Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2018 Subaru WRX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Front Strut: Inspection: Strut
- Check for oil leaks.
- Move the piston rod up and down to check that it operates smoothly without any hitch.
- Check the piston rod runout.
Preparation tool:
Dial gauge
- Fix the outer shell.
- Extend the piston rod until it stops retracting, and set the dial gauge at the L position from the end of the piston rod.
Measuring point:
L = 10 mm (0.39 in)
- While applying a force of W [20 N (2 kgf, 4 lbf)] to the arrowed area, read the dial gauge indication P1 .
- While applying a force of W2
20 N (2 kgf, 4 lbf) from the opposite side of W1
, read the dial gauge indication P2
.
Play limit (P1 + P2 ): 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
- Replace the strut if faulty is found in the inspection or limit value is exceeded.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.