pmarch bugeye

I bought a Hawkeye STI in March from an approved Subar dealer, so it has the twelve months proven warranty.

Anyway, starting about the end of April I have been getting noises from the back. First noticed it when coming back from Devon and slowing down into motorway services after about an hours run, there was a bumping sound from the back that was like full plastic bottles tumbling about in the boot. I now get the same thing under similar circumstances after a run of ten miles or more, and when pulling up at junctions at slow speeds you can hear the bumping/popping noises and vibration/jumping sensations just before you stop. In addition, I'm also getting a repeating bumping/knocking noise at front when reversing left into drive with fuller lock which seems to be something else.

There are definite multiple issues, but the main thing is that threads on SN and other sites suggest the OE shocks are known failure items. I'm pretty convinced my shocks are either sticking through poor lubrication or entirely shot. I am also not confident about the cornering handling and getting fed up with the bouncy vibration sensation generally at motorway speed but which was which was particularly bad on the concrete section of the A30 between Honiton and Exeter - even my wife made a comment.

Anyway, i am going to phone dealer and ask them to have car in to have all this checked out. I am sort of hoping they report back that the shocks need replacing, so I am thinking of also getting the Prodrive Springs also fitted in place of the OE Springs at same time and round off with the fast road/prodrive geometry setup. I am not planning on also getting an uprated ARB, but may keep this in mind. The thing is I don't want to spend any more than I have to, so I'm thinking of a killing three birds with one stone scenario.

If the dealer agrees to fit either one or more new shocks ONLY under warranty and I leave the OEM springs, will they in any case have to do the geometry anyway - and if so, I can simply specify the prodrive settings? So maybe that's the geometry sorted as a freebie result?

I know from research that if I have any shocks AND Prodrive Springs fitted, the geometry MUST be done. I would probably look to source the red Prodrive STI springs at 175.00 from another Subaru dealer in Suffolk who operate an internet ordering store. These springs come with something called 'bumpstops' apparently, but I'm not sure if required for both front and back springs. Is there anything else to know or other parts needed I should also be aware of?

Also, how many 'extra' hours labour/cost would it be to fit the Prodrive Springs - I would imagine if they are doing some or all of the shocks, it might hopefully be a bit more labour cost 'job on the side' whilst they are doing the shock/s?

Sorry about the long post, but I'm hoping there are some genuine Subaru Specialists or ace mechanics out there who can give me any opinions and answers. I'm hoping to come out of this without spending much extra with a much more settled car that does not bounce so much, and feels sorted and neutral going round corners faster or accelerating out of corners etc. I'm going to emphasise the truth with the dealer about wanting to remain their loyal customer for future servicing, and I'm so far a bit disappointed with the car and want to make it the car it should be etc.

Cheers in advance for any help... I'm guessing there are probably many other Hawkeye STI owners with similar circumstances, or wish lists.

morpheus1870

I've read many posts regarding the bouncy spongey sti standard suspension. Definitely the pro drive springs are the way to go. Will transform the handling characteristics of the car for sure.

DT-SPD

iTrader: (7)

If your dealer is chainging your shocks already then there is no extra work involved in fitting the prodrive springs. However, I think that the prodrive bumpstops are also needed and to fit these is going to involve more labour because the strut has to come apart.

There are more details on the prodrive bumpstops here The info states its for a 2003 car but the process is the same if bumpstops are needed on a 2006 STI.

T5BNC

iTrader: (1)

Hi Pmarch b

I have a 2007 hawk STI, the OE struts unfortunately are not that good. The dealer will / should replace all 4 at a cost of £2k under warranty. The handling will feel better with new OE struts back on, but sadly you are on borrowed time.

As I type gt-indigo are fitting bc coilovers, with extenders, white line 22mm front arb and 24mm rear arb and anti lift kit. I will post up later on and let you know what the difference feels like to drive.

