Why do I get such a loud THUMP when I hit small bumps?

[ericem]

Hey, i was wondering what is the issue. Is it im getting play somewhere? I have struts but never installed them yet. But my old struts are not bouncy yet. So im guessing i better replace the top-hats. Anything else i should be replacing? and inspect ATM? I mean it seems very loud, and i have NO low profile wheels, just stock 14" steelies.

Also wondering about which tops hats to get. Should i just get the OEM ones? or get the ones used on STi? I remember seeing them on SubaruGenuineParts.com I think they were called Group N Top-Hats. According to the description it said they improve handling,and ride?

[Arctic Assassian]

same thing happens to me, and pretty much everyone else that owns a subaru. For me its my left rear, and my buddie tells me that when I hit a bump, my wheel keeps bouncing for a few feet after I hit like a sewer drain. I've been suspecting the top hats, but I'm sure if you do a search for strut clunk, you'll find something.

[Bheinen74]

loose top nut on the strut?

[ericem]

loose top nut on the strut?

thats what i was thinking! ill check thanks, anyone have torque specs? or is tighning it down as much as humanly possible the torque spec?

[ericem]

Checked its all good. dang. now i have the struts and springs. What else should i buy to restore my suspension?

[Arctic Assassian]

did you freaking search? I told you to search. This topic has been covered more thimes than you know. Stop being lazy and search.

[jamal]

Eric check the tops. You have a wagon so it will be extra easy. Up front, just pull off the little boot in the center of the top and see that the strut looks like it is being held in place by the bearing. maybe bounce the car and have someone turn the wheel to see if there is any play or motion in the top. In the rear you just pull the speaker covers off I think.

For me its my left rear, and my buddie tells me that when I hit a bump, my wheel keeps bouncing for a few feet after I hit like a sewer drain.

That is a very sure sign of a strut that is not working, either because it is blown or no longer attached to the top. Most likely a blown strut though.

I don't think clunking is something that is common on a Subaru at all. Well, not one in good working order, anyway. The only clunks I've gotten were when my solid endlinks needed some grease.

[Arctic Assassian]

I know that Sti's do develop a cluck from the rear after they have been rallied, or even driven hard in gravel, but yes, my strut is fully blown. I figured it out and now I'm looking for some 98 outback wagon springs. I'll always want another 4 inches!

[jamal]

my STi rear struts recently got a bit clunky. The problem is that the inverted shaft is so huge that keeping it lubricated is tough. They bind up a bit at slow speeds and make kind of a dull popping sound. I jacked up the car, wiped off the shaft, and smeared some Mobil Synthetic grease on them, and have had no problems for the last few months. I'd say they have at least 25k on them now (bought them with 5k 2 years ago).

[Bosco]

Why do I get such a loud THUMP when I hit small bumps

I had a similar issue until earlier today. It was coming from the front driver's side.
I had checked my brakes, struts, axles, and ball-joints multiple times. All were fine.
I finally figured out it was the large bolt that stabs through the center of the rear-most control arm bushing.
I tightened the nut about 1/3 of a turn and it completely cleared up the very annoying clunking that had been causing me grief for a long time.

[ericem]

I will check that, could always be more quiete