hi all;
we've got an '03 WRX STi - just ticked over 115K miles, 100% stock

There are various clunks & bumps coming from the suspension - nothing that sounds loud or particularly serious - but obviously wear and tear. From both ends too.

As far as I'm aware nothing has been changed on the suspension (my wife's had the car for 8 years now); we obviously know its history from when she got it, but not before.

I replaced a lower front ball joint last Christmas (boot split, completely shot), but other than that nothings been done !
Passed it's MOT last month too.

So, whats the most likely candidates for suspension noise ?
Can we start from cheapest & easiest to fix first please

I'll be doing the work myself (enforced 2 weeks off work over xmas), and have most basic garage tools to hand.

got a fair bit of experience spannering on other cars, just not the STi !
(I did R&R the cambelt last year - I'd rate that as pretty easy)

cheers !

 

If you can do a cambelt change and ball joints then suspension work will be very straightforward for you.

Usual culprits are worn drop links, and knocking dampers for which the usual fix is to disassemble and regrease the damper units. Loads of info online on this - search for “Impreza knocking shocks”.


Check tightness of nuts on top mounts as these can work loose over time and the top mounts themselves can wear.

 

thanks for the reply;

Talking of top mounts - had a look at them this morning (one of the joys of working from home ) - both the front ones have small ish cracks in the rubber - I'm guessing this aint normal ?

 

The rubber is clearly well past its best. Not expensive to replace (approx £50 each). Front top mounts are the same for all newage cars, but if yours is MY03 (blob) make sure to get the correct rears as they are slightly different to the MY01-02 items.

 

OK
got the F&R top mounts, F&R arb links & remaining ball joints on order.
change these and go from there !