I had popping in the rear also on my 2004. After countless hours
searching newsgroups the consensus is it is common for the rear
struts of that year to do this. Before you have them replaced do
what I did. Jack up the rear of the car and remove the wheel - let
the strut completely extend and liberally apply waterproof grease o
the strut shaft. Do both sides - my popping is gone. Have read this
works for most people as the struts lose their grease and start to
bind/pop.

$10 and some time might do the trick...


--- In subaruimprezawrxsti@yahoogroups.com, "Kevin Journey"
<kjourney@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone had a problem with a popping noise in the rear as the
outside temperture gets above 70? The local dealer said it was the
rear trailing arm bushings and milked me for $500 that did not fix
the problem. Now they want me to replace the struts at $350 a piece.
No guarantee that it will fix the problem.
>
> It happens worse when you are turning at speeds below 20mph. I
figured I would install the Tien struts if the factory ones are bad.
>
> I also have a popping noise on occasion in the area of the front
passenger tire when turning.
>
> Any suggestions as I do not feel I have a competent Subaru
mechanic in the area.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>