xyzgeoman Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 This just started this past week (or at least I noticed it, usually I'm on flat pavement). I took Lil' Su out to the mtns for a camp trip. Any compression was noiseless, but the rebound would elicit a loud bang from the driver's side rear strut mount area. I took off the wheel. Nothing obviously loose or broken there. I took out the back seat and looked at the top of the strut mount area. (not a king of car terminology) Anyhow, the driver's side looks different than the passg side. The top of the strut is not centered in the hole. It's off to one side. So, is this rebound problem a damping problem or a mount problem? New rear struts? btw: I recently had a tire bulge (see my prev post) on the other side. Not likely that they're related? Right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 tire bulge should be independent and not related in my oppinion..unless subjected to harsh driving conditions then that could cause issue. sounds like your rear strut needs replaced. replace the entire assembly with a complete unit and that should do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 DIY job? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Sounds like maybe the strut mount is rusted out or something. I'd give the area a good shakedown, like maybe with the upper cover off, bounce up and down on that side of the car and see if you hear anything like the sound you described and see if the strut rod bolt is moving around in there or anything. It can be a fairly straightforward DIY job, depending on how you plan to fix. You'll need a spring compressor unless you just buy or get an entire strut assembly as grossgary suggested. You may need flare nut wrenches if you need to disconnect the brake line at the fitting that passes through the strut body, unless you just use a dremel or something to cut out the strut a little bit to pop the fitting out without disconnecting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 actually depending upon the tire bulge they can be related. If you have a an already compromised tire, then have a strut go bad, it cha break the belts in the tire. Loud themping can be a broken or blown strut, broken sway bar, bad bushing or loose exhaust system, all need to be checked nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 bulged tire was on the opposite side from the strut banging on rebound. still could be an issue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 you have 4 struts, 2 per axle, Since they get replaced in pairs, its safe to assume they are both as equally worn, one just decided to make noise while the other one decided to (maybe) take a tire with it. Thats assuming the bulge was from a seperated belt. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 so how much time and $ and learning curve are we talking about here if I replace both rear struts myself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 so how much time and $ and learning curve are we talking about here if I replace both rear struts myself? i havent done it in years, and not on a sooby. Its not that hard, do a search here, and dont forget you have to make a human sacrifice to the mechanic gods the first time (scrape a nuckle) nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 Found several helpful links on USMB: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61867 http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10650 http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50268 THose plus Haynes should get me through. Any idea on parts cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamal Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I did it and found it to be very straight forward. The hard part is getting the bolts that connect the strut to the spindle loose. Buy a can or two of PB plaster and a 1/2" flex handle at least 18" long. Once I had that stuff it wasn't too difficult and I had both front suspension assemblies swapped out in about an hour. You'll also want to rent some spring compressors. I found the ones I got at Autozone to be surprisingly not scary to use. It sounds like you need at least one new strut top in the rear. If it isn't centered properly your bushing is trashed. That is most likely the cause of the banging. If you want to do struts, replace all four. KYB GR2s are available for a 90-91, are slightly stiffer than stock, and pretty inexpensive. Ebay and tirerack seem to be good sources. If you want to use struts for a later legacy or an impreza you run into spring and perch issues that basically require replacing the whole suspension. This is pretty helpful Also I noticed one of those threads mentions removing the brake line. Just cut the tab on the strut with a hacksaw and you don't have to worry about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 23, 2006 Author Share Posted August 23, 2006 So, a new strut is one thing and a "strut top" is another? Just making sure I know what all I'll need to buy. Also, here's a pic of the off-center strut (drivers side) peeking out from the top. And the "good" strut (pasgr side) with a seal or something sticking up out of the mount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamal Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Yes. You can get away with keeping the struts but I would replace that top ASAP. Here is a handy diagram scottzg of legacycentral made: On your 90 the parts marked strut top and spring perch are actually one piece, as shown in this picture: You need a new one. 90-91, 92-94, and FWD all have different top/perch setups, so you'll need a top mount for a 90-91 AWD Legacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted August 23, 2006 Author Share Posted August 23, 2006 Perfect! Thanks for the info and diagram. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xyzgeoman Posted September 9, 2006 Author Share Posted September 9, 2006 So, thanks all for the help. Just thought I'd throw in a picture of what all the clunking was about. The strut mount was definitely broken and all that banging around had really taken its toll. (Notice the strut wasn't even centered in the mount any more.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palidocaballo Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 have the same issue on rear passenger side when i bought the car last month. It also had a bad bearing in that same side so i figured it would go away when the bearing was repalced. Nope! first bump on the test drive, Klunk-budump! the loose mount suggestion sounds about right. gonna check and post the results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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