Common Symptoms Indicating Worn Subaru Legacy Struts
The struts on your car are very crucial suspension components. They play different important functions such as reducing the vehicle bounce when you drive through a bumpy road. They are also responsible for evenly distributing the car's body weight. However, just like most suspension components, the struts are subject to constant vibrations and stresses from the road and your car. Because of these, the parts wear over time. Following are signs that tell you to check or replace the struts:
Worn tires
Worn struts tend to lose their ability to absorb pressure. These struts result in excessive bouncing. Apparently, the struts are also responsible for pushing the wheels toward the ground. Worn struts are not able to do this. Because of this, the wheels do not make constant contact with the road. As a result, the tires wear out easily as manifested through cupping patterns and balding spots on the tires.
Uncomfortable ride
One of the main functions of the suspension system is to provide the driver and passengers a comfortable ride despite rough roads. When you notice that your car has been bouncing excessively with the slightest road bump, the struts are failing. Because worn struts could not absorb the vibrations from rough roads, the vibrations are transferred onto the car body. Another common issue with worn struts is when your car nose dives when you brake. Once you experience these annoying symptoms, check the struts and have them immediately replaced.
Oil leak
You may not be aware of it, but the Subaru Legacy struts contain oil that assists in their many functions. When the metal exteriors of the struts are damaged, they are very likely to develop leaks wherein the oil escapes from the struts. Leaks may also be caused by damaged seals on the struts. When you notice leaking oil, check the struts and replace them if necessary.
Rattling sound
Since your car is made of different metal components, various rattling noises may come from various parts of the vehicle. In the case of the struts, a rattling sound indicates that it does not contain enough oil anymore. Because of the lack in oil, the top and bottom parts of the struts hit each other and produce the rattling sound. This is a clear sign that you need to replace them with brand new Subaru Legacy struts.