blitz Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 '02 OBS Impreza, 50k miles. I'm beginning to hear a clunking coming from the driver's side floorboard that sounds suspiciously like the clunking noise I used to get as a result of worn control arm bushings on my old '89 Colt at approximately the same mileage intervals (every 50-60k). We have some really nasty, pot-holed roads here in Michigan, so the effective wear on my suspension could be roughly eqivalent to 80-90k for that of normal condition roads. This being my first Sube, I was curious as to whether control arm bushings are typically a service item at approximately those intervals. Subaru refers to 'em as "lateral links" rather than control arms. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subie Gal Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 actually front control arms are known as transverse links could be the bushes could also be wheel bearing or cv issue could even furthermore be bad tie rod ends i'd suggest taking a look at those particular items. Jamie www.subiegal.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 If it only happens when you start or stop, it could be as simple as a missing dounut and the exhaust system banging around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 Could also be the sway bar bushings or links. Our '99 is nearing 170k miles, and the front end is still as tight as when it was new. The struts are getting a little "floaty", but it still drives great. I don't think the problem you are experiencing is common. We live on a dirt road that often has holes that will eat your car. To me the suspension and drivetrain are the most impressive things about these cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz Posted December 4, 2004 Author Share Posted December 4, 2004 Thanks all. Based on your responses, I'm fairly more certain now that it IS the large rear rubber bushing on the drivers side control arm. It also confirms what I'd thought about this not typically happening to Subaru suspensions, at least not at 50k miles. Basically after a left turn, I'll get a single clunk near my feet as I straighten out the wheel and the weight transfers back to center. I've actually been underneath 3 times to see what I can see, but I ain't a seeing anything abnormal on the surface. When it warms up outdoors I think I'll pull the bushing retainer off and have a look at the rubber, it's probably split. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I've actually been underneath 3 times to see what I can see, but I ain't a seeing anything abnormal on the surface. I feel your pain, I have a terrible time diagnosing suspension clunks, unless the failure is obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 up on a rack. Good luck Blitz, you might speak to your local front end shop and ask them which bushing goes most commonly on Subies in your area. Jamie has hit the most likely canidates except sway bar busings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I had my 90 legacy doing 100mph on the highway today and it feels pretty darn tight. I have taken this car off-road and beaten the crap out of it and still no shimmy or knocks. If you feel it could be hazardous then I would highly reccomend taking it to a goooood mechanic or suspension speacialist and find out what is wrong. Then you can take it home and replace it. This way you get a straight answer and save some money. (sorta) Something could be broken and it could be dangerous to you and everyone on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I had my 90 legacy doing 100mph on the highway today and it feels pretty darn tight. I have taken this car off-road and beaten the crap out of it and still no shimmy or knocks. If you feel it could be hazardous then I would highly reccomend taking it to a goooood mechanic or suspension speacialist and find out what is wrong. Then you can take it home and replace it. This way you get a straight answer and save some money. (sorta) Something could be broken and it could be dangerous to you and everyone on the road. Yo... "dangerous to everyone on the road".... how about your own vapor trail and air turbulence as you pass us at 100mph! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz Posted December 4, 2004 Author Share Posted December 4, 2004 SNIP If you feel it could be hazardous SNIP A couple years back, I recall one of the import mags lamenting about some particular suspension bushing on their long-term test WRX being in need of replacement after 40k abusive miles and was manifesting itself as(paraphrase) "a dulling of the razor sharp WRX Impreza handling characteristics". So no, it doesn't seem to be anything hazardous, but I actually was perceiving a subtle deterioration of handling even before any clunking was audible. This may be something for GDA/GGA Impreza owners to keep an eye on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 Like it says on the sign.."Slower traffic keep right." It's not my fault your GL or brat can't keep up....LOL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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