Tribeca front strut noise [Archive]

Peaty

03-05-2007, 12:08 PM

hawker800mech

03-05-2007, 04:19 PM

Is it a noise when the struts top out? Or when they extend very fast? When mine does it sounds like it is very hollow/loose (hard to describe) up front.

Peaty

03-05-2007, 05:08 PM

I can't honestly say, I have not heard the sound myself. I'm just relaying what he posted on another site. The sound he said was like a bad strut so I suspect it was a knocking sort of noise. Looking at the bushings on the sway bar may let you know, he makes it sound like it may be obvious to the eye. I'll check with him.

Rburks

03-07-2007, 09:27 AM

This sounds very much like the problem I had on another car. If it is in fact the sway bar/busings/strut it is an alignment problem, and it will manifest itself as a "groaning" or "crunching" sound when you are turning one way or the other, typically under loading/unloading conditions (think bouncing through a tight corner).

ma06b9

05-16-2007, 09:11 AM

Been driving the Tribeca a bit more lately and it seemed bouncier than I recalled when new. Has 8,000 miles and brought it to Long Subaru in Oxford, MA and they determined the front sway bar bushings did in fact need replacing. I didn't experience any noise, just a less-than-normal ride with a little extra bounce from time to time.

Tup

02-17-2008, 11:31 AM

Well, It seems my Subaru has developed the front end noise problem. Over sharp bumps (like frost heaves), the front end sounds clunky. I assume this must mean I need new front sway bar bushings. Given that the closest dealer is now a couple of hours away should I just buy a couple of these at $7 each and install them rather than make a couple of trips to the dealer?

How hard would they be to install?

mcharette

02-17-2008, 11:36 AM

same issue here... when ever the front right wheel moves over a bump, or dip, or any imperfection it just rattles, and clunks... Assuming its the strut... Its sad too, only 42,000 so far...

Peaty

02-17-2008, 10:59 PM

If it is the front bushing it should be pretty obvious. If it isn't look at the area around the bushing and to see if there are any shiny spots where it looks like it was hitting metal to metal. Here is a scan on it:

DomozitoLK

03-25-2008, 08:33 AM

hawker800mech

03-26-2008, 02:54 PM

swootton

03-26-2008, 06:14 PM

I just had our 06 with 35K in to the dealer for this noise. It sounded like the right stut top was clunking/rattling over bumps. They replaced both the sway bay bushings and links under warranty. My shop inspected the whole front end for loose parts athteh last serivce and we found nothing loose. It appears to be a common problem.

greenwood143

03-27-2008, 03:37 AM

2GC8sNaB9

04-04-2008, 07:50 PM

I have only 15,000 Miles and have been getting a knock for some time up front. I have been so busy in the books, i haven't checked it out. It only happens when riding over a particular bump.. like jagged or rough type of road. Smooth dipping bumps do not seem to aggravate the problem.
It almost seemed like the sound of a bad ball Joint or CV. Turning/leaning stability has not changed; although the sound does occur now with either wheel, when originally started with Right Wheel at about 9,000 miles.

fulrach

04-10-2008, 02:21 PM

We just replaced the Bushings (FW) for our 2008 Tribeca (7,500 mi) as there was a squeaking noise when driving over speed bumps. We replaced the same parts (twice) on our 2004 Impreza OS also for the same reasons.
It seems to be a weakness part of Subaru models maybe due to our winter conditions in Montreal, QC Canada.

I had this done on my '08 Tribeca also Mid February... purchased it at Manchester Subaru and live in Toronto, ON.... I had about 7,200 mi at the time....interesting to read that it's a common occurance.... lately I've been hearing a similiar 'clunking' again... thinking i'll have to take it in again

2GC8sNaB9

04-11-2008, 08:40 AM

Our 2006 Tribeca makes a clunk when the going full lock with the steering wheel. Is this this issue or something else? It does it pretty regularly...mostly right after starting up the car is when I notice it the most.

