I am going to replace my struts and mounts in a few months. My question is: how vital is it to replace the springs as well? I know that I should do it due to the fact I'll have the opportunity with the strut replacement. However, $$$ is really tight (thus I'm taking over general maintenance of our vehicles) and the springs at 1rstsubaruparts go for $40 apiece. Suggestions? Other vendors? TIA for the replies.

If I recall correctly, there were some Subarus with bad springs (could rust and break), but I didn't catch what you have or how many miles. Subaru fixed the problem with a guard so when they do break, they don't puncture the tires.

 

Check the ride height and condition (corrosion) of the springs. I would doubt if you need them.

If I recall correctly, there were some Subarus with bad springs (could rust and break), but I didn't catch what you have or how many miles. Subaru fixed the problem with a guard so when they do break, they don't puncture the tires.

 

Check the ride height and condition (corrosion) of the springs. I would doubt if you need them.

Sorry about that....I was in a rush at work and wanted to get the question up here. The strut work will be done on my '96 Impreza wagon, 216K miles.

Sorry about that....I was in a rush at work and wanted to get the question up here. The strut work will be done on my '96 Impreza wagon, 216K miles.

My wife's 96 OBW still has the original struts and springs. Her car has 165,ooo on it. Unless you have beat the crap out of your car (and I doubt you have if you have 216,ooo miles on it) I would just replace the struts. Her 96 has the recall and they put the little guard on it so if the spring did break. Your car is made in Japan but her's is made in Indiana by one of your fellow Hoosiers! My 93 Lagacy wagon still has the original springs. I just checked Consumer Repots and suspension was not a problem area for the 96 Imprezas.

 

Where did you find the struts and how much if I could be so nosey?

 

Greg

The recall was only on Legacy and Outback models. You're probably OK.

Thanks for the info to the both of you.

 

The struts are ~$80 at 1rstsubaruparts.com. The springs run about 40 apiece, while the mounts are about the same as the springs. I had an estimate at the garage I've taken my cars to in the past and the estimate was between 1500-1600 for all new strut assemblies. With the amount of miles I have, that's just too much when I can replace just the struts and mounts myself.

Jason-

 

I'd love to hear how your work goes, as I am pondering the same job myself on my 96 Legacy. Any hairy problems?

Unless you are doing a performance mod, I'd keep the same springs. No sense in wasting needless money.

Jason-

 

I'd love to hear how your work goes, as I am pondering the same job myself on my 96 Legacy. Any hairy problems?

 

I will keep the thread alive, or start a new one with links to pics. However, I am not going to do the work until late March (spring break). My wife is a teacher and we have to have both cars operational due to baby transporting.

 

telemachus...if you do the work before I, please keep me informed as well. This is the first major repair I will be doing.

 

Tiny...thanks for the added confidence in not replacing my springs.