Repair to Subaru Outback....

[Thermo1223]

See this thread for the lead up;

Thread 'Daughter got first car....daughter also had first car accident. :('

Feb 25, 2025

I had a post all typed out how my in-laws happened upon a cherry of a used car.

2009 Subaru Outback A4 /165k

The guy was meticulous about maintenance, writing everything in paint marker under the hood. I never got to meet him as my in-laws were paying for the car and did all the talking. Alas that will be a different thread.

Needless to say my daughter is scared, horrified, and feel they will disown her. My wife was in the car at the time and feels equally. There was no cell phone involved and it was just a case of anxiety and jitters which my daughter takes meds for anyway. I am not...

• Thermo1223
• Replies: 53
• Forum: Automotive General Topics

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Just from a short look during the rain yesterday it seems the strut took the brunt of the mechanical damage. I didn't see anything else bent or broken however after replacing the strut I'll know for sure.

Already ordered a Quick Strut from RockAuto and am looking for a fender from the yards as well. You can see the paint marker, the guy was meticulous.

 

[JoelB]

You'd be pretty lucky if it was just the strut. I'd imagine at least 1 other component would have bent along with it. Possibly that lower control arm.

 

[97prizm]

When I see that I automatically think rebuilt vehicle as body shops junkyards mark like that. I've never seen someone actually write out repairs on the actual vehicle.

 

[IndyIan]

Wow, that is quite the maintenance keeping! When my car took frame bending hit(writing it off totally), I think the strut on that corner was still fine, it is straight at least.
The a-arm folded on my car sure folded though, and I'd probably replace yours anyways if the strut got bent. Also probably the outer tie rod end on the steering, just cheap insurance on a daughters car.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Subies are known for wheel bearing issues. You may want to replace both sides proactively while your in there.

 

[KrisZ]

The LCA bushing looks shot, but it’s hard to tell from your picture

 

[Thermo1223]

The LCA bushing looks shot, but it’s hard to tell from your picture

View attachment 265445

I noticed that as well. On the list.

Based on the other side and the way the wheel walked back and forth in the well and the obvious look at the strut mount I know that is a problem. Once I can eliminate that I can check everything else.

 

[Thermo1223]

When I see that I automatically think rebuilt vehicle as body shops junkyards mark like that. I've never seen someone actually write out repairs on the actual vehicle.

I have a stack of invoices for repairs & parts. He even used Amsoil on the last oil change.

 

[Pelican]

I would NOT change just that one strut, Struts are to work in pairs you'll need to also change the other strut.
If you really want to take a risk AT LEAST use the same brand as the good strut.

 

[Thermo1223]

I would NOT change just that one strut, Struts are to work in pairs you'll need to also change the other strut.
If you really want to take a risk AT LEAST use the same brand as the good strut.

Well considering it was changed 50k ago I'm not too worried about that right now.

 

[Pelican]

Well considering it was changed 50k ago I'm not too worried about that right now.

Gee I missed the date of your OP Well at least no mishaps!

 

[Thermo1223]

Gee I missed the date of your OP Well at least no mishaps!

No worries, I went through the invoices and weirdly he didn't use quick struts. He got cheap KYB's and then springs from Rallitek. To build his own package vs buying them pre-assembled from Rallitek. I am saving the spring and during the warmer weather will replace the other strut just to keep it even.