Rear shocks knackered on Impreza WRX wagon... AGAIN!
#1
Rear shocks knackered on Impreza WRX wagon... AGAIN!
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!
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!
#2
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.
#4
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.
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.
#6
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
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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 ...
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