Are your Struts done Struttin’
Are they worn out yet?
Has your Subaru ever been diagnosed with bad struts? How many of you have ever been in one of those chain tire stores getting a set of tires only to be told that you need new struts and that your worn out struts will wear out your new tires prematurely?
It’s a question I hear from my customers all the time…”Mike, I just got my new tires you recommended but the tire store says my struts are bad also… how come you guys didn’t notice that?”
Since we started back in 1999 I’ve probably heard that same question over 100 times. Out of those 100 questions, upon checking out the vehicle very few ever really needed strut replacement.
The reality is that Subaru struts just happen to last a really long time under normal use. Sure… after 100,000 miles they may only work 85-90% as good as they once did but rarely are they ever “bad” at that point. Replacing your struts can be more of a decision based on your own preferences of how you want the car to ride vs. a decesion based on a mechanical failure.
If you’re unsure whether or not you need struts here are a couple of guidelines.
- Perform a bounce test. Go to each corner of the car and get that corner bouncing up and down as high as you can and then let go… the car should stop after about 1 1/2 gyrations. If it bounces more, that strut is wearing out.
- Inspect for hydraulic fluid leaking out of the strut. A small residual amount is normal as the piston goes up and down in the cylinder it wipes off some oil. If it’s more than just residual and trailing down the side of the strut, that strut may not be long for this world.
- Listen for clunking or popping over speed bumps. This noise may indicate a strut is coming apart internally.
If you’d like a second opinion you can always drop in and I’ll check them for you. If your struts are getting worn, there’s no better feeling than driving a car with new struts. It will bring back the quickness and firmness in the handling as well as add a degree of safety in case of a quick avoidance maneuver.
As far as which struts to replace them with, if you’ve always liked the feel of the ride in your Subaru, use Genuine Subaru struts. If you want to try something a bit more “crisp” than what Subaru originally installed, I suggest the KYB GR2 line (also referred to as KYB Excel). It offers about a 20% more firm ride. Handling is more responsive but the downside is you do feel more of the bumps and irregularities in the road.
One other point is that sometimes Subaru’s tend to wear out the rear struts sooner than the front. Although it’s optimum to replace all 4 at the same time, it’s acceptable to do just the rears if the front’s are still performing well.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Independent Subaru Expert, Seattle WA
Mike, my son and I will be replacing all 4 struts on his 95 impreza. He has the struts new springs and mounts. I am having trouble locating the rubber insulators and spring caps.Any ideas where I can purchase them online? Do you sell parts online? I want to assemble the new struts and install as a unit with new parts.
Thanks
Michael Garrity
Hi Michael,
We sell a few fast moving parts online but for what you’re after you’ll need to go to a Subaru dealer. You may find something similar in the aftarmarket but to get the best fit I’d use a Subaru dealer. (you may find one online that sells at a discount).
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independend Subaru in Seattle
Hello Mike,
So, I had my 2008 Subaru Outback in the shop today (in Connecticut) oil change; inspection; they tell me my struts are leaking – I have 51,000 miles on the car! They ordered the struts and will install them in the car April 24…but I’ve cancelled the order! The car runs fine! I usually trust this dealership – I’ve bought 2 Subarus from them; if the drive feels fine, I just cannot believe I need to replace the struts at 51,000 miles. Just wanted to vent to someone who seems to know what he’s doing.
Trish
Hi Trish,
It sounds like you just saved yourself quite a bit of money that you don’t need to spend.
Putting it gently, it sounds like they don’t have your best interest in mind. Unless you’ve been off beating the tar out of the car offroad they’re probably fine. All struts may have a little oil residue around the shaft that goes in and out of the strut housing. It’s normal and does not indicate failure. IF there is substantial oil coming out and dripping down the side of the strut then you may want to replace just the one that’s leaking (in your case the car has so few miles that I’d only do one.)
Happy motoring,
Mike Corbin
Independent Subaru Repair in Western Washington
2002 Forester 158K miles:
Mike,
I suspect my struts are not performing that well. I do the bounce test and it passes that. However, my last two sets of tires have not been wearing well. I’ve had the wheels aligned regularly and I rotate/balance regularly. The tires still seem to scallop after a bit and the slightest drop in tire pressure accentuates a vibration felt in the steering wheel. I’ve had Subaru check the suspension and that checks out, but they still suggest changing the struts since nothing else seems obvious. I don’t hear clicks in turns, but could it be CV axles?
David
Hi David,
I would start with checking at another alignment shop to see if they come up with the same information. The struts aren’t going to do much for better or worse on the scalloping. (if a strut were so bad the tire was bouncing off of the ground then it could exhibit erratic wear)
Installing struts will be a nice improvement in ride but I don’t believe it will solve the tire wear issue.