~There is a wheel lockout bump stop posistioned on the control arm/hub area. So the driver does not over extend the steering radius and also allows Rack & Pinion / C/V not to seperate. This can occur at any time (wrm/cld).
This sound can become louder with the amount of force used to turn the steering wheel. Slow Rotation = some thud, including Feedback Felt
Faster Rotation increases the thud as well as the Feedback thru the wheel.
~Do not forget, when in Lock Posistion..try not to hold more than a few seconds as it puts strain on the pump (goes for any vehicle using a hydrolic/electric pump/unit).
~Learn the amount of rotations/or feeling before lock out occurs and try to use as much steering radius obtained before locking the wheel.

bdieffenbacher

04-11-2008, 09:17 PM

FYI - I had the same issue with my front sway bar bushings - both sides. Mileage-29,500. It's covered under warranty - but it makes me wonder if they went bad this early, is it going to be an on-going problem???

I sure hope not.:confused:
__________________

2GC8sNaB9

04-11-2008, 09:25 PM

Should also check endlinks, if these keeps reacurring. They work together. You can upgrade to most of the Solid type endlinks as they are much the same. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Andrey

04-14-2008, 06:43 PM

Took Tribeca to Subaru, Wakefield, MA. Noise over bumps from the right strut area and vibration at the highway speed while breaking. Under warranty they've replaced stabilizer links and sway bar bushings and cut rotors second time in 15K miles and balanced wheels. Common issue with B9!

2GC8sNaB9

04-14-2008, 06:56 PM

Subaru so quick to change over their 06/07 wide faced B9 models, took no time at all. However to Diagnose and Solve a Simple Bushing/Endlink Problem.. will take how long..? Let us count the days......
Anyone know if the Hardened endlinks & Urethane Sway Bushings from another model fits..
~What is the size of the OEM Frnt SWy Bar off hand..? Or i'll measure this weekend. I would like to swap out to Urethane and hardened Links.

I think the Front Bar is 25mm? I am going to swap over my WRX adj. Endlinks and find some 25mm bushings online this week.. Any help on the bushing will help this move a bit faster and would be greatly smiled upon.
I really don't expect much improvment in overall handling.. but, it will keep me sane for the remainder of my B9 Tribeca ownership! ;)

PPower

11-19-2008, 07:19 AM

Great info guys. I just bought an 06 with this same problem. I took the front wheels off yesterday trying to see if anything was loose and didn't notice anything. I just got off the phone ordering my bushings. YEA!! I'll be happy to get rid of that clunking noise.

B9LTD83

11-19-2008, 11:03 PM

just also be advised I had the same issue... If by chance you encounter the noise when turning either direction towards full lock on the steering wheel, it also can be caused by the front mud guards tearing loose from and rubbing against the wheel... i had both instances...

on a side note... i've also had my dogbone and firewall bracket welded 3 times reference a squeaky crunching noise... it has been 3 months since my last welding and it has to go back again... so not happy right now... at 58,000 miles and yea...:tdown:

greenwood143

11-20-2008, 06:02 AM

... as the cold weather is back the noise came along. Will have it checked again. I'll keep a look regarding the mud guards. With the winter tires, I guess it increases the chances.
M

PPower

11-29-2008, 01:50 PM

I hate to sound ignorant, but what is the dogbone? Turns out my bushings are allegedly fine. I haven't found out if they've checked the endlinks or not.

Huskymaniac

12-05-2008, 09:29 AM

I too had this issue and VanBortel Subaru replaced the bushings for free even though I was just slightly beyond 36months. Noise is gone now.

PPower

12-05-2008, 03:28 PM

After them saying I was wrong about the front bushings, didn't know what it was, looked at it again, got a second opinion and it WAS the front sway bushings. They said it was also the rear lower control arm bushings, so I took it to another place to get the fronts on and rear inspected. As I thought, fronts fixed the problem and nothing wrong with the rear. $16 parts, $50 labor, lots of headache over places not listening to the customer.

Huskymaniac

12-05-2008, 07:56 PM

The good news is that the replacement part was redesigned and should not have this issue down the road.

mstinger2003

01-15-2009, 10:11 AM

Just got back from the dealership they replaced the front swaybar mounts due to the front end sounding like it was about to fall off and realigned the tailgate. All covered under warranty... WOW she is a whole lot quieter on bumpy roads now!!! (06 Limited 7pass with 42K)

PPower

01-15-2009, 11:35 AM

That's awesome. I didn't realize that the bushing would have been covered under the powertrain warranty. Dang!

legandrex

03-12-2009, 08:05 PM

Our is making the same front noise clunking again. Sway bar bushings were replaced about a year ago and it fixed the problem...new ones are doing it again. Car has 44,000 miles...do you think Subaru/dealer will fix it again since it was documented and fixed a year ago? I would be shocked that it would be fixable under powertrain warranty. Bumper to bumper warranty has expired.

mstinger2003

03-12-2009, 08:26 PM

legandrex

03-13-2009, 08:16 AM

I will give dealer a call and see what they will do.

