2009 Outback with leaking struts

[BlueSoob]

It doesn't seem to be a common problem on a car with 55,000 miles. But I took it in for my dealer (convenient) oil change and they told me that I had a leaking strut on the front. They wanted something to the tune of 450$ to fix the two front ones.

Thinking (WTF?) that someone's nephew was working there and wanted to save the day (or bring in some money for the business), I took it to a friend of mine that owns an alignment/tire shop. The tech there said told me that I didn't have a leaking strut, I had 2 leaking struts and one in the rear that was showing wear.

Knowing this isn't technically covered under the 60k powertrain, I did a bit more research. Called around, asked other owners, etc.... (Mind you, this is my 8th subaru and never have I replaced struts until at least 120,000)

The best idea that I've been presented was to bring this issue up to the service manager. a couple of people told me that somewhere, somehow they can work crap like this into subaru warrenty/repair expense.

I know i drive the crap out of my car but I gurantee that 90% of my driving is freeway/back highway/non winter conditions.

I've had a clunking noise (when turning into a driveway for example) in the front since I purchased the car. I took it to three different places to have someone check it out but they never found anything and told me that it was normal and perhaps just an off camber turning angle)

My questions now:

1) anyone else had issues with struts on the newer outbacks / under 60k?

 

2) Has anyone had any luck getting help from their local service dealership for this?

 

3) would the "ka-thunk" noise be possibly related to the strut itself or installation?

 

I would just like to have some other ideas before I rip the crap out of someone. :-)

 

Please. Thank you.

The harmless bluesoob turned black soob - amanda

[bheinen74]

2005-2009 models had suspension problems from the get go when they had 0 miles.

 

go over to http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/

and join there.

honestly, in my most honest opinion, the 2005+ legacy/outback is garbage, when comparing to the older ones.

SOA was too busy trying to correct hg issues and never spent quality time, or put quality components into them.

 

Your previous 7 Subaurs were of good quality i bet, so i would be complaining to the dealer