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Old 05-18-2020, 10:54 PM   #1
therimgreaper
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Member#: 498668
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: NYC
Vehicle:
2012 WRX Hatchback
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Default Stock '12 WRX and preventing/checking for rod bearing failure

Hey guys,

My '12 WRX hatchback is nearing the end of its extended 8 year warranty as part of the Rod Bearing class action settlement for '12-'17 WRXs and STIs.

Is there anything I can do check the health of the rod bearings? If something goes wrong, I'd rather it happen now while under warranty rather than after.

The car has ~54k miles on it and the engine is bone stock. I got an oil analysis done during my first oil change and the results were as expected and great. I always let the engine warm up when starting, and make sure not to build boost at low RPMs. I'm also checking my oil level and following the 3750 mile OCI.

I bought it last summer at 50k miles (I know, I really haven't been able to drive it around much). The previous owner gave me all of their maintenance records as part of the sale, so I know that oil changes and other maintenance items were done in a timely fashion. I bought an Accessport that I've been hoping to use to get off the stock tune, but am holding off so I don't void my warranty...

Anyway, any advice on how I can check for/prevent rod bearing failure would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 05-30-2020, 12:56 AM   #2
12wrx1
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Member#: 386873
Join Date: Apr 2014
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: WA
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There is no way to check for bearing damage unless you have the engine torn down, which would be stupid. You can help prevent bearing damage by running a quality oil. Something with a high HTHS of at least 3.7. A few 5w-30 oils like redline meet this criteria. But might be better to go with a quality 5w-40 oil. Also, dont lug the engine ALWAYS down shift when passing or going up a hill and use quality gas to prevent knock. Knock can and will damage your bearings...

I drive a 12 wrx hatch myself with 81k on it. I primarily use Redline 5w-30 oil, though on occasion I have used Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 which is NOT high HTHS . I'm planning to run redline 5w-40 this summer and use there 5w-30 in the winter. I also monitor and log my car to help prevent knock. I have discovered the gas station I use has profound effects on my knock numbers. I only fill up at a specific Shell station near my house as for some reason I get far less knock from the gas here.

Last edited by 12wrx1; 05-30-2020 at 01:06 AM. Reason: hhh
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Old 05-30-2020, 09:42 AM   #3
Stretch18
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Member#: 239822
Join Date: Mar 2010
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: America's Penis
Vehicle:
2010 WRX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 12wrx1 View Post
There is no way to check for bearing damage unless you have the engine torn down, which would be stupid. You can help prevent bearing damage by running a quality oil. Something with a high HTHS of at least 3.7. A few 5w-30 oils like redline meet this criteria. But might be better to go with a quality 5w-40 oil. Also, dont lug the engine ALWAYS down shift when passing or going up a hill and use quality gas to prevent knock. Knock can and will damage your bearings...

Used oil analysis can give you a clue. Things like lead and copper showing are a good hint that the bearings are being worn. It’s best to do them with each change, so that you can see the trend analysis but you have to start somewhere.

And yeah, most 5w-30s are going to shear down to 20 weight by the end of your oil change interval and that is really hard on your bearings...
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