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2023 Subaru Outback — rear end still feels floaty after new shocks

HybridDetailer875Community StarterJul 6, 20262023 Subaru Outback WildernessChicago
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, about 30,000 miles. Shocks were replaced and there are no obvious loose parts, but the rear still feels vague over highway undulations. What alignment, bushing, tire or installation issues could mimic worn dampers?
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6 replies

OldSchoolShopperCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 7, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Subaru Outback if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “rear end still feels floaty after new,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Only after sitting overnight so far.
SunBeltGarage401Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 8, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2023 Subaru Outback, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. I'll poke at it this weekend.
NewCarTuner625Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 7, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Subaru Outback, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
NewCarTuner625Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 7, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Subaru Outback, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
HybridDetailer360Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 8, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Capture voltage while the 2023 Subaru Outback is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Save the big job until that test fails. On “rear end still feels floaty after new,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Any freeze-frame data saved? I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
FlatSixMechanicish898Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 8, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2023 Subaru Outback is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
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