WRX Rear Shocks

[markcp]

Hi,

I've got an 05 WRX and the rear shocks sound like they're failing and knocking.

I've read that its possible to install a grease nipple to ensure that they can be regularly regreased which may resolve the issue.

My questions are is this a worthwhile job and is it reasonably straightforward for a competent(ish)! DIYer?

Thanks,

[Mr Taxpayer]

I have an 05 Impreza WRX wagon. The rear shocks were changed under warranty at 30k miles. I've owned the car since 60k (April 2013) and it's currently on 87,000 and has been my daily drive since purchase.

If you search 'Impreza Rear Shocks' on tinternet; on one of the forums, someone has posted a photo sequence and full instructions of removing the rear strut and fitting the grease nipple. Here's a pdf of the workshop manual http://ken-gilbert.com/impreza-manuals

I'm a competent mechanic but don't have the time or facilty. I wait till I notice the sticking and just jack the car up, lift the rubber gaiter and suirt lithium grease on the shiny bits. I'll be doing it again next week when I put the wheels with winter tyres on. I've done it about 4 times since I've had the car so about every 5k miles.

[ohtari]

The re-greasing really only applies to the inverted style sti shocks, not wrx ones.

Just realised that the 05+ WRX models had the inverted shocks!

Mine failed last winter, and I replaced them with kyb excel-g ones. An easy enough swap (on the wagon at least), but you might have issues with the lower bolts mounting the strut to the hub. One on mine was so badly seized that I had to cut it off and replace it with a new one from the dealer.

Edited by ohtari on Wednesday 8th October 20:26

[mmcd87]

I did the whole stripping down and re-grease of the shocks. It worked ok for about a few months but then the shocks totally failed anyways. Car had only done 30k miles. I replaced all 4 with the excel-g ones from Camskill.