Subarunation 713 Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 I am wondering if I have the Iron Man version of the Outback. My wifes 96 OBW with 164,xxx miles still has the original struts and the car is still tight, handles well and rides nice. I am greatful and feel blessed. How long have others gone on their struts? Do these cars not hammer the struts by design or does Subaru "overspec" the OEM struts? curious, Greg We are normal drivers, no off roading but many of the roads in southwest Michigan with all of the potholes this time of year make on roading the equivelant of off roading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamal Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 I think my suspension is original. 145,000 miles. It's pretty soft, and I'm about to replace it with STi take-offs. They're on the way. I can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Trust me, with that kind of mileage they are worn out. If you put new struts on, you'll be surprised at the difference. If KYB makes GR2's for the outbacks, I'd suggest them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted February 6, 2005 Share Posted February 6, 2005 Yeah, I did a swap on a Legacy I used to own at 120k miles. The car was fine before, no bouncing or floating. But new dampers at all four corners made a BIG difference to the handling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subarunation 713 Posted February 6, 2005 Author Share Posted February 6, 2005 Perhaps I will notice a difference after I put new struts on however these struts still act like they are really pretty decent. I know what bad struts feel like and how steering is a little more challenging, but these feel pretty good. I guess I will take your word for it and budget new struts in. It won't hurt anything to put new ones on. I think I can GR2s at Tire Rack. The worlds largest tire store on my way home from work, you can't beat it! Thanks, Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petersubaru Posted February 6, 2005 Share Posted February 6, 2005 190,000mi and still going strong thru the streets of Detroit..all orginal I am wondering if I have the Iron Man version of the Outback. My wifes 96 OBW with 164,xxx miles still has the original struts and the car is still tight, handles well and rides nice. I am greatful and feel blessed. How long have others gone on their struts? Do these cars not hammer the struts by design or does Subaru "overspec" the OEM struts? curious, Greg We are normal drivers, no off roading but many of the roads in southwest Michigan with all of the potholes this time of year make on roading the equivelant of off roading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAezb Posted February 6, 2005 Share Posted February 6, 2005 Perhaps I will notice a difference after I put new struts on however these struts still act like they are really pretty decent. I know what bad struts feel like and how steering is a little more challenging, but these feel pretty good. I guess I will take your word for it and budget new struts in. It won't hurt anything to put new ones on. I think I can GR2s at Tire Rack. The worlds largest tire store on my way home from work, you can't beat it! Thanks, Greg 161K on my 96 OBW. They've soften a bit over that time but still very driveable, I'm actually quite amazed at how the original suspension and exhaust components have held up. Kind of lessens the pain of the HG replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subarunation 713 Posted February 7, 2005 Author Share Posted February 7, 2005 PAezb, "161K on my 96 OBW. They've soften a bit over that time but still very driveable, I'm actually quite amazed at how the original suspension and exhaust components have held up. Kind of lessens the pain of the HG replacement." Petersubaru, "190,000mi and still going strong thru the streets of Detroit..all orginal". So I am not nuts if I think my struts are still pretty decent? Well...I might still be nuts but the struts are not the defining mechanism! :-) Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quocfixescars Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 When I repair a car for customers, I recommend they replace their struts if an average weight man (150-200 lbs) can jump on any corner bumper and the reaction isn't down, up, stop. If it continues to bounce you risk losing control hitting a bump around a turn or in evasive maneuvers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commuter Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 I have a 97 OB. I changed the rear struts last year with about 375,000 km on them. The fronts are still original (altho' the one was changed under warranty when the car was about 2.5 yr old). The KYB struts are about 10 to 15% stiffer than the OEM ones (which they make). Very few other options. I was quoted on Gabriel struts, but decided to stick to OEM. Commuter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy66 Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 I have 120k on my 99' OBS and have been thinking of replacing them, it just doesn't feel as stable to me anymore. When I look up KYB GR2 replacements it says they're for non-antilock brakes only. Anyone know if there's actually a difference? Are there any better options for the $$? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted February 7, 2005 Share Posted February 7, 2005 When I repair a car for customers, I recommend they replace their struts if an average weight man (150-200 lbs) can jump on any corner bumper and the reaction isn't down, up, stop. If it continues to bounce you risk losing control hitting a bump around a turn or in evasive maneuvers. Well, I'm an average weight man, but damned if I can find a bumper to bounce on on our 2000 Legacy! This has always been my test, but the best I can do is put my full weight on the crossmember with the hood up, just no place to jump. That said, our 2000 Legacy is fine and it has 160,000 on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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