LankyDave

I've owned my 03 STi UK Blob eye now for a day. Absolutly wonderfull car and I'm really enjoying it. Only one problem, there's a strange knocking noise coming from the back end, I've tried jigling and shaking everything and can't work out what it is.
Having looked through a few thread's it could be the rear n/s strut but the main gripes seem to be with the bug eye'd model so my question is this:

1. Is this affliction normal with my model?

2. What seems to be the best cure?

3. How good are dealers when it comes to third owners of a STi?

4. Should I just drive faster and stop being a big girls blouse as it doesn't seem to be happening when moving swiftly?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

onder2:

Cornelius

iTrader: (2)

A guy had a similar problem with his classic a while ago, he kept on getting a knocking noise from the back of his car, he was told that it was his springs, so he got some new Teins, when I took the back seats out to fit them for him, I found that it was the brace behind the back seat had come loose, so tightened it up and hey presto, no more banging.
It may not be the case with yours, but it only takes 10 mins to take out the rear seat to check, and it may save you some money

davedipster

I had mine fixed last Month m8.
Subaru japan have recently issued new modified rear struts and suspension top mounts to cure the knocking. My dealer simply replaced both struts and top mounts for the new design.

It is very common, but can be fixed cos mine is fine now.

dipster

dannytwo

iTrader: (5)

If your anti-roll bar drop links are worn this will cause a knocking noise.

LankyDave

Went to Sparshatts Yesterday, expecting to have an argument with someone about getting the new parts on warranty. I was dumb struck.

"No problem sir, we'll order the new struts and top mounts today for you, could you leave it with us next wednesday!"

I've not had the car a week, and I didn't buy it from them. Now that's service. we'll see if the banging goes away now.

BIGCHU

Think i might have the same prob on my 99 classic, had it about a month.
Took all the stuff out the boot carper, tyre, jack the lot but still sounds like if got a can of coke rolling around in the boot.
Any ideas?

Ta very much

ninjacost

Had same problem on my spec c ,took seats out went round all the nuts i could see ,couple not very tight ,hardly loose though,put everything back hey presto no knock !! worth a check only takes a few mins .

malibuda

do you have the part number for the new modified rear stuts and suspension top mounts
thanks
pit

davedipster

Give Days of Chelmsford a call and speak to the parts guys, they have all the info and drawings on the wall next to their phone.
They have fixed loads.

Dipster.

Hugh Jass

I had the same problem a couple of years ago in a 02 wrx and it turned out to be that the boot lock needed to be adjusted. The boot itself would lock but there is a bit of adjustment in the lock mechanism that cured it.

Hugh

Ayde

iTrader: (6)

Had a knocking from the rear of my MY99, turned out to be the rear arb bushes had worn (2 bushes that support the bar to the chassis), 5 quid at the dealers and less than half an hours work and the noise was gone - that was about 18 months ago. According to the SIDC FAQ this was a common problem on the WRX (classic)

p@ul

Had my 53 plate sti a month now an i have exactly the same happening with mine,i will be ringing up my dealer monday
I rang kev up at scooby clinic who told me what the problem was before i had even finished telling him what was up lol apparently 2003 plates are all suffering this problem he has seen loads

mgcvk

I have an '03 wrx but previous owner fitted sti red struts. Has been fine til recently, but car is currently handling like a potato. I have solid drop links and I'll check the nuts etc tomorrow. I'm feeling a clicking at the back and when stopping in traffic its like a back wheel is resting on a plastic bottle which suddenly crushes and the back right corner feels like it drops slightly. Bushes? I'm planning a trip to Powerstation in new year for geometry and arb, but just wondered if anyone recognised this symptom?

Martin-STI

I own a 05STI and same thing here. Just waiting for Prosport to ring me to sort out rear N/S mount.

Then happy motoring again. Not using till sorted though.

gotmashed

i had one found it was the jack moving in it holder lol

D1CCY

Rear seat belt reel can rattle. Just rotate on mounting a bit to cure, garage fixed my previous bug eye. Will have to fix my STi myself but I don't know how to gain access - anyone know?

mgcvk

Are you in Hull DICCY? I've seen blue Sti around with that plate. Can't help with the rattle I'm afraid..

neildavis

had the knocking at the rear, took to days of chelmsford they reported strutts etc need replacing, only 6 months old and 5k miles, quite disappointed,they said was ok to drive in the meantime - i'm not convinced, any body know better??

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Knocking rear suspension on the STI is a well-known problem, often caused by the struts. It should be sorted under warranty, though I'm not sure whether they've actually got a modified design or whether some are just better made than others.

p@ul

They do indeed have uprated ones too replace them with now,they are black instead of the usual red ones

neildavis

hi, do you know if the replacements are an end to the problem? also I'm not sure if I should be driving it whilst they are loose, the dealership says it's okay, I don't feel entirely convinced

360ste

iTrader: (1)

To access the rear seatbelt reel remove the rear seat and the bolt is up above the strut assembly. Hope this helps D1CCY

supertouring

I had a knocking on the back of mine. Jacking the car up removes the problem for a few days, then it returns. Subaru first replaced the top mounts and then the rear struts. This finally resolved the problem.

They showed me one of the struts and the thing had bit of movement in it.

Now selling said struts (complete with Prodrive springs) as I have gone to coilovers.

Note, mine were not black as suggested.

Martin-STI

Was told MY05 STI strut is sticking and needs replacing. Should be sorted this week. Subaru supposedley said they have not heard of this fault on this age of car!!!!!!!!!!!
Also been told ok to drive but like neildavis I not to happy driving it like this. So have not done so and will wait till fixed.

p@ul

Kev at scooby clinic told me the uprated ones are black,mines in thursday at subaru garage near me
To answer is it safe i was told its ok,i also did a peak tour like it

mgcvk

Some of the struts do stick a bit. Mine do. Curtis at Powerstation referred to this as "sticktion" which I think describes it well. If they can be changed under warranty thats cool, but I wouldn't worry about driving around in the meantime.

Martin-STI

Does Subaru always take so long to send parts to dealers and ok jobs ? Only will be a week on Thursday since Dealer said would get authorisation.

neildavis

the dealership have replaced the whole lot of rear components today, i think that really answers the question as to whether it's okay to drive around like it, i kicked up a stink, got a replacement car, mine was put on a low loader and replacements were supplied and fitted immediately

D1CCY

mgcvk, yes that's me in Hull.

360ste, thanks for info, I'll get round to it sometime.

Cheers, Diccy.

Martin-STI

Mine being done tomorrow Thursday. See how goes from now.