Good luck

Ben

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

The suspension in the Hawk STI is very bouncy and makes the car feel nervous on anything but smooth roads.
When the shocks are shot they make a distinctive knocking noise. It sounds like something metal striking the rear spare wheel well as when your jack handle is incorrectly positioned.
As the car is under warranty, I'd be inclined to tell them the issues and let them sort it all out. Have you enquired with the dealer doing the warranty work how much they will supply the Prodrive springs for? You may be pleasantly surprised, particularly if they do replace the 4 shocks under warranty then replace the old springs with shiny new ones as part of the warranty claim for the shocks. That way you pay for the springs, labour covered by the warranty. Go to a specialist to have a fast road geometry setup and the car will be far more confident.
a 22 or 24mm rear ARB with solid droplinks will make a huge difference too.....

pmarch bugeye

Somewhat relief but not all my way it seems. Dealer has diagnosed rear shocks today and some other link bits could need replacing near ARB - are going to apply for warranty work via the Proven Warranty and let me know. On the question about fitting Prodrive Springs at same time, seems that these are 'Part SACC2655' for the MY2006/2007 Hawkeye STI and back springs would be easy and no extra labour time whilst doing rear shocks, but would need 90 minutes extra labour for fitting front springs - don't think they would absorb the labour for the front springs in the warranty labour. But the big big problem also is that dealer, or anyone for that matter, can no longer order or get 'Part SACC2655' - something to do with Prodrive no longer making them or some kind of dispute with Prodrive. I really wanted some kind of official spring upgrade approved and supported by Subaru rather than some other random aftermarket. Mechanic did say there were 'others' but was careful not to directly suggest any make in particular. Not sure what to do - maybe just get the shocks done and then get the fast road geometry done as a cheap mod - mechanic seemed to suggest they do not do geometry or balancing themselves but go a a bloke they use nearby. I have seen the name of someone expert who used to be in Maidenhead area but has now moved to Princes Risborough - might see what he can suggest. I'm fishing for any info as to the Prodrive Springs SACC2655- maybe there is last new set for sale somewhere?

BrownPantsRacing

iTrader: (6)

Had my rear shocks on my 06 changed once and fronts going now. Will be getting BC's when they get worse.

DT-SPD

iTrader: (7)

You could consider Eibach springs sold under the new Pro-R range ( which appears to be replacing Prodrive as the Subaru performance range ) as HERE

cster

That looks like the kitty.
I had prodrive springs on my MY06 STI, but replaced the lot with (AST type 25) coilovers/whiteline etc. Handling ie on limit turn in / trail braking etc. is night and day improved.
In my experience, both set-ups on these cars seem to require predictably regular "maintenance". The Achilles heal is of course the shock absorber system although I did have one spring fail as well.
It has done over 100,000 miles as daily driver and occaisional track day use.

DT-SPD

iTrader: (7)

Have you done the 100k on the AST coilovers ??

Im thinking that I should go the coilover route but worried about durability etc.

pmarch bugeye

Thank you very much for this info - it's the same Subaru dealer online shop as was looking at before but I didn't see the products under Impreza/Suspension - reckon their supply of Prodrive springs is drying up hence cheaper prices. Anyway, I will make some enquiries before any warranty work is done. Do these Eibach Springs require any other extra parts? - the Prodrive ones vcame with bumpstops.

cster

Done about 80,000 on them.
I have had each front one rebuilt once and the rears twice plus NSF spring fail.
Each rebuild is about £120 with P and P plus fitting and car is off road during the week. If you have a few tools and half a brain, you can do it yourself. If not, add labour.
If you live near Tewkesbury, it will be more convenient.
I normally do the camber myself with a spirit level and cosine table, which seems to work OK. Usually get 4 wheel laser allignment with new tyres if needed.
Best to avoid rumble strips on track days I am told ;-)
In my experience, most people seem to recommend whatever they have had fitted, so I guess a Subaru mechanic would give the most balanced advice - as long as he doesn't sell suspension systems that is.

