Hello,

 

I'm new to the forum and wanted to share some recent info.

 

The problem was a front suspension groan/squeak/clunk. With it having 160K and in need of struts, we replaced them and found a broken driver's side front spring. We thought great, there's the problem! WRONG! Buttoned her up only to find the noise didn't change. Back on the lift with a BIG pry bar to check EVERYTHING only to find nothing. I can't say I've ever been more disappointed to find nothing wrong. We then looked at the inner tie rod ends to find the rack had gone south. Luckily we found one with 40K and an impeccable complete set of tie rods for a $100.00. The swap went without issue and she's safe and sound again.

 

I hope this helps,

Steve

Wow....As these items that failed are not the normal, but I have seen other threads of similar on the newer ones, things like broken stabilizer bar ends, etc. Wonder what kind of mistreatment if any your car had. I think it is things like this that make me comment on the quality going downhill on the newer gen stuff.

Springs and racks just never seemed to fail on the older ones.

Now there are quite a few threads of this on other boards, that back up these items as failing prematurely.

Do you have any history on the car.

Do you have any history on the car.

 

 

Yes. It was my wife's from the day it rolled off the lot and has been mine for the last 4 years. It's seen a RARE day on mild trails, but nothing outrageous, especially for a Subaru.