One other question.....Struts - Page 2

dbarnblatt · #16 03-18-2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

Yes. Koni has stopped making their inserts. Also, the new struts from subaru are close to worthless. Subaru has not stored them properly and they typically don't last longer than a year. There are basically no viable strut options for our cars anymore.

I installed Konis a few years ago and the rears needed to be reseated in the top hats a few times because the piston (?) rod that fits into the tops were rattling around badly. They seem to be machined too narrow for the hole that they slide though in the top hat mounts. There is also another small little disc that fits just under the mounts that rattles around. The whole thing is driving me crazy!

Also, I've noticed that one front strut has been leaking what looks like oil as it is splattering on the black plastic trim piece that covers the strut mount.

I'm taking the car back in to have the rears looked at again.

If that doesn't work I'm tempted to buy a set of new Subaru struts as there is a recent manufacturing run and they should be fine.

SVXMAN2001 · #17 03-18-2012, 08:58 PM

Has anyone noticed that (for the front gc springs) the metal hat that sits on top of the spring destroys the bearing in the strut mount? I was installing bumpstops a few weeks ago and that metal piece really tears into the strut mount. I'll try to get a pic soon...

Green1995SVX · #18 03-18-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huskymaniac

If a new batch was made in 2008, where did they store them that was so bad that they are only good for a year of use? Alaska?

Unfortunately I don't have that information. People on the forum have speculated that it is from the struts being stored on their side, causing the seals to dry out. This was a problem that was occurring even 10 years ago when I worked in the parts department at a Subaru dealer. We were replacing struts under warranty even after only a few months because the seals blow out. This is not something a few people have made up. This is a real issue with the OEM struts - especially the rears.

dbarnblatt · #19 03-18-2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

This was a problem that was occurring even 10 years ago when I worked in the parts department at a Subaru dealer. We were replacing struts under warranty even after only a few months because the seals blow out. This is not something a few people have made up. This is a real issue with the OEM struts - especially the rears.

I know, I've heard the issues. Was it happening with other Subarus models besides the SVX when you were there?

It's weird because Subaru struts are no different than other brands and manufacturers. Do parts suppliers have a specific way to store struts?

RojoRocket · #20 03-19-2012, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarnblatt

I installed Konis a few years ago and the rears needed to be reseated in the top hats a few times because the piston (?) rod that fits into the tops were rattling around badly. They seem to be machined too narrow for the hole that they slide though in the top hat mounts. There is also another small little disc that fits just under the mounts that rattles around. The whole thing is driving me crazy!

Also, I've noticed that one front strut has been leaking what looks like oil as it is splattering on the black plastic trim piece that covers the strut mount.

I'm taking the car back in to have the rears looked at again.

If that doesn't work I'm tempted to buy a set of new Subaru struts as there is a recent manufacturing run and they should be fine.

David, your Konis have lifetime warranties. Take some pics of the leak and contact their service department. I think I worked with a guy "Stoney Hamilton iirc". They should charge you half retail for the replacement, but refund that to you after return of the failing strut and verification by them of the failure. I replaced a front strut a few years back , on them. So sorry to hear of your continued frustration with the rears in your car. I wish I knew what else we might have tried to fix that rattle.

Glenn

Gamesy · #21 03-19-2012, 10:34 AM

does anyone have the dimensions of the konis?

STeeL25T · #22 03-19-2012, 10:47 AM

I want a kit for Crazy Pilots suspension

Crazy_pilot · #23 03-19-2012, 11:14 AM

lol! That would be quite the thing to put together.

Knuckles, control arms, coilover top mounts, lower mounts, swaybar links... Plus the coilovers themselves.

There is always a chance that Stance would be able to make a kit for the SVX. It wouldn't take a huge amount of work for them to adapt a WRX/STi system.

Chuckls · #24 03-19-2012, 12:28 PM

Now one of my struts is making the "clunk" noise over any dip.

****

Crazy_pilot · #25 03-19-2012, 12:56 PM

So I just emailed Stance, the maker of my coilovers, to ask if they would consider developping a system for the SVX based off the WRX one they already sell. Obviously they will look at it from a business perspective, but hopefully they'll be open to the idea. The bits needed to fit the SVX aren't much, just a machined aluminum camber plate and the lower mount. I'll report back if/when I get an answer.

STeeL25T · #26 03-19-2012, 01:11 PM

Thank you sir. I already have Koni/GCs but I've never actually been able to drive the car since I've owned it to find out if they are worth a darn or not. I was told they needed to revalved when I bought the car. Wasn't aware til today they were so hard to replace.