Guys

I have written to John Sherwood regarding my Prodrive STI. He started asking me if I had reported the fault to the dealer etc, and was it clunking going round a bend (Which it is now). I sent the letter to him after getting pee'd off by his comments.

Can we try and find out how many people have this fault, when it was reported and what has been done to fix it.

I think its a lot of bollox that they have not found a solution to this yet, I also cannot believe that they have UK Cars sitting waiting at the factory and have not been able to find the fault with them.


Shaun

Urban,

Best summary of how many people have the problem is in a thread "STi Uk Shocks - One post each" (or words to that effect) on this board. I judge there to be at least two dozen on Scoobynet alone (makes how many nation wide??)

At the top of age 3 is my request for everyone who has the problem to start biting S-UK, giving the contact numbers

AND I REPEAT THE REQUEST!!!

I'm distracted for the moment (at the Commonwealth Games - posting from the athletes rest centre at Bisley) so not in a position to fight through the fog with S-UK, so hoping you, mrdeli and others will keep the pressure on!!

Don't let the b***ers get you down!!

Phil

Phil

I will be calling the bollox's again today, i intend to make this a weekly call until they do something.

By the way, if you see the athletes again, try and find the Northern Ireland badminton squad and tell Jane Plunkett that Shaun was asking about her.


Urban

Sorry Urban.....Bisley's where we shoot (=Ballykinler) so no Badminton Players.....:(

NI doing well in the Fullbore Rifle Pairs, tho' - should get a medal tomorrow! So long as it's not at the expense of the English, that's OK by me!!

Phil

Just to let everyone know that my dealer (S&S Services in AYr - 01292 880080) replaced the LHR strut and top mount yesterday under warranty. It has cured the knocking noise 100%, though I've only done about 250 miles since getting it fixed.

They decided to replace both parts at the same time, so as not to have me come back if it was the other part, and strip it all down again.

Took them about 90 minutes, including checking/adjusting alignment again afterwards.

I was allowed to inspect the "faulty" parst afterwards, and there were no obvious signs of leaks, damage or wear, though the technician did mention there was a very small amount of play when they were still attached to the car once the wheel was off.

Hopefully more of you with problems can now get it resolved as well.

John

Thanks for the post John. 'Trouble is, I've had both strut and topmount replaced without cure.....:(:(

Phil

Talked to Mr Sherwood again today, still no news, he has to meet with the manager of the technical department tomorrow (02/08/02) to see what the progress is.

I have asked why is it taking so long, and he said that it is not uncommon for factory issues to take time, as there is so much to be checked etc.

I said that it would be nice to know if the factory has even found the fault on a car, never mind if they have found out how to cure it.

Made today the weekly call, as i'm in London tomorrow.

Shaun

Still no luck in SA either.
I know of at least 3 cars over here doing it as well (that's a lot, given the number sold)
FHI apparently has no solution yet - they would probably do a redesign first before calling the cars in to get fixed...Might take a while...

From the my02wrxsti list: (I haven't had time to try it, but it seems ilke the guy was pretty thorough...)

"
Looking for a solution to a Squeaky Rear end???then read on. If you hate
long stories, then jump to the "SOLUTION"


PROBLEM

Two days after collecting my MY02 STI BUGZILLA back in March, I started
hearing that damn squeaking noise coming from the rear passenger side. It
progressively got so bad that I was losing my hearing because I had the
stereo on full blast to drown out the noise. Initially I tried jamming foam
into every orifice (in the boot) I could find, but to no avail. In an effort
the track down the noise, I eventually had removed the spare wheel, toolkit,
cover, jack, rear seat, parcel shelf, seatbelts, interior lining of boot(
basically everything not blue). I even resorted to sitting on the floor(no
rear seat) with my head poking into the boot, whilst being driven around by
a mate, but I still couldn't track down the noise. I checked the boot hinges
& the rear boot spoiler and even removed the strut cover plates. At one
stage, I thought I had found the problem, because the bracket which holds
the wheel jack was making a metallic squeaking noise when flexed. I bought a
can of WD40 lubricant and proceeded to drown the metal bracket & welds and
the noise was gone. Eureka, I hopped in the car and reversed up the driveway
and when the body flexed as I crossed the driveway entrance there was a
welcome silence. Feeling happy with myself I put the car back together and
slept well that night. But the next morning when I went to work the noise
returned. I was close to admitting defeat and letting SUBARU warranty solve
the problem (yeah right), when I discovered that the noise was coming from
the top of the passenger side rear strut( process of elimination).



