2003 Legacy Wagon SE - Rough Ride

[pippster]

Hi, I'm new to this site. Hope you can help me out.

 

My 03 Legacy Wagon has been riding really rough. This year I've installed new Pirelli PZero Neros, had the rear left shock replaced (old one rusted out), and replaced both rear suspension lower arm bushings because the old ones were coming apart.

One month later the ride is bad again, I can feel every bump in the road (Toronto roads are generally poor).

Subaru is suggesting replacing worn sway bar bushings - total cost including labour about $400. They said everything else with respect to the suspension lucks to be in good shape.

 

I'm concerned I'll be throwing away more cash. They said it "probably" will improve the ride.

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the USMB.

 

Something sounds a little fishy there. Unless they have drastically changed designs on the 2000+ Legacies, it should take less than an hour for a good tech change the sway bar bushing, and certainly not cost that much.

 

Any chance you could try and take a picture of under the car at the suspension to see if we might see something.

 

Also, is that price to replace front and rear sway bar bushings?

[Fairtax4me]

For suspension components you should generally replace both sides at the same time.

Even though it might not "look" bad you should replace that other shock.

 

Sway bar bushings are not that difficult to replace and they shouldn't cost that much for the whole set (frame bushings and end links). $400 sounds a bit steep, even for Canadian dollars. I'm sure there's an independant Subaru shop in/near Toronto that can give you a better diagnosis.

[pippster]

Thanks for your replies.

 

I think I will try to get an independent shop to have a look at the suspension. (I'll try to get a pic of the suspension if I can get them to hoist the car up while I'm there).

 

I believe the verbal quote was for both front and back sway bar bushings, but it wasn't in writing so I could be wrong.