Good luck,
Mike
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the info. I’ve been offered a full set of used springs and struts from an STi for $300. The catch is, they have 100k miles on them already. My WRX is a daily driver, so the mileage is a concern. Is it a good deal? Can the struts be rebuilt or reconditioned? What’s your advice?
Thanks again.
-Andy
Hi Andy,
At 100k miles, you’re buying some worn parts. Basically the value is in the springs and mounting hardware. AT 100k, I would install new struts before installing them on your Subie.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Subaru Repair in Seattle
http://www.smart-service.com
Hi Mike,
My son is insisting that we replace all 4 struts with aftermarket struts and springs. The car does make an awful noise and the bounce test makes all kinds of noise in the front and some on the back. He also claims he and his friend can install them – that it is quite easy. Am I being scammed – call has about 130,000. Thanks
Mom!
Hi Linda,
I’m not sure which model Subaru your son your son is insisting on replacing the struts on but it may or may not solve the noise problem.
Many times the creak,crunch noise is actually coming from the front or rear sway bar bushings. Usually they need removal and lubrication.
Usually at 130k the struts are still in fair condition. Be careful on aftermarket struts. Some of them end up making the ride too stiff and harsh. If you like the way it rode when it was newer, stick with genuine Subaru struts and re-use the springs. They should be fine.
Good luck
Mike Corbin
Independent Subaru Expert
http://www.smart-service.com
Thanks – it is a 2003 WRX. Would the sway bar make the front left side make a loud sounds when you push down on it?
I think he wants the aftermarket struts so that he can control the height – would replacing the struts and springs do that? Thanks again
Mike, my son needs to replace a front control arm and knuckle on a 95 impreza. Are all models the same?
Hi Mike,
Yes, the RF control arm is the same on all 93-01 Imprezas as well as 95-99 Legacys.
As far as the knuckle goes, it’s the same as above too with the only difference being vehicles with ABS will have a spot for the ABS sensor, vehicles without wont.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Care in Seattle
http://www.smart-service.com
Hi Linda,
Yes the sway bar can make noise when you push down and up on the car. It can certainly be something else but that’s a likely source.
As far as changing the springs and struts, it’s not uncommon for some of our WRX owners that want their cars to go faster and handle better to start replacing factory parts with aftermarket performance parts. The factory parts will work fine but some people want to push their cars harder than the factory designed so they start adding upgrades. By replacing the struts with a performance strut and replacing the springs with a stiffer shorter spring, the car will corner better and have a lower center of gravity. The trade off is you will feel all the bumps and potholes in the road and the car may bottom out from time to time depending on how much it’s lowered.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Care
206-417-0880
“As far as the knuckle goes, it’s the same as above too with the only difference being vehicles with ABS will have a spot for the ABS sensor, vehicles without wont”
Thanks for the swift reply Mike.
Can an ABS knuckle be installed to replaced a non ABS knuckle?
My son’s impreza is December 1994 model[95]. Mike
My 2009 Forester XT (61K miles ) was in the shop yesterday having its 60,000 mile service and new brakes ( front and rear ). I was complaining about my stearing wheel shaking pretty good when I traveled on some not so smooth road surfaces on the highway. They checked the balance and one of my wheels was off balance but they also noted that my front right strut was leaking.
They said it would hold for now but it would be something to keep in mind for the future. They also noted that the part was back order for 3 weeks so they couldn’t replace it today if they wanted to.
My question is if I find an factory strut myself ( online ) is this a job a normally handy person could do themselves? I know I’d need a spring compressor but other than that is there any “gotcha’s” in doing the replacement? Would my car need a front end alighnment afterwards?
Thanks,
jt
Should be fine.
Mike
Hi James,
Due to the size of the springs on the front struts and the distance between the coils it may be a bit of a challenge depending on what kind of spring compressor you have access to. As far as alignment goes, it’s recommended that you get it aligned but if you mark the old strut/knuckle bolts before removing you can get it pretty darn close with the new strut.
Good luck and proceed with caution if you decided to take it on yourself. With the right equipment and knowledge it can be completely safe but if done improperly with equipment that’s not up to the task, a loaded spring that slips out can do some serious harm and injury.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
Hey Mike,
My ’08 Outback has been making a lot of bumping/thumping noises at low speed over uneven road, and after some replaced parts (linkages and bushings) not helping, the dealer tells me the struts are bad. This car only has 68K /Kilometers/ (42K Miles) on it. Doesn’t that seem early for them to wear out? I don’t drive off road so I’m surprised that these would fail so early. This isn’t covered under the warranty and I’ve been quoted $700 + an alignment to fix it. Any advice?
