Rear Strut Clunk Log - Page 13

WE_R_ND · 05-30-2005, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datadatum

Gah - sorry to hear that WERND... I hope they strive to make you happier on Tuesday.

They better

Pitcherman · 05-30-2005, 02:40 PM

Well tally me up for a rear strut. Took my 04 in about a week ago and they imideatly said it would need a new strut. Service manager siad that it would be about a week for the strut to come in (only replacing the rear driverside) and in that time it seems that the passenger side has begun to rattle. If this is going to be a consistant problem then here I come AFTERMARKET!!

Chris

sciroccoR · 06-01-2005, 04:48 PM

as i posted before, i've had two left rears replaced. the clunk returns!

anyway, i am sick of going to the dealer and spending the time for new struts. so, i followed the advice of someone also in this thread. the advice was clean the strut and oil it up. well, it worked. took all of 15minutes including putting the wrenches away. we'll see how long before the clunk returns but if it doesn't come back for 1000 miles or so, i'll be pretty pleased.

i also noticed that the clunk came right after a very long drive in monsoon like conditions (it was a nor'easter, actually) which makes me think that it really is just matter collecting on the wiper/seal on the shaft.

dgribble · 06-07-2005, 11:29 AM

Hye guys, new to the forum here. I just got an '05 STi that has about 350 miles to date (all stock). From the very first day I heard a slight 'clunk' noise from the rear when I was going forward at a slow speed (like slowly driving off in the mornings to work). I don't hear noise at any other time, just during a slow drive off and then I don't hear it anymore. Even going slowly from stoplight to stoplight in traffic and none at high speeds.

I didn't think much of it until I read parts of the clunking noise over at the nasioc forum and all of the posts in this thread. I don't know if I should be worried at such an early stage.

I do wonder about how many people are actually not affected by this 'clunk', even after many miles on their STI? Is this affecting a large group of STI owners?

Uncball123533 · 06-08-2005, 08:33 AM

wow its about time i find this post. just got back from the dealer and my rear strut is broken as well, this is the 2nd time i have had to replace it, thank god its under warranty. the dealer ordered a new one and it should be in within the week. i am happy to see so many people have had the same experiences as i. well not really, but good to know its just not me

Rev · 06-08-2005, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sciroccoR

as i posted before, i've had two left rears replaced. the clunk returns!

anyway, i am sick of going to the dealer and spending the time for new struts. so, i followed the advice of someone also in this thread. the advice was clean the strut and oil it up. well, it worked. took all of 15minutes including putting the wrenches away. we'll see how long before the clunk returns but if it doesn't come back for 1000 miles or so, i'll be pretty pleased.

i also noticed that the clunk came right after a very long drive in monsoon like conditions (it was a nor'easter, actually) which makes me think that it really is just matter collecting on the wiper/seal on the shaft.

Glad to hear it works man.

Like i said before, WD-40 works very temporarily, in hot weather (like right now in chitown) it lasts even less ...

I might be going the local shop and search for some lithium grease in a spray can or something ... something that attaches better ...

In my case, my right strut hasn't had a clunk for the last 2 months since I lubed it with grease ... my left one is another story though, it clunks badly...

Given the fact that the struts are factory defective, taking it back to the dealer, waiting 2-3 days (?) for it getting it serviced is not worth my time ...

RacerXS · 06-08-2005, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgribble

Is this affecting a large group of STI owners?

Hence, the sticky............

dgribble · 06-08-2005, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfa2527

Hence, the sticky............

Right. So then you believe that this is an issue with the large majority of STIs sold here? So that's what I'm wondering, are there really high-mileage STIs out there that have never run into this? From what I have read on this thread and nasioc's, then it makes me think that eventually, all of them will develop this issue. That no STI will reach 60K+ w/o running into this at some point?

samurai · 06-15-2005, 09:33 AM

Ok... I have heard all of the strut clunk issues in this country... I was thinking, the basic car should be the same in terms of struts, springs, etc regardless of country? So do they have these issues in Japan? Australia? GB? NZ? If so, I'd really like to see if somebody found out what the root cause is and if we need to seriously plead to Subaru for a fix.

If the clunks have been going on this long without an issue, I'm guessing its either one of 2 things (ok 4...)..

1.) It is not an issue that can lead to injury.

2.) Subaru can't figure out what it is..

3.) Subaru has figured out what it is and doesn't have a firm course of action to correct this issue.

4.) The recall is coming soon and is awash in other paperwork...

