Stut help please
 

I need to replace my struts. What's the best source for OEMs? I went to subaruparts.com, but their diagrams are confusing and I'm not sure what I need. What is the deal about the strut caps? I understand that the caps were changed after the 92 models. My car is a 92. What do I need? Thanks.

Re: Stut help please
 

Depending on the condition of all the components there could be many items needed. At the min, you'll need the new bare struts themselves. They are around $90/ea as I recall. If you want you can also replace the upper strut mounts. The '92s had a problem with a clunking sound caused by the front upper strut mount. If your car has that problem, then you can replace the front upper strut mount too if you want. These are around $70/ea. For all the years, the rear upper strut mount has a tendency to rust badly if the car is driven in the wintertime in places where the roads are salted. These are around $80/ea. If you are intending to replace the rear struts, you may want to see if you can get a look at the rear upper strut mount. You'll need to hose if off throughly before looking at it because it gets completely caked with dirt. The rust can get bad enough to cause the mount to fail. The strut won't come apart, but the spring will be riding against the top of the strut tower and your car will sit about 3" lower in the rear. You may also want to consider replacing the rubber spring seats that go on both ends of the strut spring. The upper spring seats in the rear have a metal insert that rusts to all hell just like the rear mount.

The prices at subaruparts.com are pretty good and their online parts diagrams are great, but 1stsubaruparts.com consistently has slightly better prices. And its easier to reach someone by phone at 1stsubaruparts.com.

Now for the shameless plug: While you've got the struts apart, you may want to consider adding some more sporty springs. I sell springs that will make the car much more fun to drive. Check out the link in my signature.

This shows all the wear items. You may not need the spring cushions. I would replace the strut mounts (and nuts) since you are already taking it apart. The prices are list and Subaruparts.com from a few years back. Current prices may be different.

(2) 20320PA011 Strut Mtg Cp F $91.77 $68.83
(1) 20311PA001 Pt830593 Strut Cp F $129.95 $97.46
(1) 20311PA011 Pt830593 Strut Cp F $129.95 $97.46
(4) 023512006 Nut Self Lock $1.97 $1.48
(2) 20370PA000 F Rubber Seat Upr $24.52 $18.39
(2) 20370PA010 F Rubber Seat Lwr $13.28 $9.96
(1) 20361PA000 Strut Mtg Cp R Rh $108.25 $81.19
(1) 20361PA010 Strut Mtg Cp R Lh $108.25 $81.19
(1) 20360PA001 Pt840593 Strut Cp R $104.95 $78.71
(1) 20360PA011 Pt840593 Strut Cp R $104.95 $78.71
(2) 20325PA100 R Rubber Stabilizer Lw $19.63 $14.72
(2) 20325PA000 R Rubber Stabilizer Up $20.77 $15.58


Doug

While on the subject, my '92 [original owner] does clunk in the front. I recently read the tech bulletin from Subaru discussing it. I really don't like it, sounds so cheap. What is it about the mount that makes the noise? OR, what was changed to stop the noise.

Please refer me to another thread if this has been discussed. Replacing the mount is one of many things on my list.

Regarding the rear, when I go over speed bumps, etc., the rear suspension makes a 'scrunch' noise when it compresses. That is the best that I can describe it.

Is that noise friction from dirt and sand that needs to be washed out? Mostly, my car has had a easy life in the Central Valley, however, I did live three years in Reno, where they sand the highways in winter.

Thanks for the above responses,

Thanks guys for your input. This gives me something to work on. We are expecting a foot of snow tonight, but the weekend is sappose to be warm and sunny. I will be able to survey the situation better then.