Shocks and Struts Expected Life

[timgluntz]

How long are your original struts and shocks lasting? My mechanic told me mine need replaced, but they seem fine. There is only 53,000 miles on my 2005 Subaru Baja. Though I live in Ohio, I am really good at dodging chuck holes. So I was surprised to hear that they would need replaced already. I remember the old rule - if they bounce more than twice after pushing them down - they are shot. But they pass that test and seem pretty firm. Is there another check I can count on?? TG

[jwc41]

I got a 2005 Turbo several months ago and last week I noticed the left front strut was leaking. 74K miles.

[Buck Rogers]

Still original, no leaks and 90K

Buck

[bulwnkl]

All original struts on mine AFAIK. I'm @ 115k now.

Did your mechanic tell you why he thinks they need to be replaced? Your bounce test is one good one. Another is just driving the truck. If it remains well-controlled (Subarus feel fairly firm to me compared with many contemporary vehicles), and the struts aren't leaking, then I wouldn't immediately see why they should be replaced.

[Ahzlon]

sorry to partially hijack the thread. But any ideas on good replacement shocks/struts. Most places around here say they can only find the struts for the front and nothing else. I find that to be crap. But is there a KYB AGX that I can replace front and rear with??

[gifters]

for '04-'06 there are different rears that no other vehicle to my knowledge has

[picklebill]

Mine still seem fine at 110K. Have only had the truck for 6 weeks, and the handling is awesome, so I suspect they are OK.

Bill

[kalins1]

'00 through '04 Outback rears will fit. Of course, on an '05, they'll drop you a little.

[sfeather11]

On my 2003, I Busted my right rear strut at 63k going over railroad tracks.The welds between the shock and the spring plate broke. I was not going very fast and what was left of the welds looked quite rusted. I used the opportunity to install the 05 struts and upgraded all four springs to 05s for the extra bit of lift. My front struts are still original and seem to be ok...

[moonzie]

On my `04 turbo, I noticed around 150k that my rear end links were shot, causing the rear to 'clunk' a lot. Plus, my passenger rear shock was blown. Replaced the end links and both rear struts with KYBs (OEM struts are manufactured by KYB, so while they might have different part #s, they're the same part) - rear end feels great now!

Front shock absorbers look and feel fine. Still on original OEMs. wondering how long they're going to last...? probably a while. I do abuse the bed weight limits sometimes.

[Thacrudd]

changed all 4 of mine 2 nights ago. 125k, but I've been a little rough on my suspension you can tell if you watch my youtube videos