Rear shocks?

[Martin S]

Hi guys.

Another issue which I believe is quite common on here. Had a quick stop by my local mechanics last night to get a measurement for rear anti-roll bar bushings as he previously thought the knocking noise in my car was from here. Had a look underneath and they seemed to be fine. After a bit of investigating he came to the conclusion that the rear shocks had a bit of play in them and this was causing the noise.. My questions for you guys are

1. how much is this affecting the handling of my car

2. how long would these still last

3. which are the best replacement. Obviously coil overs are probably the best option but I don’t really have the budget for those right now after shelling out on the new brake kit I recently got

Seems to be one thing after another at the moment!

Sorry if this has already been posted a hundred times!

Cheers,

Martin

[davey l wrx]

Infortunately it completely normal on these things the grease inside them goes over time and causes all the issues (apparently).

Options you have are...

1. Rebuild the originals - fit grease nipples at the same time so they can be topped up.

2. Replace with OE kit - try Camskills prices are supposed to be quite good there according to other threads.

3. Coilovers - for normal daily driving could be overkill, if the the cars tracked could be useful.

Comes down to budget as normal. Theres a load of info here

My hawk has started to knock since i fitted the whiteline kit but i bought i full set of spare suspension ready for it happening. When it gets unbearable i'll get the new struts on.

[Martin S]

Thanks for the reply and the link. If I were to fit an OE set how long would I expect these to last? Or is it more worthwhile saving up for something better?

[paul555sti]

There is no real time scale for them lasting. Bobby C went through about four or five sets on his gb270 in a very short space of time.

[Martin S]

Anyone have an opinion on BC coil overs? Seem to be a reasonable price compared to others. Are they good quality? Would be an upgrade over the standards but since my car will probably never see a track don’t really see the point on spending too much on coil overs

[johnmacdonald]

Personally, I wouldn't consider fitting OE struts - very expensive and no guarantee that they will last very long. I had a specialist source KYB gus struts at half the cost and so far, very pleased.

[Martin S]

Are KYB not the makers of the originals?

[fai17]

Yes but somehow the Subaru spec oem don't last!

[johnmacdonald]

And the OEM items are not gas filled (which are far superior). KYB won't supply direct due to some sort of arrangement with Subaru - if going down this route you will need to find a capable specialist. Let me know if you need a contact - my man supplies and couriers at a very reasonable cost...

John

[Martin S]

John I might go down that route, if you I might give you a shout for that contact if that's ok?. Still wondering if anyone has used BC coil overs. I've seen them on a couple of sites and on scooby world they claim the BC coil overs are their number one choice for aftermarket suspension..

[jimmer]

Sorry to butt in guys I'm reading this with interest!

My classic is doing the same thing,but had it checked out & Theve said it will pass a mot,I don't want to track it or anything,just like my spirited driving!

So what is the best thing to have for a daily hack so to speak?

[ali37]

I have been running with BC coilovers on my MY05 STI for about 3 years now and have had no problems.

I had went through 2 sets of OE struts in the first 3 years.

I would not say they are the "best" coilovers you could buy, but for the price i.e. value for money you cannot beat them.

I have the 6/5 spring rate (6 front/5 rear)and on the softest setting they are about the same as OE shocks/springs, about 5 clicks hard is about the same as OE shocks/prodrive springs.

The coilovers have 30 clicks soft to hard so plenty of scope to firm things up.

Would advise to get the extended adjusters for the rears if you go this route.

Also I know of a low mileage set of BC's for sale for New Age STI with 114.3 PCD if that is the age of your car (MY05 - MY07 STI) if you are interested. (not mine by the way)

[Martin S]

Thanks for the info Ali. They sound quite good as you say value for money wise. I would be quite interested in the set youve mentioned. Can you send me more details? My car is a 2005 blob with the pcd 114. Cheers

[scooby222]

like Ali ive had BC's on my car for over 3 years now and love them on a value for money basis and also i actually think the ride is better than OE stuff, but that could be me

i went for them as the cheapest option after my 3rd set of standard failing within 20k miles, last set lasted 5k miles......

and you will notice a difference swapping even to new standards, car will be more settled in corners

[733tcaptsteady]

my hawk has started to knock since i fitted the whiteline kit but i bought i full set of spare suspension ready for it happening. When it gets unbearable i'll get the new struts on.

mmmm mine to too has started doing that. Therefore I have decided to go for a Blistein setup from Litchfields.

Will post with some feedback.

jase

[davey l wrx]

Cheers jase, another call to Iain is always an option - since thats where the car came from.

Along with the whiteline roll bars i fitted adjustable top mounts that only work with std shocks. If i really had to i'd go for coilovers i'd fit the Litchfield kit for the Type25. I'm not sure if the knock on mine is the struts or just the fact that everythings a lot firmer now so there's more shock when a big bump is found....

[Martin S]

Is it worth doing any other jobs if I fit coil overs? Ive heard of a few people fitting whiteline anti-lift kits. Or is this something that can easy be left to a later date without to much work to fit? Ideally id rather do things like this later on but its maybe easier while getting this done?

[ali37]

Is it worth doing any other jobs if I fit coil overs? Ive heard of a few people fitting whiteline anti-lift kits. Or is this something that can easy be left to a later date without to much work to fit? Ideally id rather do things like this later on but its maybe easier while getting this done?

Best to do as much as possible at one time as you will need a full geometry setup each time and this will soon mount up.

[wrx kenny]

I have Bc on my bug they've only been on 2 years and had to replace a rear one already and one on the front is also leaking , £109 buys a replacement one . You get one years guarantee after the year your on your own . Great price for a budget coilover set , would I buy again no I wouldn't I would save up and buy better .

Kenny

[scooby222]

my BC's have been on over 3 years and no issues so i may have been lucky - next time il buy better but itl be 3 times the cost of the bc's for bilstein or ohlins, having had tein theyre not much better quality wise