Help - Outback 2000 Collision

[david]

We had a big snow storm here in Toronto yesterday (400+ accidents
across the city). I was one of the unlucky few. After just having
some regular service on my vehicle at my Sub. dealership, I was
rear-ended while stopped on a busy highway (due to another accident
ahead). Although trying to stop, the other vehicle hit me at a pretty
good clip (20-30kph my guess). My rear bumper suffered some heavy
damage and was knocked loose. The rear hatch was hit in one spot and
crumpled slightly inward (still seems to open/close ok). Exhaust
system was crumpled forward as well. Also noticed side front door on
the right side rubbing slightly more than usual against rubber door
seal. Later at the repair shop, I noticed that the key interlock would
not release my key and an odd sound from my dash area.

The other vehice (2005 Dodge minivan) suffered heavy frontal damage:
crumpled hood, crumpled grill.

My questions:
1) My Outback was taken to an auto repair shop with good relations
with my insurance company (All State). Should I be considering my Sub.
dealer for repairs (they have a body shop)?

2) Are there any other problems should I be on the lookout for after a
rear-ender?

3) Any other suggestions/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mhalea]

Sorry about your accident. I would ask your body shop to check for
engine mounts and transmission mounts being broken also if you have
four wheel limited drive on your vehicle to check for trans damage and
shaft damage. Without more info on your vehicle it limits what can be
said to check for, however if you do take it to the dealers shop they
should check everything over for you. there can be hidden damages if it
went to a technician that did not check it over carefully, you may wind
up with problems down the road ! Be assured that all has been checked !
Contact me if you need my help in fixing any of your problems. Gary H.

 

[S]

Hi David!

Also noticed side front door on
the right side rubbing slightly more than usual against rubber door
seal.

Often a sign that the unibody has been tweaked; a bad thing.
Presumably the shop will check chassis measurements, and wheel
alignment specs . . .

Later at the repair shop, I noticed that the key interlock would
not release my key and an odd sound from my dash area.

The "key interlock" that prevents you from removing the key unless the
AT is in "park"? Makes me nervous; read on . . .

2) Are there any other problems should I be on the lookout for after a
rear-ender?

Mmmmm, a good wack to the tail pipe could damage or dislodge the
catalytic converter element. Shake it to be sure it doesn't rattle,
and/or perform a visual inspection. I have also seen cars that had
taken a good hit in the rear experience problems with the tranny; I'm
guessing that the shock was transmitted thru the drive line and
transmission output shaft to the front differential, in any event,
there were large chunks missing from the ring/pinion gears. One ran
like this for nearly 1000 miles before abruptly grinding to a halt.
These were both '97-'98ish automatic transmission Legacys, and I'm
guessing that they were probably hit considerably harder than what you
describe, but it's worth checking. Any unusual noise or binding should
be treated very seriously.

3) Any other suggestions/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

You may be dangerously close to having the car "totaled". This might
work in your favor if the car ends up with concealed damage, tho. Be
sure you convey the above concerns to whoever is doing the work, and
to your insurance company. If you have confidence in your Subaru
dealership, or can get the car to some who specializes in them, by all
means do so; many body shops have little mechanical expertise; fewer
still know and love Subarus.

Good Luck!

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101