Tim

hellrocket · 06-18-2005, 05:06 PM

I just had my car in to get both the rear struts replaced. The first time I took it in, the told me to come back once I removed my Cobb swaybar. Months later after I got around to it, I took it back in (last week). Both my rear struts were empty. You could compress them with your hands. Fortunately, it was covered under warranty. Apparently, after awhile, the struts don't just make noise, they blow out.
The kicker was that they gave me a Ford explorer as a loaner. Nothing like going from an STI to a 5000 lb SUV with no power, no brakes, and it may as well had 4 flat tires !!

Uncball123533 · 06-21-2005, 06:06 AM

today i had my right rear strut replaced for the 2nd time, the 1st was about a year ago. before this morning i could audibly hear the clunking at speeds up to about 55 and of course the clunking/knocking at very low speeds. all fixed under warranty in about an hour and a half--the clunkfree ride home was glorious.

BIG3ETR · 06-24-2005, 06:28 AM

I am having a ***** of a time with my dealer to get these replaced under warranty. Can anybody PM or post replies with the name of your dealer and the service manager's name. I need to do some research and get some evidence that this is a manufacturers defect. I have different springs and they say that they cannot be covered under warranty cuz I changed them. I feel like since I know the nature of the problem...it may have prolonged the life of my struts.

Jim

***Datadatum*** · 06-25-2005, 02:45 PM

1stScoob - did your dealer give you a reason why they don't want to replace the struts under warranty?

WE_R_ND · 06-26-2005, 05:55 AM

Let me share some of my knowledge. First off if anyone needs more info I doubt I'll look at this topic again so just PM me and I'll then post.

As the person who has probably had the most problems with these here is what I did. I've had my car in 5 times for this. The 4th time they "adjusted" it since the regional rep was there. He wouldn't let my dealership change it. After a couple days the noise was back so I called the dealership. They told me, "we can't be changing these struts out just because they're making noise".
I wanted to crawl through the phone and whoop this guys ass! Why the **** do you think they're making noise, it's because they're blown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I then told him he couldn't be of anymore service to me. I told him I'd just call Subaru. He then asked if I had the number as to which I told him yes. I also let him know I had the BBB number, the center for auto safety, and and the national auto safety helpline's number. After calling Subaru and talking to Grant I got a call from my local dealership. They then wanted to change BOTH rear struts. I was only bringing it in for the drivers side rear but ok.
Calling Subaru is the way to go as far as I'm concerned. They know about the problem while the dealerships have know idea and just think we're all whiners. I tried getting upgrades and while they were willing to let me pay the difference in price they said they couldn't install them because they were for "offroad" use, so I dropped it.
After 5 times I can say the car is back to normal, but for how long? Got 8000 mile befor I'm out of warranty, so we'll see.

drdome99 · 06-26-2005, 01:22 PM

what is a good aftermarket choice for strut replacement?

06-26-2005, 01:22 PM	#195
drdome99 Spec C Club Car: '04 JBP STi Fav Mod: Whiteline Steering Bushings Location: Maryland Posts: 1,800 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	what is a good aftermarket choice for strut replacement? This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

05-30-2005, 02:40 PM	#182
Pitcherman Village Idiot Car: 04 JVP STi Fav Mod: Blitz NUR Spec R Location: B.F.E, Texas Posts: 7,952 Join Date: Apr 2004 Trader Rating: (3)	Well tally me up for a rear strut. Took my 04 in about a week ago and they imideatly said it would need a new strut. Service manager siad that it would be about a week for the strut to come in (only replacing the rear driverside) and in that time it seems that the passenger side has begun to rattle. If this is going to be a consistant problem then here I come AFTERMARKET!! Chris

06-01-2005, 04:48 PM	#183
sciroccoR Amateur STI Driver Car: urban grey 07 sti Fav Mod: physicist Location: boston, MA Posts: 44 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	as i posted before, i've had two left rears replaced. the clunk returns! anyway, i am sick of going to the dealer and spending the time for new struts. so, i followed the advice of someone also in this thread. the advice was clean the strut and oil it up. well, it worked. took all of 15minutes including putting the wrenches away. we'll see how long before the clunk returns but if it doesn't come back for 1000 miles or so, i'll be pretty pleased. i also noticed that the clunk came right after a very long drive in monsoon like conditions (it was a nor'easter, actually) which makes me think that it really is just matter collecting on the wiper/seal on the shaft.

06-07-2005, 11:29 AM	#184
dgribble Amateur STI Driver Car: 08 Scooty Puff, Jr. Location: VA Posts: 44 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Hye guys, new to the forum here. I just got an '05 STi that has about 350 miles to date (all stock). From the very first day I heard a slight 'clunk' noise from the rear when I was going forward at a slow speed (like slowly driving off in the mornings to work). I don't hear noise at any other time, just during a slow drive off and then I don't hear it anymore. Even going slowly from stoplight to stoplight in traffic and none at high speeds. I didn't think much of it until I read parts of the clunking noise over at the nasioc forum and all of the posts in this thread. I don't know if I should be worried at such an early stage. I do wonder about how many people are actually not affected by this 'clunk', even after many miles on their STI? Is this affecting a large group of STI owners?

