2000 Subaru Impreza scrubbing sound in rear

2000 SUBARU IMPREZA
132,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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RJEATONW
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I have a 20 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Wagon and I get a scrubbing sound with a load in the back or a passenger in the backseat. It occurs on bumps, or at the bottom of a steep drive. Also at highway speed if there is a dip in the road. Lately it has begun doing it when cornering also. Almost always with a load in the back. (120lb dog) I can't see any marks in the wheel wells or on the mud guards. I did see a slight mark on what I think is the rear strut assy. Maybe the tire rubbed? Thing is I think it would be a more pronounced mark by now if it was that. I had the brakes serviced about 6 months ago, but it was doing this prior to that. Also got new tires on the same day.
Rear end doesn't bounce when I push down and release. Could struts be weak?
Jan 4, 2010 at 7:17 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Sounds like weak springs. Are they original? Are either broke?
Struts reduce the recovery and the springs maintain the height. So a stiff strut may be fine for bounce
control, but a weak spring will not keep the body up as well.

I would try to put the monster pooch in the back while someone else bouces it and you look to see for any sign of rubbing in that area you noticed...or other areas.

I would also be looking at the rear suspension for any bent, broke or worn components. There may be attachment points of the rear end that have let go.

JAck the rear end up. Try to force the wheel forward and backward and up and down to see if it moves at all. If so, watch underneath for where the movement is while the movement is being forced.
Jan 5, 2010 at 8:29 PM