Hello all, I've been a member of this forum since 2010 when I bought my 2006 WRX 2.5 wagon, but this is the first time I've felt so incensed about something that I've needed to actually start a thread!! So I'm hoping someone might be able to give me a nudge in the right direction or tell me if I'm being unreasonable!

In March 2011 after a trip to the garage for a "knocking" at the rear, the rear shocks were replaced. Sods law at that time that the after market parts for my car were few and far between, so it was genuine Subaru strut assys that were fitted at a cost of near on £450 each, not including labour. I phoned a couple of specialists, including Subaru themselves and they all confirmed this and quoted a similar price. So they got replaced at my local Jap specialist. And off I toddled over £1000 lighter... however she did feel lovely to drive again! lol!

About 5-6 weeks ago I started noticing a knocking coming from the rear again, particularly at low speeds and reversing... my heart filled with dread (and £ signs), and my worst fears were confirmed. Rear shocks FUBARed again!!

So I've sent an email to customer services at Subaru querying the fact that they are knackered after less than 18k and under 2 years. Surely this can't be right? I've been told by a couple of people that "its a common problem", but even if it is, why should I have to bloody fork out over a grand every couple of years?!?! That's not general "wear and tear" is it?

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has had any success with Subaru over a similar issue. Or like I said at the start, am I being unreasonable? I don't think so... surely I shouldn't take this one on the chin?

Thanks in advance!

 

Dunno about warranty etc but there is a way of modifying them by adding a grease nipple, which is pretty straight forward. There's a video on you tube that shows you how to do it. It'll cost you less than a tenner if you could do it yourself.

 

Did it only occur at low speeds and when turning right?

 

I have an 05 WRX (owned since new) and what you describe is certainly a known problem with them. Having had three replaced under warranty, I have recently had all four of mine replaced with KYBs.

I don't know how long you have been knocking around cars, but there are things (sometimes expensive) that one has to put down to experience - though watching forums like this can help - and maybe this is one of them.

Having said all which, we are now up to 95k on the car and it's the only problem we've had. Just a pain that Subaru did nothing to deal with the problem in the first place. My advice (fwiw) would be to find a good, honest independent Subaru specialist and talk it over with them - after spending a bit of time searching these forums.

 

from what i have asked on the forum, do you agree that there is no risk and the only impact is the noise? What about putting shocks from cars that are breaking?

 

Thanks for your help guys. Yes I think only impact is the noise really. Rich @ FB Tuning reckons he can help so I think that might be a worthwhile avenue. I'll also look into these KYBs. Cheers

 

the grease nipple mod is cheap and easy for a guy handy with spanners if you know one.

 

Thanks only wish i had the skills and tools to perform the task. I think i will see someone tomorrow at the berkshire meet from fb tuning.

 

If your shocks are worn enough to knock then the grease nip mod will do little; it really needs to be done as a preventive measure before knocking begins, and then no wear will occur as the grease is replaced through the nips.

 

KYB Ultra Sr... ftw..

 

Do the ultras fail like the OE ones?

 

Would be dificult to comment but their perfect for my aplication, my standart shocks just started knockin after cadwell park



But their almost 12 years old...

 

How long have you had KYB on the car?

 

Just a week bud... watch this space i'll update you shortly...

 

Do you recon KYB and lowering springs or just go the BC route?

 

Well, it all depends what you're using your car for. BCs will give you numerous adjustment options but you will have to sacrifice the comfort... My car is fast road/ocasional track tool so i chose Kybs + spring combo and am happy. If the harsh ride doesn't bother you BCs are bang for buck, but remember as everything else , you get what you pay for. My friend just spent 1.5k on his KW3 coilies and i do believe they will last ...As for BC's i cant comment alot so you better do your home work on them , but the price might give you the idea as their half of KW3s.. I do preffer quality shocks instead cheap coilovers, but that's just me , based on my experience. I had 3 sets of different coilovers and just cant justify them yet , as they ment to be track work suspension , not a road thing definitely.... Coilovers struts wont travel enough to absoarb all the bumps and other road stuff and your ride will be very crashy... I think a car with a proper shock/spring combo would even be faster on the road than the one with coilovers.... Bonesetter and Arnie_1 on here could explain you more about technical part how everything works, i am restricted on it a bit as english is not me 1st language , sorry ...



Mantas