I bought a 2014 Legacy last year, it has the 215-50 17 Bridgestone Turanza El400-02 tires.  Right from the start, the ride was a bit rough, but not too bad.  I noticed though that on a washboard road, or a road with a lot of expansion strips, it starts to sound like something like a block of wood is hitting the underside of the car.

 

It is not a metal on metal sound, more like wood (or hard rubber) on metal and it does not occur on large bumps or pot holes, only when the expansion strips are pretty evenly spaced so that it gets rhythmic.  As the suspension is getting a little broken in, it does seem to be improving (16k miles).

 

I have heard a lot of complaints about the ride and noise of all the new cars lately, especially with the lower profile tires being used so I don't know if the Subaru is any worse than others.  The tires that come on it are among the lowest rated at tirerack.com, especially for noise and ride quality.

 

When it was at the dealers for its free oil change, I asked if they would take it for a test drive to see if there might be a problem.  I was told that there would be a $99 diagnostic charge for the test drive if I wanted it, I declined but I was pissed.  Never had another dealer treat me like that.

 

Does anyone else with a newer Subaru with the low profile tires experience the same thing?  How about any newer car with the lower profile tires?  Would new tires, maybe with a 55 profile help?  Thinking about Michelin Premier or Pirelli P7.

 

Edit: I have put the car up on jackstands and inspected the suspension and could not find anything loose.  I cannot duplicate the sound by bouncing up and down on the bumpers.

Edited April 4, 201510 yr by keith3267

keith3267,

 

You hit the nail on the head. Tires can make all of the difference with road noise as well as ride.

 

If you find it bothersome, do a lot of online research to find something more to your liking and do a swap.

 

You may even find a tire dealership locally who will buy your old ones from you. Good Luck!

Charge you for a diagnostic?! Thats BS, it's still under warranty! Which dealer do you take it to? Take it to a different dealer and tell them its making a clunking noise on rough roads.

 

Regardless of tires, clunking usually means something is loose.

Only one dealer within 200 miles.