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2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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bulgin
New User
Aug 18, 2022, 2:22 PM
Post #1 of 7
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2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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Hello. This is my first post here and hope someone can help.
I recently inherited a low mileage 82k 2007 Dodge Caliber. I’m aware of the issues of that car, yet, the engine is good and it has lots of pep. What is not so good is the subframe. Despite there being a 10 year recall on the subframe from excessive rusting, my mother never took advantage of that, and now I own a car that drives ok albeit with bad suspension and rust under it. I’m wondering about the benefits of replacing the subframe and associated components – tie rods, struts, ball joints.
A look under the car reveals that indeed the front subframe has significant rust with some soft spots. And there is extensive rusting throughout the undercarriage although to my untrained eye most looks like surface rust (as an aside I had a sand-blaster tell me they could remove most of the rust with a sand blaster).
As used cars are very expensive these days and I don’t need a cream puff, just a safe and reliable vehicle, what is the consensus here of having the subframe replaced and any other nuggets of wisdom to pass along. What else should I have replaced under the car (since they are working there).
Everything else works fine in this car.
Thank you.
(This post was edited by bulgin on Aug 18, 2022, 6:18 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2022, 3:02 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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I added the code to make your pictures show up here. Now I need you to go into the imaging software and reduce the size of each image by 50%. The software will easily do that for you using this button.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 18, 2022, 3:07 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2022, 3:06 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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That car is really rusted out. You are going to have all kinds of problem with it because of that.
Things like frozen brake calipers, rusted out brake lines, frozen cables, electrical corrosion, not to mention all the frame issues.
When you do have to start replacing some of these frame components all the bolts are going to be rusted out and will not come apart. Rust is usually a terminal problem for cars.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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bulgin
New User
Aug 18, 2022, 6:24 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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Thank you for the frank assessement. I know it's a real issue. I'm balancing the need for a car for puttering around vs. buying a decent used car. Problem is, used cars these days are almost the price of new ones, and this car has only 82k on it. It seems like a shame to toss the whole thing out because of rust but I get your point, nevertheless.
Since I'm not a mechanic I'm wondering if all issues happen that you suggested could happen, aren't I still better off paying for the repairs since such repairs would very unlikely ever get to the level of the price of a good used car? I know the trend is to have the latest and greatest vehicle with all the bells and whistles.
And I did have someone give me a quote for sandblasting off the rust. . . Should I even consider that?
But this really is just a weekend vehicle. Still, I do get your point. . . I'm stuck.
(This post was edited by bulgin on Aug 18, 2022, 6:26 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2022, 6:31 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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No, that is what i'm telling you.
Severe rust on structural parts are not something you want to try to repair. The rusted together parts will be nearly impossible to disassemble.
If you really need a car that bad then have it inspected to determine if it is currently safe to drive and then just drive it the way it is for the time being. Don't try to repair any of it. Just get whatever use you can until it's no longer safe to drive.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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bulgin
New User
Aug 18, 2022, 6:43 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caliber subframe rust
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That sounds reasonable and it has recently passed inspection.
The most troublesome part of the car is the suspention. The struts look good and not rusted as far as I could tell, but my eye is not professional. If I could get the ride to be smoother I'd do as you say.
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