Hi Josh, It is strange that the struts are making noise at that low of mileage but sometimes that happens. Maybe a pothole or something caused internal damage to one of the struts. (they probably all aren’t making noise but you should replace them in pairs). The price quote sounds in the range if it were a dealer and you’re using genuine Subaru struts.
All you can do is ask if you can either get a refund or have the money you spent replacing linkages/bushings that didn’t solve the noise applied toward the strut replacement.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Shoreline, WA
Hi mike, I have had 3 foresters. two 2000′s and a 01. I regularly overload them… Sometimes like a small truck, loading the top and inside the vehicle. In doing so I feel as if I am shortening the life span of my struts. As well as had them go in 2 of the 3 foresters I have owned. I want to replace the bad ones in the rear with a much higher rated strut that can take the abuse. What are the stock ones rated at? Do they make a higher rated strut… I heard rally parts, maybe? Any ideas?
Thank you.
Tim Z.
Hi Tim,
I think what you need will be higer rated springs. A higher rated strut may help for a while but if you’re loading it that much all the time you need to get some beefier rear springs. I don’t have a resource off hand but there are companys that custom make coil springs to your specs.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert.
Mike, I just replaced my rear struts due to a crunching noise when hitting bumps and turning right, it does it way more and harsher with someone in the back seat behind me, I bounced the car and couldn’t get it to crunch, but it does it when turning going somewhat fast. I drive a 99 impreza outback sport..
Hi Chris, I would suggest you inspect your sway bar bushings and sway bar links. It is common to have the inner sway bar bushings dry up and creak. Removing them and coating them with a high pressure grease like white lithium grease will usually do the trick. This can occur on the front also.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
206-417-0880
Subaru Repair in Seattle
Hi Mike!
My fiance has a 2008 Impresa. She was experiencing a decent vibration in the wheel at speeds generally over 35mph. I just replaced her tires 2 days ago, and they were decently scalloped. The garage told me I needed to replace all 4 struts. The car has 100k miles on it. She is the 2nd owner. Opinions/ Recommendations? Much appreciated!
Adam
Hi Mike! I have a 2009 Forester XT. I only have 45k miles on it, but I have never been happy with the suspension on it, espciall the rear. I think it is too soft and bouncy compared to all of the other Subarus I have owned, inluding my 2001 Forester S+. Would the KYB exels solve this issue, do you think? I personally prefer a tighter and more firm ride that let’s me feel the road.
I have a ’99 Subaru Outback,with 126000 miles.
I repalced all 4 tires n Jan 2007 with 82600 miles, so new tires have 43400 miles. The tread is still good but I have been told that the tires are cupped and I should replace all four struts.I keep tires properly inflated.
Your opinion,please.
Bob
Hi Mike,
We have a 2007 Forester with 130,000 miles and we have been hearing a “clunking” sound over rough surfaces at low speeds. Our Subaru dealership told us today that the struts/shocks look fine. (front & rear both are original). The service manager said the sound was just an annoyance and there is nothing wrong with them and they don’t need to be replaced.
Is it possible that clunking means nothing? Your article above says that clunking can mean that struts are failing internally. Can this be what’s happening here and the mechanic can’t see it?
Thanks,
Kristin
Hi Adam,
Give the struts a bounce test and see how they react. If they stop bouncing after about one and a half times, they’re probably fair to good. I’d be more inclined to request an alignment. If a strut is completely blown, a tire can skip off of the road and have erratic wear patterns but not all 4.
I hope this helps,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert, Seattle
http://www.smart-service.com
Hi Ron,
The Exels would be a step in the right direction. They will feel much crisper overall without being bone jarring. There are further options beyond that but then you take away some of the comfort of having it as a daily driver also.
Let me know how you like them.
Mike
Hi Bob,
If the struts pass the “Bounce test” then they aren’t the cause of the cupping. It’s possible if they were bent or misaligned they can cause it. My guess is that the car is either out of alignment or consistently is carrying a heavy load.
If they do recommend struts, have them show you why they are bad beyond the tires. If you get each corner of the car bouncing up and down as high as you physically can and the car stops within one to one and a half times, they are still doing at least a fair job and you will still have tire problems. (of course, when they install new struts they’ll suggest an alignment anyway)
Let me know how it works out,
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Repair in Shoreline.
Hi Kristin,
There are multiple things that can cause a clunking like worn ball joints, sway bar links, strut tops etc. The strut can still itself make a clunking noise internally yet still operate normally.
We’ve had a few Subarus that would rattle and clunk over light washboard type roads. They worked fine but the sound was eliminated once we replaced them. I am not sure what wears out or comes loose inside the strut that causes it since we’ve never cut one open, but I’ve never seen it cause an issue, just an annoyance.
If you verify it is actually coming from the strut there’s no reason you can’t replace it if you are tired of the noise.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru in Seattle