I've had my lib 3.0RB for a few months now, and have upgraded to Whiteline sway bars and ALK, but I've always had a loud knocking noise coming from the Driver's side front suspension when taking mainly slower speed corners (even before the Whiteline stuff).
The issue is most noticeable when going straight through roundabouts/chicanes where one side of the suspension is loaded then it shifts to the other side when exiting. It's not a consistent noise on a set interval (i.e. not related to road speed).
I've searched the forums and seen suggestions about:
- Replacing the top hat of the strut
- Checking the swaybar bushings are greased, end-links are tight etc
- Making sure the spring is seated properly into the "boot"
- Rang up Quadrant Automotive Suspensions in Burwood, VIC and they said it was a common problem with Subaru and that it was an issue with the bearing in axle struts. They recommended changing both bearings $196 each plus $200 to remove and refit everything including alignment. That seems excessive given that through the forums there are essentially new struts and springs for $500
My question is though, are the bearings in the axle struts part of the Bilstein struts/springs?
What have other people done to fix this seemingly common issue?
Where should I start my troubleshooting. Don't want to spend money unnecessarily of course.
Any advice is much appreciated