subframe removal should apply to 2010-2014 Subaru Outback/legacy
Side note - the auction ML63 AMG towed the subaru home and it did great!

[@danno5805]

My wife's 2010 outbreak has the same issue. Unfortunately it would cost 10k at least at a garage. We're looking into a newer vehicle. Her's only has 126,000 on it, only thing wrong is a rusted out frame that should be a recall.

[@monumentauto]

That’s tough - I agree if a rusted through subframe is the main reason a car is totaled, that’s on the manufacturer for not protecting their parts better from the factory

[@benholden4585]

Nice job!

[@peterprokesch1998]

Great work. I'm removing the subframe on my 2010 Subaru Legacy in order to change the rack and pinion, and it's been quite the task. Any tips on accessing the two bolts to the frame at 3:10 in the video?

[@monumentauto]

Yeah not an easy job! And no ground breaking advice, sorry. Just gotta use a small extension to get up there

[@BradySzabo]

Thank you for this video. What a nightmare repair, not for the faint hearted. I have no patience for this kind of work, It looks very aggravating to me. Looks like about 10 hours of work for an experienced mechanic? Awesome video, I subscribed. I like how you got right into the video and all the camera work showing and explaining everything. Great job. I guess it needs a front end alignment after that?

[@monumentauto]

Thank you for the comment! Yes quite the job…I definitely made mistakes that set me back and rust certainly doesn’t do any favors. And yes, Just got an alignment yesterday and everything was way off but all good now!

[@BradySzabo]

@@monumentauto I can work with wood but I'm awful at turning wrenches. Great video.

[@benbeszhak1065]

It is roughly 10-15 hours labor to do correctly. There are easier ways that will save some time but a lift is needed.

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

Cool man..big job

[@monumentauto]

Thanks! Definitely not easy especially without a lift

[@simeonbonev4111]

The replacement subframe looks equally rusty. Did you somehow rustproof it before mounting ?

[@monumentauto]

Yeah it was a used one from a car w less miles but fully intact. I just sanded the surface rust and painted it w a rust converter

[@thescrapmetal2810]

My 2010 needs one but it’s not that bad it has pin holes going through it.

[@monumentauto]

Uh oh! Gonna need one soon it sounds like…do you have a plan for the car? ie fix it or sell it?

[@thescrapmetal2810]

@@monumentauto we’re probably going to keep it because it has a brand new timing belt and clutch in it with less then 30k on them.

[@paulcousino1664]

Curious..where was it rotted?

[@monumentauto]

Drivers side rear control arm mount - it’s shown in the video

[@TheTomkelway]

Is this the new daily runner? Save the Merc for the weekends….

[@monumentauto]

I actually have a 2015 Ford Focus hatchback for my commuter car now, the Subaru is just a project for fun and then resale. Although it would be good in the winter…

[@brynmrsh]

Jesus, that car is rusty for a 10 year old. Where the heck does a new car rust holes in it after only 10 years? I have a nice 2011 that was totaled by insurance because it took a small hit to the subframe. I'm considering keeping it and doing the replacement but wasn't sure if I want to do it myself. The car drives perfectly fine and nothing seems off with alignment so I'm not sure it's necessary. Great video and nice job explaining where all the attachment points are. You have me thinking I might do it myself, even though I hate working on my cars. Luckily I have little rust. Rust makes everything much worse.

[@monumentauto]

Yeah this one was bad…was registered in Vermont when I bought it. Not sure if any other states before that. I know New York can be bad for rust as well. If you don’t have a ton of rust it’d be much easier. Still a lot of labor to support engine and unbolt everything but it’s all very mechanical, not particularly difficult, just labor. But if you’re keeping the car and can still get it registered and it drives fine…I probably wouldn’t bother lol

[@brendonlau1621]

What’s up with the Ml63

[@monumentauto]

Sitting in a garage bc I don’t daily drive it anymore unfortunately…job and life get in the way of working on it more regularly these days but I’ll try to get something out in the next month or so

[@brendonlau1621]

@@monumentauto what was the problem with the missfire engines still solid?

[@monumentauto]

@@brendonlau1621 it was vacuum leak from brake booster hose/connection and totally fixed now, no issues

[@brendonlau1621]

Very happy to hear that !

[@99whs]

Subarus are rust buckets!

[@monumentauto]

Yeah seems so!