I've got that thunking sound from the rearend on my STi that I hear is one of the rear struts. At first I'd only notice it when backing up, but now I hear it more often. I also hear higher frequency rattle when hitting a bump that I hope is related to the strut b/c it's really annoying. Has anybody else experienced these symptoms on their STi? I called Shingle Springs Subaru and the service writer said that the thunking sound definitely sounded like a strut, but has anyone else had the rattle too?

They are also supposed to check out my A/C which seems to cycle for short periods. It doesn't seem to blow cold constantly.

My last question is whether I should uninstall my Accessport before taking it to the dealership. Are they even going to plug into the computer for the problems I've listed above? I don't want them to go digging around in my computer and discover Ed's super-secret custom tune.

 

I have had that thunking sound in my sti. Four of my struts did that ****. I know it is very annoying. Two where replaced under warranty. The other two out of my pocket. They just kept clunking. It is a common problem in 04 and 05 sti's. So................I put a set of megan racing coilovers on. Best move i ever made. The coilovers are amazing. Sure coilovers make a little noise but for more performance i can take it. Its better than those dam struts! Do a search on clunking noise or clunking struts on i-club. You should find some answers.

As far as the access port goes. Not sure how subaru does that. But there is an option on the AP to put car back to stock map. Look into it or ask whoever tuned your car for details. Or call subaru as an "anonymous" caller hehe.

My A/C blows cold constantly while car is moving. When i stop it kicks in and out. But overall its a pretty good ac system. What year is your STi?

Hope that helps

E

 

My Saturn makes a clunking noise in the strut when backing up.

In my WRX the A/C compressor cycles too, but it comes back on before it blows any warm air. Isn't this to protect the compressor/components from freezing up?

 

It's an '05. Also, I know how to uninstall the Accessport, but I was hoping to not have to bother. Did you have any of the slightly higher frequency rattling noise as the struts got worse?

 

You know its weird...........At first the sounds wasnt that bad. But of course after time it got a little worse. But it actually went away for a few months then came back. I think it has to do with the strut expanding and decompressing. I read somewhere in the forums that if you put a certain kind of grease on the strut fully extended it goes away just temporarily. I wasnt with that so i got coilovers.

But yes it did get worse. It seemed like after i got them replaced it would be tighter but that could have been just in my head. It also seemed like the characteristics of the noise would change after being on a lift. no proof though........

E

 

HMMMM....just the thunking noise and no rattling? I'm hoping that it's not something else that will be a PITA to diagnose.

 

odd.. thought that problem was fixed with the 05's

 

its like a clunking/rattling noise. Sounds like somebody is behind the seat tapping on the strut. Like its banging on the side of the body or tower. I think i got some of both clunking and rattling. You might be lucky and maybe the strut is loose or something. But i doubt it.

 

all of my struts are blown. :rotfl: no damping what so ever.

 

I thought so too. But unfortunately no. I got so tired of it i saved up for coilovers. Now the dampening is adjustable. Height and spring rate too!!!! Dam subaru struts. I dont think i have heard of any 06's doing it. Maybe it has been fixed.

E

also to add to it iceman, i heard it mostly when going over speed bumps or lower speeds from a stop or to a stop.

 

Deede's struts have been replaced once already, and they're clunking again. Very annoying :\

 

Nice!!!!!! i think mine where to that point too.

 

yup i had my both rear ones replaced, then my front right. Then my rear left again!!!! four all together. Super annoying. I hate the sound with a passion. And after i would get them replaced i would be so happy..............then it would come back.

It all comes down to how much you can tolerate it.
I couldnt............

E

 

I get absolutely pissed off when my near new car sounds like it's falling apart. I'll be seriously pissed if this becomes a recurring problem. What dealer should I schedule an appointment with? Shingle Springs is close by.

 

Glad to hear that both noises are likely caused by the same failing part.