[Gregs04.5]

Start with stabilizer bar end links, that should help with the knocking sound.
(it did on mine)
Greg

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

has an inspection of the suspension not found anything?

there are many possibilities but, definitely check the lower control arm bushings (inner and rear/transverse link)

check the antisway bar mounts/bushings/endlinks too. almost seems like an antisway bar mount is loose but, just speculation.


WOOPS, typing too slowly!

time for bed here anyway

 

[Zooka]

You do not mention what year and model you have. On my 2005 Outback I just recently replaced the Lower Control Arm bushing and the anti-sway bar end link (with new lock nuts), and that fixed the noise I had going over bumps. See the thread below.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...ontrol-arm-bushings-replacement-question.htmlhttp:

 

[Performance Suby]

Creaking could also be a worn out strut, my '03 does the same thing on rough road and speed bumps in the passengers side rear and I already replaced the rear endlinks just to make sure it wasn't them.

 

[barkeater]

disconnect the end link and drive around a little. you only have to unbolt one spot on each end. if you still hear noise its not the swaybar.

can you reproduce by bouncing the front end up and down while parked?

when up on jack stand is there any play in the tire (side/side or top/bottom)

take wheel off (while on jack stand) and look around. anyplace look like its rubbing (bare metal exposed/no rust). check behind strut boot and see if evidence of leaks.

by using process of elimination, squirt some spray lube making sure to do one joint at a time, and then go for a test drive.

I went through similar this summer and found it was my front end links. very hard to diagnose b/c unbolting those buggers are a pita. Good luck!

 

[OBone]

IT is an 05 3.0R.

I am taking to test the struts this afternoon. I could not find loose bushings when I had the wheels off. Everything felt nice and solid. I will ask the workshop to double check that.

Clever idea about the spray on lube. thanks

 

[OBone]

OK had it on a lift yesterday, and armed with a tire iron I tested all the joints on both sides. All jonts are nicely lubed.
Lower control arm bush hardly 1mm play
Stabilizer end joints no play
Ball joints have limited movement up and down, but nothing from side to side.
CV joints and boots are fine.
Struts are testing within spec
Only area I could find was the Stabilizer bar bushes keeping it on the chassis cross member. When I lever the stabilizer bar there is about 10mm of play (just below 1/2 inch) The bush in the bracket looks like it is a two part bush that sandwich the bar in the bracket. The bush will sort of separate with the force.

Please advise if this is normal?

Thanks

 

[Gregs04.5]

It's not normal, replace them, do the end links while you have it apart, if they are not too bad now, they will be soon.
Greg

 

[OBone]

I am doing some shopping online from subarupartsshop.com Had great service from them with my actuator, and delivery international took about 2 weeks.

Only problem is the shop is based in the US that is left hand drive, and in South Africa it is Rhand drive.

Anybody know weather the sway bar is different for LHD RHD?

 

[OBone]

Bushes done end links replaced as well. Also found a torn CV on the passenger side that I rebooted with new grease.

All the funny noises are gone. And, strangely, the gear shifting of the 5sp auto is smoother.

 

[Gregs04.5]

Bushes done end links replaced as well. Also found a torn CV on the passenger side that I rebooted with new grease.

All the funny noises are gone. And, strangely, the gear shifting of the 5sp auto is smoother.

Glad to hear all is well again!:29: