Rear Thunk sound after Suble Solutions 1" lift

[cvan707]

Hey all, was wondering if those that installed the 1" all around kit from subtle on their '96-'99 outbacks have this issue. The lift is great and does help w/o compromising cornering too much. Every time one of the front wheels start an incline (where the other front wheel is still level with the rears)to induce a twist in the body, I hear a loud "thunk" coming from the opposite side in the rear. There's a thunk from each side opposite of the front wheel starting the incline.

The mechanic and I checked it out, it looks like the strut springs and base are up against the wheel well fireproofing coating. Is this what it is and has anyone stripped the coating off to get rid of the sound? I fear it could be a worn linkage bushing now acting funny at a different angle after 200,000 miles of wear.

Thanks

[kirtydandra]

i recently installed the same lift 3 weeks ago. a week ago i noticed that just driviing around on the street on turns it pops in the rear. i have 207k on OE rear sway end links and they did make noise before the lift. i am assuming that now that they are under a slight bit more stress its causing them to pop. once i get some shop time i'll pull the rear end links and see if that fixes it. i havent noticed any pops under flexed type situations but i also havent flexed one side too much more than the other... yet. haha im going back up this weekend so ill check it out for you! haha sounds like we're in the same boat. keep me updated as i will with you. Cheers.

Dan

[cvan707]

Sounds good Dan, I fear it's a bushing as well. The end links make sense being it happens on both sides with the same amount of effort.

I do notice when the car is loaded down with camping gear it doesn't show up as often or at all, which means it goes away when the suspension is compressed near stock.

I while back I did lift the rear off the differential and bled it off while looking, and sure enough a couple of the spring coils hang up on the soundproofing in the wells for about an inch of travel, and then suddenly slip, but not sure if this is part of it. The thunk sounds like a quick deep pop instead of a higher pitched snap.

It'll be interesting to see what you find out, the kit does help but still cringe when I hear it.

[kirtydandra]

Ya mine is a deep pop. Almost to be mistaken for like a subframe bushing or something. It can be felt through the floor boards. I'm gettin too curious I'll crawl under it this morning and pull those links and post my results later this evening. I'll try and take a peek and see of my springs hit the undercoating as well. I haven't checked that yet.

[kirtydandra]

It worked! That cured my pop. I pulled the lower link bolts and zip tied them to the bar. the upper bushing are incredibly sloppy. I found replacements online for around $30 each. But then decided I probably will leave it hanging or remove completely. I did some pretty hard cornering and handling tests and I honestly can't tell a difference. Then today I was up in the mountains flexing it out. No pop sounds. I did hear a dull rub type noise nothing concerning. Figured it was the springs running the body like you noticed? Still it wasn't anything that concerned me or that I'll dig into fixing. I feel new end links would fix the problem for good. I hope this helps you! Good luck. Let me know as I'm a curious one. Cheers

Dan

[cvan707]

Dan, thanks for checking this out! It's been awhile but I didn't get/notice the email sent out when threads are responded to. I will definitely pull these linkages out and see what can be done. Might be able to get some CNC'd for near free, and if so I'll get an extra pair made and let you know. Also will see about urethane with bushings pressed in too.

Thanks

[cvan707]

Just pulled off the links, the bushings are totally trashed. I'm going to get a urethane setup ready and can get some of these machined. Just need a small press to swap out the bushings. Need to do two subarus front and back linkages so will make an extra set. Will keep you updated.

[cvan707]

The links are ready to install. Here's how to fix links for $15 a pair urethane instead of $80 a pair new rubber.

- Push old bushings out with usual pulley puller
- Get some Energy Suspension 9.8105R bushings (8 halves, urethane), $15 AutoZone
- Need to machine a taper on one end to match the inner taper on the links (Need a lathe or know a machinist, about 3 minutes per bushing)

Two of these sandwiched together have the same OEM length and the through hole. The taper keeps them from moving around.

Let me know if you want the drawing/sketch for the lathe work, might be able to get another set machined to send over.