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

About £720 in rebuilds, not including P&P and labour.. I thought coilovers were a cost effective option. Additionally the car is off the road in that time.

acstua

iTrader: (1)

all this talk of rebuilds on coilovers is concerning to me heh

do the springs etc sort out some of the bouncyness in the hawkeye?

all i want is a car setup for the odd country lane blat and something that doesnt bounce along the a12 :/
my current oem suspension seems to be holding on at the moment, but the cars only done 29k

pmarch bugeye

I am picking up all sorts of mixed info - some say OEM shocks plus uprated springs is still no good - others say coilovers are the only answer - trouble is I want to spend as little extra as possible. I don't want perfection - just a significant reduction in bouncyness. I'm even thinking just let the dealer replace the shocks that need doing, see how it feels and then get the fast road geography and laser balancing done to the standard OEM shocks and spring set up. Really don't know any more.

FX02

iTrader: (5)

Getting the shocks replaced like for like will cost as much, if not more than getting a complete set of front and rear coilovers (BC's). If I were you then I'd go for a set of BC's which will cost around £650. Fit your OEM top mounts to the rears, because from my experience the OEM Style top mounts that come with them are noisy. Get the geo set up and with the different settings from soft to hard you should find something in there to lessen the bouncy ride you are currently suffering from.

Also, the standard Subaru rear shocks are a constant issue of complaint from owners on here.

FX02

iTrader: (5)

Oops... Didn't realise you still had warranty.

pmarch bugeye

Just an update... had the rear shocks replaced by Subaru dealer under Proven Warranty - no knocking at back but I can now hear the front ones bobbling or popping at low speed over pitted surfaces - also a knocking noise when reversing left into drive with slight camber. So I'm going to contact dealer again to see if they will look at car and hopefully agree with what I said all along about noises also at front. Anyway, if I do get the front shocks done, I'm not hopeful the woeful bouncy, jittery, wallowy suspension issue will be much improved. To be honest, the feel of the suspension ruins the drive experience and is plain distracting on anything but the odd smooth good fairly straight road. So I'm still pondering about the wisdom of getting Eibach Springs fitted and/or fast road geometry in the hope of making a significant difference - expect in rip off Britain it would bump up the insurance even though as far as I am concerned it would be a largely a 'safety' upgrade.

FX02

iTrader: (5)

Put the adjustable centre diff into manual and dial it to the the rear most setting, then when you reverse onto your drive the noise may go.

In the end, coilovers are going to be the way to forward with your suspension. I've had countless shocks replaced in my previous new age cars and they never last. I've also apgraded the springs with Prodrive lowering ones. I'm now using BC coilovers and although they aren't perfect (from a noise point) they are far better for comfort and "bobbly head syndrome".

To be honest though, I've never thought of my Subaru as a comfortable daily users car

fpan

iTrader: (11)

Coilovers need "regular" rebuilds.
I have had one of my rear ASTs leaking at around 20k miles or so, had them rebuild with new pistons etc. only to become worse -too bouncy- for my liking.
I am back on OE KYB struts now with a set of Sti pink springs and the car's handling is totally transformed.
A set of Prodrive/Eibach/Sti pink springs will improve the bouncy ride by a lot.

pmarch bugeye

Thanks fpan...So coilovers can be no better than standard OE struts/shock absorbers. When you say OE KYB struts, I take it you mean the standard Subaru STi strut (shock absorber) or as per OE strut. I'm still thinking about merit of having Eibach Springs (you cannot get the Prodrive ones anymore). Trouble is I'm still not there as regards the standard OE shocks - as stated earlier, I had the two at the back replaced in August under the Proven Warranty. I had to go back to dealer because I was still hearing noises at front. They diagnosed offside strut only needed replacement (despite me voicing concerns they should replace both in pairs) - so the offside front has now also been replaced early October. I'm still hearing popping bumpy noises at front so when I get normal service done at dealer nearer me, I will get a second opinion about front suspension. Doing my head in.