Rear Strut Clunk Log - Page 11

skeeler · 04-05-2005, 01:21 AM

My wife asked me when I drove home with the SECOND left rear strut replacement, "Doesn't it make better sense if they changed both rear struts?"

Well, YEAH! Where's the TSB or recall when you need one.

I had a 2000 Chevy Express Van a couple years ago, and when it had 11,000 miles on it, I noticed the brakes were "grabby" and had less than 15% lining left. Took it to the dealership where I bought it, and insisted they investigate thoroughly into the matter. First they said wear items are not covered through warranty, but about the time I got home from the dealership with my spare car, I had a voice message stating there was a TSB for the rear brakes which dictated that all four wheels must have all brake parts replaced. That would have cost me over $1600 if there was no TSB.

Back to the Subaru situation,

This strut situation is definitely not a warranty issue. Granted, I have the 100,000 mile extended warranty, but this clearly is a TSB item.

My biggest question is, why would you replace only one strut at 44,000 miles, when the fronts are original, and the right rear has about 16,000 to 18,000 miles on it?

I want adjustable coilovers!

Xman · 04-05-2005, 07:31 AM

Subaru recommends replacing struts in pairs. Dealers do not always follow Subaru's recommendations.

***MKIVSupra*** · 04-05-2005, 12:18 PM

Data, I have almost 25k miles.

STill and Xman, that is interesting about the recommendations you were given, and good to know, I am going to look into it more and go back to the dealer if needed.

skeeler · 04-05-2005, 07:34 PM

Do any of you know of a contact phone no. to get a hold of your local regional dealership rep?

I should advise him that the right rear strut should be replaced, too.

In addition, can you find, in print, where Subaru recommends replacing struts in pairs?

***MKIVSupra*** · 04-18-2005, 01:55 PM

Well I had no luck with anyone from Subaru about replacing pairs of struts. I called the dealer back and asked them and they said only if the car has real high miles do they replace both. So I don't know.

One more thing to add... when I had the strut replaced I still had my snow tires and wheels on. The other day I go to finally put my summer tires and wheels on and I could not budge the lugs on the wheel they took off to replace the strut. All the others loosened with a little tug but not this one. I struggled for a while and finally got out a hammer to hit the bar with. I went in the house to call the service department to see what the tech was trying to prove by torquing those so tight but got no answer cause they were probably closed. After using the hammer some more and pulling hard on the bar they eventually gave but it pissed me off that the moron did that. He's lucky I did not break the tool I have to use on the those lugs, stripped one, or even broke one. The wrench gave or skipped a couple times and I thought for sure something broke but luckily nothing did. I felt it in my arm and back the next day.

***Datadatum*** · 04-18-2005, 03:29 PM

Gah! Bad experience with the lug nuts there.

Mine were one tight from the factory. I did a dumb thing and kicked the wrench to get the first couple of nuts loose. But then the wrench skipped off the third nut, and dented the alloy. D'oh. I deserved that one.

As for the strut pair, sounds like the dealer gave you the same line I received...

**kat398** · 04-18-2005, 06:25 PM

tag for later reference. i have 5k on my 05 STi, and i "think" i hear something from the back when i back out of my driveway....

Syclone · 04-21-2005, 11:06 AM

I have it in the drivers side rear...really annoying. I am not sure I can live withou my STi for a day to get it fixed... :-))

***MKIVSupra*** · 04-21-2005, 03:01 PM

Schedule it so you can wait for it like I did. Only took about an hour or so to change the strut. I took mine in to get the clunk checked and they had a strut in stock so I just had it done while I was already there.

vapo · 04-22-2005, 02:26 PM

hey guys. So I've been reading a lot and some people said that the dealership replaced their struts even with a lowered car (STi Pink springs). Well I got the tanabi lowering springs that have almost the same stats as the Pinks. I installed them and about a week later I started hearing what seems to be this same problem. So can I take my car to the dealership? Or will they reject it because its not Subaru springs? Also my car only has 2k miles on it. Will that change anything?

Thanks,
Joe

***MKIVSupra*** · 04-22-2005, 02:31 PM

It is totally up to the dealer. Some people get stuff covered with all kinds of mods some get hassled for any little mod they have. If you have springs and try to get a suspension related component coverd under warranty, it's a big risk. Technically I don't think the dealer would have to cover it. If your car only has 2k miles it seems even more unlikely that there would be a problem already. Good luck.

drdome99 · 04-22-2005, 03:48 PM

Well I finally took my car in today for strut clunk noises... I took my sound system out for a day at the track and haven't put it back in yet so I think without loud music playing I've noticed the clunk a lot more and it seems to be louder than it was when I first noticed it. I dropped it off this evening and the service manager asked if I had any aftermarket suspension mods. I told him I had tanabes and he said he will have to check with his boss then if they will be able to do anything under warranty if need be... hopefully he will be in a good mood and just replace them. I'll update on this tomorrow

Sideoiler · 04-22-2005, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datadatum

Gah! Bad experience with the lug nuts there.