SOLUTION

1) Buy a big big big can of WD40 lubricant(with long red nozzle tube)
2) Spray the top of rear strut and spring locating plate with liberal
amounts of WD40(easier if you jack up the rear end)
3) Spray the jack bracket with WD40
4) Spray every suspension bush for good measure

Note: I have driven the car 9,000 km since this treatment back in late March
and the only noise I have ever heard is a periodic squeal from the speed
limiting device which is fitted to the front passenger seat.



Cheers,

David
MY02 STI Blue
STI 02L"

[Edited by BruceWarne - 8/8/2002 6:15:33 AM]

Thanks very much, Bruce. Trouble is, mine (at least, and by the sound of it most others) is a rattle (i.e knocking together of two surfaces) rather than an abrasion (i.e. "squeak", curable by lubrication). And at least two STiUKs have had topmounts replaced without cure. So,the jury's out on WD40 for the moment, I guess, until it's been tried over here.

For all the afflicted Message from IM yesterday was the same as ever.... the factory are working on it! As it was a call-back on my answerphone I wasn't able to ask the supplementary ".... and under what pressure from IM, please??":(

Cheers,

Phil

Phil

Talked to Mr Sherwood today (8/8/02), he tells me that the factory have found the problem, but the solution is difficult.

They are looking to see what the easist solution for IM/dealers to implement is.

Personally I reckon that what I was told is a load of bollox, and that was todays story just to get me off the phone, hope i'm wrong though.

By the way Phil, bad luck in Bisley. Our man is pretty good.


Shaun

Hi guys,

Yup, my sound is a 'clunk' definately not a squeak...can even feel it go 'clunk' ....think I will just have to get used to it and live with it....just hope it is nothing dangerous :(

Good luck my friends :)

Cheers,
Ray

Subaru UK are driving my car next friday 16th, will report back then...

Really Urgent, then, Chris!!! :(:(:( (or perhaps your car ain't available before then??)

Urban: Yep, and he did it again in the individual!! Dave is probably the best in the world at the event, and has been for a number of years. His individual shoot was awesome.... reminds me of when I was young;);)

Phil
edit for a wrong smiley

[Edited by Phil Harrison - 8/8/2002 6:24:57 PM]

Phil,
Just to keep you updated, nearside shock changed yesterday (thurs) and the knock is worse :( , I can now hear it when I reverse off the drive :( and I havent had that before . The dealer is going to have another go at IM, by the way they have told me that they have the same problem on a UK 300 :eek:

Cheers Steve.

Nada new updates anyone ??

Cheers,
Ray

Dealer got nowt from Regional Director on Monday. I'll call Sherwood again tomorrow.....

Phil

Its seems ive found the right thread then :) But my problem is in the front drivers side, same clunking noise as your all describing. My car was bought less than a week ago, about 100 miles away and its an import. So that leaves me in a great position. Im sure (knowing my luck the Warrenty wont cover the strut replacement) which is what my local garage says is required and I bet the Dealer I bought the car from dont want to know either. I bought one of these cars so that I wouldnt have to spend more time underneath it than driving it. :(
When I was told the strut I couldnt believe it, I thought how could it be the strut surely its more likely to be the damper/shocker which is inside. Or at least it is in regular everyday cars, why would the whole strut need replacing ? They arent working/moving parts its the shocker inside and the spring that does the work and the strut just holds it in place right ??
Im looking at £300 for a new one. ****ing unbelievable this **** is !!! I dont care if the car is used or new, grrr im rageing about this.
Anyone else get this on the front or on a Jap car ??

Commiserations, Jaay. 'Fraid its the downside of buying an import - not that those of us who've paid through the nose for, among other things, a warranty, are much better off!!

All I can say is; every single car on this (and the other three threads which have addressed the topic) has the problem NSR, always at low speeds, ofen made worse by cornering or reversing at the time. Can't comment on the technical side..... I put the right fluids in the right holes, turn the key and boot it!!! ;) keep your eye on this thread??