B9LTD83

03-15-2009, 03:13 AM

I would think they will its still under the 5/60 and I believe if its within a year it holds its own warranty even if you are out of the factory....I am not 100% on that but I think that what my dealership told me.

I wonder if it is covered in the extended warranty. I have the Gold 100,000. I'm currently at 66k

legandrex

03-15-2009, 06:28 AM

My dealer said it is covered under 3year 36,000 warranty but service manager is going to take care of it since it was in 12 months ago for the same thing.

mstinger2003

03-15-2009, 07:36 AM

Should be covered under the Gold warrant. I am pretty sure I saw it in the list of items covered. But my dealership covered it under the 5/60 because I never was charged my deductible.

DuluthB9

03-31-2009, 12:14 PM

I had this same problem since november, so I had gone to the dealer in town to get the clunking resolved, but didn't mention anything about the bushings...of course they said everything was ok with the supension and sent me home! After enduring a long winter with the annoying clunking noise :confused: I happened on this thread and lo and behold it sounds like my problem!
I just came back from the dealer and after I mentioned to please check the bushings I am happy to report that I am now clunk free! On top of it since it was the same problem reported months ago they did it for free even though I have 41k miles on the car! Thanks to all of you for the great information!!!

APUSILLO

05-18-2009, 12:59 PM

I am having a clunking noise from my front end. But when the dealer looks, they find nothing?

mstinger2003

05-18-2009, 02:28 PM

I have been having a clunk/pop when turning the wheel at slow speeds or stopped as well. It is not the same noise as when the bushings were bad. Dealership says nothing is wrong. I was searching around on scoobymods and found a TSB on a pitch stop repair? I am going to ask about this when I go in next time.

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/my06_tribeca_pitch_stop-t7338.html

APUSILLO

05-18-2009, 05:46 PM

thanks- I am trying to figure out if it is a problem from the factory- cars built between August and October

Peace

08-10-2009, 04:24 AM

This info I gleaned from another scooby site, the author (Ben) works at a subaru dealership. I thought it might be of interest:

Begin Quote:

Just as a FYI I have just come acrossed my 5th 06 Tribeca that has what seems to be a bad front strut. In reallity it is the front sway bar bushings that are the problem. The old ones are streached out quite badly compared to the new ones. Replacement p/n is 20414XA00A X 2.
End quote:

Had knocking sounds from front suspension going over small bumps in low speed in my 06. Had the front swaybar bushings replaced, now sound is gone. The old bushings were "hard" and had minor cracks in them, seemed to be worn out and of bad quality.

Thanks for great thread!

jens08tribeca

08-10-2009, 09:11 AM

I have an 08 tribeca and it's in the shop has been since friday due to a clunking sound when i break and the car lurches forward. THe car has 24K on it and is still under warranty. The car also didn't stop when i hit the brakes a week ago and had to hit it twice to get the car to stop. Thank goodness i was only pulling into my driveway. My family is a subie family and both my husband i have subies. His 09 wrx has been in the shop 2 times since he bought it. What is going on with subies??:confused:

Tribeca_06

08-10-2009, 01:14 PM

i got my bushings replaced today, on the way home, i heard the noise...help:confused:

jens08tribeca

08-10-2009, 02:16 PM

:( I'm not sure but the Subaru dealership just gave me my car back and said they can't reproduce the sound that my brakes are fine. Ok but that doesn't solve the problem with the sound it makes. I think they should have checked my transmission it sounds weird. Any suggestions?:confused:

Tribeca_06

08-10-2009, 03:34 PM

yeah the 08s are differnt they have diff bushings and they dont know what the sound is but i wish you much luck...as for my B9..it seems they cant figure mine out either..well not that they tried..i assumed it was the bushings so i guess back to the dealer..joy. :(

jens08tribeca

08-11-2009, 04:32 AM

Hahaha well they used the excuse they couldn't duplicate it. Well my husband told me what the problem was. It is not the brakes however, it's when it downshifts from 50+mph and when it hits 15 mph it's a harsh downshift and i said bring the service manager to ride with me and he will feel it because I know what the problem is. So the service manager rode with me and he felt the harsh downshift. So after giving me back my tribeca last night, it's back in the shop and they CANNOT use the CANNOT DUPLICATE EXCUSE. hahaha i'll post after they call and tell me what's going on.