Mine were one tight from the factory. I did a dumb thing and kicked the wrench to get the first couple of nuts loose. But then the wrench skipped off the third nut, and dented the alloy. D'oh. I deserved that one.

As for the strut pair, sounds like the dealer gave you the same line I received...

Data, please get yourself a snipe. Instead of the wrench slipping and hitting your wheel, it could have easily been your foot that slipped off the wrench, driving it into your calf and ripping it wide open. A buddy of mine did that years ago and got dozens of stitches, took him away in an ambulance because of the bleeding.

UPDATE:
It's been 10,000km since my struts were replaced on my '04 with upgraded part #s and the clunking hasn't returned yet, knocking on wood with fingers crossed.

I really don't want to have to pay to solve this problem,if it returns, with aftermarket coil-overs, but push comes to shove, I will because it's that annoying. Currently 55,000kms. and climbing fast.

evoklr · 04-24-2005, 05:42 PM

Figured I'd contribute my 2 cents here.

04 with 26,000 miles and the "clunking/creaking" and settling keep getting worse. Rain seems to always temporarily make it disappear.

1st trip to the dealer (rainy day) - Gotta be the exhaust
2nd trip to the dealer (rainy day) - Hears it, found the charcoal canister in the rear was hitting the frame
3rd trip to the dealer (after rainy day) - Couldn't reproduce it, but don't think I'm crazy. Contacted SOA with an urgent request. Also the regional rep. will be personally looking at my car Tuesday. I'm hoping for something good to come out of that, and for it not to rain!

red5001 · 04-25-2005, 06:08 PM

just thought I would share my experience. I had the rear struts and mounts replaced under warranty at about 26500 miles. The dealer didn't give me any problems. They around 38000 miles the left rear strut started to make noise again.. I stopped by the dealer and showed them when the car made the noise. They ordered up a new left rear strut and mount and just replaced it with out any issue. I hope that is the last time this happens but I am not so sure of that. Hopefully Subaru does something about this issue.

04-05-2005, 01:21 AM	#151
skeeler Professional STI Driver Car: '04 WRC Blue Pearl S Fav Mod: Nokian WR's, then RSi's, Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R's Location: Sumas, WA Posts: 419 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	My wife asked me when I drove home with the SECOND left rear strut replacement, "Doesn't it make better sense if they changed both rear struts?" Well, YEAH! Where's the TSB or recall when you need one. I had a 2000 Chevy Express Van a couple years ago, and when it had 11,000 miles on it, I noticed the brakes were "grabby" and had less than 15% lining left. Took it to the dealership where I bought it, and insisted they investigate thoroughly into the matter. First they said wear items are not covered through warranty, but about the time I got home from the dealership with my spare car, I had a voice message stating there was a TSB for the rear brakes which dictated that all four wheels must have all brake parts replaced. That would have cost me over $1600 if there was no TSB. Back to the Subaru situation, This strut situation is definitely not a warranty issue. Granted, I have the 100,000 mile extended warranty, but this clearly is a TSB item. My biggest question is, why would you replace only one strut at 44,000 miles, when the fronts are original, and the right rear has about 16,000 to 18,000 miles on it? I want adjustable coilovers! This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

04-25-2005, 06:08 PM	#165
red5001 Junior STI Driver Car: WRB 04.5 WRX STi Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 141 Join Date: May 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	just thought I would share my experience. I had the rear struts and mounts replaced under warranty at about 26500 miles. The dealer didn't give me any problems. They around 38000 miles the left rear strut started to make noise again.. I stopped by the dealer and showed them when the car made the noise. They ordered up a new left rear strut and mount and just replaced it with out any issue. I hope that is the last time this happens but I am not so sure of that. Hopefully Subaru does something about this issue. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

04-05-2005, 07:31 AM	#152
Xman S204 Racer Car: 2004 STi Fav Mod: Momo fixed back seat, harness bar and Willans 6 point harness Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, C Posts: 2,827 Join Date: Apr 2003 Trader Rating: (3)	Subaru recommends replacing struts in pairs. Dealers do not always follow Subaru's recommendations.

04-05-2005, 12:18 PM	#153
*MKIVSupra* Moderator Elite Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings Location: Illinois Posts: 8,745 Join Date: Jan 2001 Trader Rating: (0)	Data, I have almost 25k miles. STill and Xman, that is interesting about the recommendations you were given, and good to know, I am going to look into it more and go back to the dealer if needed.

04-05-2005, 07:34 PM	#154
skeeler Professional STI Driver Car: '04 WRC Blue Pearl S Fav Mod: Nokian WR's, then RSi's, Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R's Location: Sumas, WA Posts: 419 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Do any of you know of a contact phone no. to get a hold of your local regional dealership rep? I should advise him that the right rear strut should be replaced, too. In addition, can you find, in print, where Subaru recommends replacing struts in pairs?

