Leaky front suspension bushing

M

Mike Bender

Hi group!

While I was under my 2003 Subaru Forester this afternoon changing the
oil and surgically removing the latest piece of exaust shielding that was
rattling, I noticed that the rear bushing on right side control arm was
leaking a sticky fluid. Upon consulting my shop manual and the interweb, I
was mildly surprised to discover that these bushings are filled with some
mystery fluid for reasons only Subaru knows (I've never seen a fluid filled
bushing in all the import and domestic US vehicles I've driven/worked on in
the last 30+ years). Anyway, the reason for my post:

How long can I safely drive the car with the rear control arm bushing
leaking this goo? I'll probably be forced to replace it for my next safety
inspection in April 2011, but if this is presenting a major saftey issue,
I'll get it replaced ASAP. If, however, the only downside to leaving it be
will be a sticky spot under my car and a potentially noisy suspension, I'll
let it go until next year.

Ad<thanx>vance for any constructive comments or opinions.

- Snuffy -
 
Hi group!

        While I was under my 2003 Subaru Forester this afternoon changing the
oil and surgically removing the latest piece of exaust shielding that was
rattling, I noticed that the rear bushing on right side control arm was
leaking a sticky fluid. Upon consulting my shop manual and the interweb, I
was mildly surprised to discover that these bushings are filled with some
mystery fluid for reasons only Subaru knows (I've never seen a fluid filled
bushing in all the import and domestic US vehicles I've driven/worked on in
the last 30+ years). Anyway, the reason for my post:

How long can I safely drive the car with the rear control arm bushing
leaking this goo? I'll probably be forced to replace it for my next safety
inspection in April 2011, but if this is presenting a major saftey issue,
I'll get it replaced ASAP. If, however, the only downside to leaving it be
will be a sticky spot under my car and a potentially noisy suspension, I'll
let it go until next year.

Ad<thanx>vance for any constructive comments or opinions.

 - Snuffy -

wow, ill have to research that, I have never seen one leak.
Anyway, many vehicles use fluid filled motor mounts and other stuff,
from back in the 90's
 
wow, ill have to research that, I have never seen one leak.
Anyway, many vehicles use fluid filled motor mounts and other stuff,
from back in the 90's

yeah, I was wondering if it could just be some tar picked up from the
road - or perhaps some grease thrown out of a split CV joint boot.

Carl
 
yeah, I was wondering if it could just be some tar picked up from the
road - or perhaps some grease thrown out of a split CV joint boot.

Carl

Yeah, that's what I thought originally. Here's the excerpt from the shop
manual section on periodic suspension maintenance that convinced me:

"2.TRANSVERSE LINK’S REAR BUSHING
Check oil leaks at around liquid-filled bushing. If oil
leaks, replace the bushing. "

The goo is gray in color and very sticky with absolutely no odor. My
closest guess is some kind of silicone oil.

I can accept a fluid filled motor mount where engine vibration isolation
is important. But a fluid filled suspension bushing? I can't see what
purpose that would serve other than to make the handling mushier than it
needs to be.

I haven't detected any unusual noises (squeaks, thunks etc.) from the
suspension, so I'm beginning to think this repair may not be urgent.
Maybe I'll try some solvent to clean away the goo and see if more comes
back just to make sure.

- Snuffy -
 

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