For the others Sherwood out of office 'til Tuesday!

Phil

Good news is the Gargage said they would replace the Strut, I will have to drive a fair distance but fingers crossed.
Ill keep you peeps posted on the outcome, should know by Wednesday.

The dealer has FIXED mine. :D :D

Now before everyone starts I know this will not be the fix for everyone but my dealer (Oaken Wolverhampton) who have been as good as gold over the whole issue seem to have fixed my problem.

Firstly after a long wait due to back order in Japan they changed the near side shock and that seemed to make the noise at very slow speeds, worse, :( within 5 days they had the regional service engineer out and spent a day pushing the car backward and forwards over drains, driving around the compound with someone in the boot, ripped out various interior bits and pieces, and eventually found that the 2 upright bars between the back seat and boot lining that supports the rear shelf, were lose. I must say that the noise didnt sound like it was comming from this area, it definitely sounded like it was comming from the nearside shocker area, but it has cured it. :) :)

Having talked to the service manager in great depth about the problem, he has agreed that this may not be the answer to everyone's noise problem he is aware of possible shocker / top mount and spot weld issues but this fix will cure some.
IM are aware and I think may be issuing a bulletin to dealers.

Hope this is some help and I repeat before I get flamed it wont cure everyones problem but may help some of you.
The fix was completed last Tuesday (13th) and I have had no problems since :cool:

Cheers Steve :cool:

aha...worth a try...you don't perhaps have a pic of the offending parts?

Bruce,
Sorry m8 I dont have a picture, but if you look inside the boot, high up underneath the back shelf, either side of the Ski hatch you will see the offending ends of the bolts sticking out :eek: , and you can just see the brackets running down behind the carpet. Of course they cannot be tightened from this side ;), you have to remove the back seat to do that. Hope that helps

Cheers Steve :cool:

Guys

Just happened to be telling my dealer that I have been ringing John Sherwood over this. I cannot post their repsonse, but can tell you that Mr Sherwood is not the correct person to talk to. We need to be speaking with a Mr John Baker who is head of technical.

Needless to say I have rang him, he is on another call at present and will be calling me back.


Shaun

Although my rattle problem was the front I have now found out it is a worn drivers side driveshaft rather than a duff strut as mentioned by my local dealer. Firstly I am happy because at last the wheels of correction are now moving but what really gets my goat is no matter where you take it Subaru, import specialist etc there just not interested.
Anyway still a quick question Id like to ask, if the shaft is worn worn, wont the 'female end (engine) be worn too or is this made of steel and the shafts alu or am I just talkin pish. I suppose I will know when the part comes but im prety impatient!! and although they didnt say it I wouldnt of thought it qould be a good idea to drive it. Guess I better phone and ask tomorrow but if anyone has any ideas ???

Moan Grumble winge..... More time under the car than in it, Winge Grumble moan......

Spoke to IM today. Looks like they're endorsing the Oaken approach, and will be circulating dealers next week. Hopefully the end is in sight......

Phil

Phil please could you clarify - have they fianlly sorted this out? I had the rear shocker replaced to no avail. Have written to IM & spoken a few times. What have they decided the problem is.

Many thanks

Mark

Mark - see first post on this page (p5) reporting the 'fix' achieved by Oakens..... some internal strutwork below the Parcel Shelf as I understand it. Funny thing is..... there was an early suggestion on one of the original threads that the parcel shelf wasn't tight and many of us checked it....it just seems that the problem isn't quite at the easily-accessible point which we all checked!

Cheers,

Phil

Phil/Mark

I spoke to John Baker last thursday (22nd), he said that the Oaken fix seemed to work on a few cars, but they had not issued anything to dealers, nor were they going to until this week as the technical Director - Phil Evans (I think) is on holidays.

My car is going to the dealers today (26th) to have the problem looked at.

Here hoping.............


Shaun

I have tighened the two upright bars behind the seat - not too difficult to get at with a closed headspanner (12mm).

The bolts where actually quite loose!!!!....which I was delighed to find... first road test...... knock knock knock :(

The two bars ain't the fix.

I'm pretty convinced that its the shock absorber / or roll bar - something around there anyway.

Sorry I couldn't be the bearer of good news!