Hey, i got the ralliart like 3-4 months ago, and put over 6900 miles on it since. Well about a week ago i noticed a loud noticable clunking sound coming from the driverside front suspension whenever i hit a pot hole or something. Now this isn't just a small clunk, it loud and is definitely trying to tell me something. Any suggestions on what it might be before i bring it back to the dealer? I looked at it and it looks exactly like the other wheels, nothing seems different at all...

 

probably a bad strut. Happend to another guy here.

 

I'd have to say the main suspect is indeed the strut. Same kinda deal on my old man's WRX - had a clunk to it, he took it to Subie, and they replaced both rear struts.

 

Well i called up the dealer and scheduled an appointment. They said it was either one of two things.. or both, they said something about the control arm or the struts... not sure exactly what they are, but i'm bringing it in next Thursday for evalution and parts order. Do you guys think it'll be under warranty?

 

It'll definately be under warranty, no worries there.

 

hmm... I wonder how reliable the struts are in the long run?
or maybe these are just isolated cases?

 

I have had two go out on my car so far. Both in the front. I am not sure if it is going to be a recurring problem. If it is I will probably just see if they can get me some Tein COs so I don't have to keep bringing it in for service. But I will see. It has been about 6 months in between each strut going out.

 

It's kinda odd... seems like they just aren't making OE struts as good as they used to. Not just on Mitsu's, nearly everyone I know who has bought a new car w/strut suspension in the past 3 years or so has had problems with them. I know my Koni's are aftermarket, but I've beaten the snot out of 'em and they are just fine.

 

you think it will bust my warranty if i ask them to replace them with after market parts?

 

if you replace them and they go bad, the dealer wont fix the replacement ones UNLESS you OK it /w the dealership AND pay them to do the install. then if they go bad, call lemon and ask for a new car but, also, if its a reoccuring problem, then the replacements shouldnt go bad and you dont have the problem anyway =] but as for th rest of the warranty, it should not be effected

 

I have been hearing the same clunking for a month or two ,it started around the same time that i have put the progress springs on, therefore I did not pay to much attention to it as i have heard numerous stories of aftermarket springs making all sorts of noises.
Now as I am reading this post i am starting to belive the problem is not with the springs but with other suspension components.
The clunk comes only from the front driver's side and as said in earlier posts should be fixed under warranty , my concern is that the dealer may decline the request becouse of the aftermarket springs.

 

I get the clunks but only the first time my car rolls out after sitting for a long peroid of time.

 

With the aftermarket springs on they will most likely tell you that the springs are not made for the strut and thus made it go bad. And in most cases they would be right (that is why most people have strut problems when just replacing springs), but in either case they probably will not replace it.

 

hm.. well i haven't done anything to the suspesion.. but i do have the rrm sri intake on the car.. you think i should take it off before i bring it to the shop/dealer?

 

I would, since they may record the presence of an aftermarket part on the engine, and attempt to harrass you about it at a later time should you need warranty work on your engine.