[neforest79]

Hi there. Have a 2012 Subaru Forester with 79,800 miles. Just failed inspection at a local Subaru dealership and was told I needed a CAM box reseal. The CAM boxes are leaking oil onto the exhaust. I was quoted $2,762 for the repairs. This seems awfully high to me. From what I've read, the parts themselves are relatively cheap, but the labor/repair time is extensive. Read it can take a mechanic 6 hrs to do, as multiple parts need to be removed to do the work. Anyone have experience with this? Is this a fair, typical price? I plan to compare quotes, but I also want a mechanic who is experienced with Subarus to be doing the work. Thanks in advance!

 

[Kevin]

G'day & Welcome @neforest79

Could you pls complete your details so as appropriate advice can be given, thanks:

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PS perhaps this refers to the "camshaft cap" and there would be a lot of work to reseal it but the price you've been quoted does seem high.

 

[Kevin]

I found this repair guide for an earlier model which gives an idea of the work involved:
https://www.autozone.com/repairguid...shaft-Bearings-Lifters-2/_/P-0996b43f8037f2b4

 

[Buddur]

Failed inspection due to an oil leak? Yikes! Fortunately, you came to the right place as folks here will inform and steer you in the best direction.

If a dealer is involved, the repair cost WILL be high. In my time here, i don't ever remember reading anything about a cam box reseal. Your desire to have a mechanic experienced with Subaru engines to do the job is good intuition. Look around your area for an independent Subaru mechanic, and take your car there to get a second opinion. They may have a different diagnosis, and the repair cost should be less if indeed the cam box is leaking.

And don't be surprised if this turns into a "While you're in there you might as well replace..." if you do have to go as far as the original diagnosis.

Good luck.