04-18-2005, 01:55 PM	#155
*MKIVSupra* Moderator Elite Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings Location: Illinois Posts: 8,745 Join Date: Jan 2001 Trader Rating: (0)	Well I had no luck with anyone from Subaru about replacing pairs of struts. I called the dealer back and asked them and they said only if the car has real high miles do they replace both. So I don't know. One more thing to add... when I had the strut replaced I still had my snow tires and wheels on. The other day I go to finally put my summer tires and wheels on and I could not budge the lugs on the wheel they took off to replace the strut. All the others loosened with a little tug but not this one. I struggled for a while and finally got out a hammer to hit the bar with. I went in the house to call the service department to see what the tech was trying to prove by torquing those so tight but got no answer cause they were probably closed. After using the hammer some more and pulling hard on the bar they eventually gave but it pissed me off that the moron did that. He's lucky I did not break the tool I have to use on the those lugs, stripped one, or even broke one. The wrench gave or skipped a couple times and I thought for sure something broke but luckily nothing did. I felt it in my arm and back the next day.

04-18-2005, 03:29 PM	#156
*Datadatum* 100% More Wingless Car: 05 STi + 08 OBXT Fav Mod: baby seats Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 5,583 Join Date: May 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Gah! Bad experience with the lug nuts there. Mine were one tight from the factory. I did a dumb thing and kicked the wrench to get the first couple of nuts loose. But then the wrench skipped off the third nut, and dented the alloy. D'oh. I deserved that one. As for the strut pair, sounds like the dealer gave you the same line I received...

04-18-2005, 06:25 PM	#157
kat398 Gold Member Location: Texas Posts: 130 Join Date: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	tag for later reference. i have 5k on my 05 STi, and i "think" i hear something from the back when i back out of my driveway....

04-21-2005, 11:06 AM	#158
Syclone Amateur STI Driver Car: WRB 04 STi Fav Mod: ABS/VSES Engineer Location: Detroit, MI Area Posts: 19 Join Date: Aug 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I have it in the drivers side rear...really annoying. I am not sure I can live withou my STi for a day to get it fixed... :-))

04-21-2005, 03:01 PM	#159
*MKIVSupra* Moderator Elite Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings Location: Illinois Posts: 8,745 Join Date: Jan 2001 Trader Rating: (0)	Schedule it so you can wait for it like I did. Only took about an hour or so to change the strut. I took mine in to get the clunk checked and they had a strut in stock so I just had it done while I was already there.

04-22-2005, 02:26 PM	#160
vapo Amateur STI Driver Posts: 9 Join Date: Feb 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	hey guys. So I've been reading a lot and some people said that the dealership replaced their struts even with a lowered car (STi Pink springs). Well I got the tanabi lowering springs that have almost the same stats as the Pinks. I installed them and about a week later I started hearing what seems to be this same problem. So can I take my car to the dealership? Or will they reject it because its not Subaru springs? Also my car only has 2k miles on it. Will that change anything? Thanks, Joe

04-22-2005, 02:31 PM	#161
*MKIVSupra* Moderator Elite Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings Location: Illinois Posts: 8,745 Join Date: Jan 2001 Trader Rating: (0)	It is totally up to the dealer. Some people get stuff covered with all kinds of mods some get hassled for any little mod they have. If you have springs and try to get a suspension related component coverd under warranty, it's a big risk. Technically I don't think the dealer would have to cover it. If your car only has 2k miles it seems even more unlikely that there would be a problem already. Good luck.

04-22-2005, 03:48 PM	#162
drdome99 Spec C Club Car: '04 JBP STi Fav Mod: Whiteline Steering Bushings Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Well I finally took my car in today for strut clunk noises... I took my sound system out for a day at the track and haven't put it back in yet so I think without loud music playing I've noticed the clunk a lot more and it seems to be louder than it was when I first noticed it. I dropped it off this evening and the service manager asked if I had any aftermarket suspension mods. I told him I had tanabes and he said he will have to check with his boss then if they will be able to do anything under warranty if need be... hopefully he will be in a good mood and just replace them. I'll update on this tomorrow

04-24-2005, 05:42 PM	#164
evoklr STI Driver Posts: 242 Join Date: May 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Figured I'd contribute my 2 cents here. 04 with 26,000 miles and the "clunking/creaking" and settling keep getting worse. Rain seems to always temporarily make it disappear. 1st trip to the dealer (rainy day) - Gotta be the exhaust 2nd trip to the dealer (rainy day) - Hears it, found the charcoal canister in the rear was hitting the frame 3rd trip to the dealer (after rainy day) - Couldn't reproduce it, but don't think I'm crazy. Contacted SOA with an urgent request. Also the regional rep. will be personally looking at my car Tuesday. I'm hoping for something good to come out of that, and for it not to rain!