Tribeca_06

08-11-2009, 08:12 AM

i belive my problem is the struts..not the bushings...well bushings were replaced but the front strut is making the noise..i didnt know that there was a differnece between strut and bushing..so back to the dealer =]

jens08tribeca

08-11-2009, 09:31 AM

Man we should start a back to the dealership party. They have 2 more tries at this before our state's lemon law kicks in and i have to one get a refund of the total contract price or a new or comperable make and model :)

Tribeca_06

08-11-2009, 04:59 PM

hahaha
nice, lucky you. i belive mine is just the struts now and i hope you get a new car ! haha :) or they fix yours ofcourse..i dont seem to have anything as major as your problem

Tup

02-02-2010, 06:30 AM

Someone mentioned that there was a new version of the bushings....is there a new part # as well?

As far as I know the original part # is 20414XA00A

Thanks

Peaty

02-03-2010, 10:53 AM

Well I was driving the wife's Tribeca the other day (rare occurrence for me) and I can hear some clunking over bumps. I have not looked but I'm pretty sure it's the swaybar bushings. I gave Ben* a call at Hodges Subaru and ordered the bushings today. They are cheap enough:

List price is $8.85ea, your price is $6.64ea P/N 20414XA01A

and as stated they have been re-designed to prevent the noise or at least last longer. I will do a scoobymods page when I do the install. It's still cold here so it may be a little while depending.

*Ben Sabelhaus (AKA HondaSlayer)
248-547-8800

Peaty

02-10-2010, 05:23 PM

Just finished doing the bushings, it was pretty simple to do. I took some pics and will do a write up but I have to say it made a difference. The old bushings looked fine but the opening was worn to a larger diameter. Not to mention the bushings were hard as rocks. The replacements are softer and the opening is a lot smaller. Half hour to 45 min job tops.

Peaty

02-10-2010, 07:50 PM

OK did the page it's here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/front_clunking_noise-t8969.html?p=83482&posted=1#post83482

hawker800mech

02-11-2010, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the info. I need to do this when it warms up.

fjcinss

04-19-2010, 02:53 PM

Had the sway bar bushings (all) and the front clunk went away...the car feels solid again. Highly recommend this fix.

MNSteve

04-20-2010, 03:25 PM

Had the sway bar bushings (all) and the front clunk went away...the car feels solid again. Highly recommend this fix.
Yup, that's what they just did for our '08 at the 30,000 mile check.

snork

04-21-2010, 07:52 AM

Awesome write-up as usual Peaty! I just noticed mine started clunking a bit so I'm gonna order some bushings too. Looks like an easy enough DIY.

gandalf1

04-27-2010, 06:12 AM

I just changed both sway bar bushings on my '06 this past weekend, following Peaty's excellent writeup. The noise was very pronounced before the change, but now is gone.

A few additional thoughts:

On the plastic cowling that Peaty recommends removing the two plastic retainers in the wheel well, I found it also beneficial to remove the single 12 mm bolt smack in the middle of the part. It gives a little more wiggle room and you will already have the 12 mm socket for the bushing clamps.

As Peaty suggests, be sure to have the car as absolutely flat as possible. A level would be a good idea in this regard. Any tilt of the vehicle will result in one side of the sway bar being lower than the other. In my case, I had to manhandle the right side back into position because the right side of the car was slightly higher (maybe 2") due to a very gradual pitch in our driveway.

I would suggest also marking the midpoint of the bushings on the clamp before removing the old bushings. Per Peaty's suggestion, you should be marking the front the clamp anyway, so you will already have the marker in hand. This is the small protrusion on the bushing that faces more or less downward when the bushing is installed. It will help align the new bushings in terms or orientation and getting the flat on the top of the bushing to align with the flat on the vehicle body.

Also when I had one clamp off it was very evident that the sway bar was loose in the other original bushing. I would guess that there was 1/16 to 1/8" play, and I could easily jostle the shaft around and make a quiet version of the dull thud that is heard while driving. This was further confirmed when the new bushing was installed on the other side, as it was nice and snug. And, of course, the noise is gone.

The part number for the replacement bushings is: 20414XA01A, which is the revised version of the original and obsolete P/N (20414XA00A). Cost is about $13 for two.

