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2020 Outback Rear Suspension Sag and Clunking Noise

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:15 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback Limited

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice on my 2020 Subaru Outback Limited. I've noticed lately that the rear end seems to be sagging, especially when I have passengers or cargo in the back. It's much lower than the front, which wasn't the case before.

On top of that, I've started hearing a noticeable clunking or knocking sound coming from the rear suspension whenever I go over bumps or uneven road surfaces. It's getting pretty annoying and makes me wonder if something serious is wrong.

Could this be worn shocks or springs already? The car only has about 60,000 miles on it. What should I be checking for? Any common issues with the Outback's rear suspension around this mileage?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:15 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing classic symptoms of worn rear suspension components on your 2020 Subaru Outback. While 60,000 miles might seem a bit early for major suspension wear, it's not unheard of, especially depending on driving conditions (e.g., frequent heavy loads, rough roads).

  1. Diagnosis:

    • Visual Inspection: Park your Outback on a level surface. Visually inspect the rear springs for any signs of breakage or extreme compression. Look at the shock absorbers for any leaks (oily residue) or physical damage. Also, check the condition of any rubber bushings (sway bar, control arms) for cracks or tears.
    • Bounce Test: Push down firmly on each rear corner of the car and release. If the car bounces more than 1-2 times before settling, the shock absorber is likely worn out.
    • Listen for Clunks: Try to pinpoint the source of the clunking. It could be loose sway bar links, worn control arm bushings, or even the top mounts of the shocks.

  2. Causes:

    • Worn Shock Absorbers/Struts: Over time, shocks lose their ability to dampen suspension movement, leading to excessive bouncing and potentially clunking if internal components are failing. This can contribute to sag.
    • Fatigued Coil Springs: Springs can lose their tension and height over time, especially with consistent loading. This directly causes the rear sag.
    • Worn Sway Bar Links/Bushings: These are common culprits for clunking noises over bumps. The rubber bushings can wear out, allowing metal-on-metal contact.
    • Worn Control Arm Bushings: Similar to sway bar bushings, worn control arm bushings can cause play and noise.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Soon: While not an immediate emergency, worn suspension components can affect handling, tire wear, and overall safety. It's advisable to have it inspected by a professional mechanic relatively soon.
    • For Replacement: Suspension work, especially involving springs and struts, often requires specialized tools (like spring compressors) and expertise to ensure proper installation and alignment afterward. A shop can correctly diagnose and replace the faulty components, restoring your Outback's ride quality and handling.
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