Impreza Wagon - Rear Shocks and Throttle

[mlatham]

I think the rear shocks on my wagon are on their way out. I've noticed the driver side feels like it's sticking. Doesn't happen all the time but noticing it more and more now. Odd feeling to describe, but like the car is dropping or settling at the right rear when coming to a standstill or pulling away and the ride is sometimes jiggly / unsettled. Has anyone else had this? Reading round it seems like rear shocks are a known weak point. Any suggestions on best replacements?

Also, I've noticed the throttle has become a bit notchy, which makes it hard to apply the throttle smoothly. It's not as noticeable in 3rd, 4th or 5th but in 1st or second, at low speeds or in start stop traffic it's quite apparent there is a stickiness to it. Could this be as simple as a new throttle cable to sort? I've tried lubricating the spring on the accelerator pedal and whilst this cured the slight squeak, it hasn't helped the notchiness. There doesn't appear to be anything at the engine end that's causing it - the mechanism feels like it moves smoothly. Again anyone had anything similar?

Cheers

[vxr2010]

if yours is a cable fatter than fly by wire try changing the cable , shocks i know on the sti can get stuck , i assume same issue on a wrx , they can be rebuilt with added bleed nipples it is on Youtube , or new suspension time , maybe coilovers , i have Tein basics on my wagon then BC on the other two , Tein is about 505£ and is a not overly hard compliant ride

[TEKNOPUG]

What year car? STi and later WRX (2005+?) have inverted struts and these are liable to knock. Less so with the non-inverted shocks.

KYB Excel-Gs are the cheapest option. I didn't find that the quality was great and they are pretty shot after 35k. Koni inserts are a better albeit more expensive option. A lot depends upon which model you have, which springs etc.

[mlatham]

Thanks both. It's a 2005 WRX.

I will have a look for the KYB struts. Any idea where's best to get them from? Anything else needed e.g. top mounts?

[Konan]

My thread on scoobynet with part codes here. This is for switching to the older 03/04 shocks, which are cheaper and might last more than 30,000 miles...

https://www.scoobynet.com/suspension-12/971353-05-...

Since doing this - I've done a similar job on some fronts and I *think* a KYB protection may contain the bump stops at a less ridiculous price.