I think i found out where the clunk is coming from
 

I popped open the cover for my strut tower, and i found that the rubber on the strut mount seems cracked... could this be causing the clunk in my front suspension?? Thanks
-Ross

Re: I think i found out where the clunk is coming from
 

I'm getting this clunk too, like a hollow clunk over bumps right?

But i've been told my strut mounts are okay cause when you try to rock the car side to side, there's no noise.

That's a BS test because the clunk only happens when you hit moderate to large bumps. it enver happens on soft bumps like speed bumps... I'm talking about cracks in the road and potholes. But yes, the sound you're describing is the one i'm experiencing. Its coming from the driver side suspension. I cant really tell exactly where its coming from however.

Yes that is probably it. I had blown strut mounts in my neon, they were horribly noisy. Replace it.

- Ca$h

Do you have a '92. There was a TSB on the strut mounts. They were upgraded for this very reason (clunking in turns).

What does a tsb mean? How is it related to a recall? Would the dealer do this work for me for free?
Thanks
-Ross

My '95 has clunked for the last, oh, 100 thousand miles or so. :rolleyes: I don't pay it much mind.

I wouldn't either. I don't have enough to spare. :D

Y'know, right after I hit 'Submit Reply' I thought, "You're gonna get it from that one." :D :D

Whaddya mean, you "thought." You "KNEW." :D:D:D

Called up subaru, no recalls. Alrighty, so it is a 92, but it doesnt really matter whether its turns or straight road... the clunk is there. is there any way to inspect the strut mount? should I disassemble my front driver side suspension to check out what's hitting what
?

Here's the thing: It won't be VISIBLY different. But here's how you could check on my neon, and hopefully on the subie. Pop the hood. See the strut towers? Alright, pull off the rubber cap things so you can see the shaft of the strut. Alright? Good. Now jump up and down on the bumper, or get it to move. If there is play BETWEEN the shaft and the car body, your mount is fuxored. If hte shaft stays EXACTLY with the body, the mount is probably good.

Understand? IF you have any more questions or I wasnt clear, just ask, and i'll try to reword it.

- Ca$h

Moves noticeably but not by much. I guess that changes from a 200lb person pressing on it rather than 1/4 of the car's weight going through a pothole :P

Yes, but does the strut shaft move in relation to the car? They should BOTH move, but both the same amount, so if you ignore the fact that the car is going up and down there should be NO movement BETWEEN the strut shaft and the car.

- Ca$h

yup thats what i meant... the strut moves noticeably differently, but not by much