Total repair time for me: less than an hour

Thanks again for the great forum and articles!

snork

04-28-2010, 06:08 AM

Thanks for the additional advice! I got mine this week and will be replacing them this Saturday.

snork

05-10-2010, 05:45 AM

Finally replaced my bushings this weekend. Thanks to all for the tips...especially the eye protection, definitely would have gotten some sand in the eyes otherwise:) The clunk is gone so it was worth it:tup:

I did have one bonehead moment though. When putting the clamp back on, I mistakenly picked up a bolt for the plastic cowling. I struggled trying to get it back in for like 25 minutes (same size but shorter) before I realized it was the wrong bolt:headwall: :censored: Got the second one done in about 10 minutes:o Otherwise, it would have definitely been less than 1 hr start to clean-up.

holtm8

05-13-2010, 03:05 PM

I stopped by the dealer after work and picked up the two front bushings and replaced them when I got home. The clunk is gone and it feels like new again, I can't believe the difference!!! Very quick and easy fix!
2007 with 50K miles

Blubie blues

05-13-2010, 03:37 PM

Thanks very much for the great posts everyone, especially Peaty.

My '06 Tribeca has developed a wicked narly creak (like jumping on old bed springs) that is now so bad it does it whether I drive over bumps or not. It even creaks now when we get in or out.

The dealer suggested new struts but, after finding this forum, I'm definitely leaning toward the bushings.

I've never done a repair like this before but I think I'll order the parts, enlist some help and give it a go.

Wish me luck and thanks for all the great advice!

wackojacko

05-14-2010, 07:14 AM

Hi Guys,

Had mine in for a Oil Change yesterday at Mississauga Subaru (Ontario). Recomended I do the Brake Service ($180) crazy i know but had a coupon for a free oil change so whatever.

Told them on the phone when booking that I had a clunking in the front the and service advisor said "might be the Bushing". and I'm thinking, I know :).

So they replaced the Bushings, $54 installed and refrashed the TCM for $73.50. I put the prices as I imported by Tribeca from the US to Canada and as a result I must pay for the work at the Canadian dealer and then fax my invoice to SOA and they send me a check.

So far it seems like a definate improvement in the front end. The clunking is gone and I think the trany is smoother shifting, although the trany could just be me thinking it is, but I think is hangs on to gears less, meaning when you accellerate quickly and your in 3rd with high RPM's and release the gas and it seems to hold 3rd gear before switch to the 4th for a second or two, that seems to be reduced.

Peace

05-16-2010, 07:08 AM

Finally replaced my bushings this weekend. Thanks to all for the tips...especially the eye protection, definitely would have gotten some sand in the eyes otherwise:) The clunk is gone so it was worth it:tup:

Hi Snork.
Might sound as a silly question, but I actually wonder,
To replace the front sway bar bushings, could you do it with weight on the front wheels (i.e. just drive the car up on ramps to get enough space/access) or do you need a large hydralic lifting the whole front of car and jack stands?

snork

05-16-2010, 07:53 AM

Hey, if you check Peaty's write-up at scoobymods.com (free forum registration required) he has an awesome write-up with pics. But to answer your question, yes you can do it on ramps. That's how I did it and how Peaty shows. No need to jack the car up and ramps are generally safer than jacks if you're gonna be lying under the car! ;)

Subarulinks

01-31-2012, 05:29 PM

Our 2008 Tribeca with only 28K was making the dreaded knocking noise over bumps and such. We replaced the stock bushing w/ this one ordered from Amazon:

Energy Suspension 9.5161R 1" Grease-able Sway Bar Set  . (http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Suspension-9-5161R-Greasable-Sway/dp/B000CN9CMW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

The noise was instantly gone and the suspension felt tight and responsive. I highly recommend these bushings as they are made from high quality urethane and are user serviceable with a grease gun. 

We are now having creaking and groaning noises from the drivers side strut / spring area. It has gotten worse over 3 months. Now when completely stopped it creaks and groans off the line as the weight of the vehicle shifts. When pressing down on the front quarter panel the car doesn't really bounce, it seems the spring is the culprit?

Subaru seems to be hush hush about these front end problems...but from my brief research many people are complaining of the same issues with their cars 24-50K miles. Just doesn't add up.

If anyone has had a similar problem with this awful groaning noise I would really appreciate some feedback.

Thanks in advance.