06-08-2005, 08:33 AM	#185
Uncball123533 Junior STI Driver Posts: 164 Join Date: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	wow its about time i find this post. just got back from the dealer and my rear strut is broken as well, this is the 2nd time i have had to replace it, thank god its under warranty. the dealer ordered a new one and it should be in within the week. i am happy to see so many people have had the same experiences as i. well not really, but good to know its just not me

06-15-2005, 09:33 AM	#189
samurai Junior STI Driver Car: Kendo, paintball, ca Fav Mod: Cusco R Brace w/ 06 diffuser Location: Torrance, CA/Union City, Posts: 103 Join Date: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Ok... I have heard all of the strut clunk issues in this country... I was thinking, the basic car should be the same in terms of struts, springs, etc regardless of country? So do they have these issues in Japan? Australia? GB? NZ? If so, I'd really like to see if somebody found out what the root cause is and if we need to seriously plead to Subaru for a fix. If the clunks have been going on this long without an issue, I'm guessing its either one of 2 things (ok 4...).. 1.) It is not an issue that can lead to injury. 2.) Subaru can't figure out what it is.. 3.) Subaru has figured out what it is and doesn't have a firm course of action to correct this issue. 4.) The recall is coming soon and is awash in other paperwork... Tim

06-18-2005, 05:06 PM	#190
hellrocket Amateur STI Driver Posts: 22 Join Date: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I just had my car in to get both the rear struts replaced. The first time I took it in, the told me to come back once I removed my Cobb swaybar. Months later after I got around to it, I took it back in (last week). Both my rear struts were empty. You could compress them with your hands. Fortunately, it was covered under warranty. Apparently, after awhile, the struts don't just make noise, they blow out. The kicker was that they gave me a Ford explorer as a loaner. Nothing like going from an STI to a 5000 lb SUV with no power, no brakes, and it may as well had 4 flat tires !!

06-21-2005, 06:06 AM	#191
Uncball123533 Junior STI Driver Posts: 164 Join Date: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	today i had my right rear strut replaced for the 2nd time, the 1st was about a year ago. before this morning i could audibly hear the clunking at speeds up to about 55 and of course the clunking/knocking at very low speeds. all fixed under warranty in about an hour and a half--the clunkfree ride home was glorious.

06-24-2005, 06:28 AM	#192
BIG3ETR STI Driver Car: 07 STI Limited Fav Mod: BanHammer Resistant Unobtainium Suit Location: Macomb Township, Michigan Posts: 238 Join Date: May 2003 Trader Rating: (3)	I am having a ***** of a time with my dealer to get these replaced under warranty. Can anybody PM or post replies with the name of your dealer and the service manager's name. I need to do some research and get some evidence that this is a manufacturers defect. I have different springs and they say that they cannot be covered under warranty cuz I changed them. I feel like since I know the nature of the problem...it may have prolonged the life of my struts. Jim

06-25-2005, 02:45 PM	#193
*Datadatum* 100% More Wingless Car: 05 STi + 08 OBXT Fav Mod: baby seats Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 5,703 Join Date: May 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	1stScoob - did your dealer give you a reason why they don't want to replace the struts under warranty?

06-26-2005, 05:55 AM	#194
WE_R_ND Spec C Club Fav Mod: Track Time Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 2,267 Join Date: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Let me share some of my knowledge. First off if anyone needs more info I doubt I'll look at this topic again so just PM me and I'll then post. As the person who has probably had the most problems with these here is what I did. I've had my car in 5 times for this. The 4th time they "adjusted" it since the regional rep was there. He wouldn't let my dealership change it. After a couple days the noise was back so I called the dealership. They told me, "we can't be changing these struts out just because they're making noise". I wanted to crawl through the phone and whoop this guys ass! Why the **** do you think they're making noise, it's because they're blown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I then told him he couldn't be of anymore service to me. I told him I'd just call Subaru. He then asked if I had the number as to which I told him yes. I also let him know I had the BBB number, the center for auto safety, and and the national auto safety helpline's number. After calling Subaru and talking to Grant I got a call from my local dealership. They then wanted to change BOTH rear struts. I was only bringing it in for the drivers side rear but ok. Calling Subaru is the way to go as far as I'm concerned. They know about the problem while the dealerships have know idea and just think we're all whiners. I tried getting upgrades and while they were willing to let me pay the difference in price they said they couldn't install them because they were for "offroad" use, so I dropped it. After 5 times I can say the car is back to normal, but for how long? Got 8000 mile befor I'm out of warranty, so we'll see.