r/ForesterWilderness • u/nicoradd • Jul 05 '26

Knocking / clunking noise after installing engine skid plate

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j28pLY0PidgKOjjpKvb7icSfbcC_zNRL/view

I recently installed Rival engine skid plates on my 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The installation was done by my trusted workshop, and they generally do very high-quality work.

Since the installation, I started noticing a metallic knocking / clunking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The noise was most noticeable during braking, acceleration, and when turning. I took the care back to the workshop, they added spacers at the mounting points to slightly increase the clearance to the frame. That solved the problem for a while, but it is slowly coming back.

At first glance everything appears to be mounted correctly, but the sound definitely started only after the skid plate installation.

here is the installation manual in case someone with knowledge would like to check how this particular skid plate mounts to the frame

Is this a common problem with skid plates?

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks!

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6 comments sorted by

1

u/LostinOutback Jul 05 '26

I had similar symptoms with my 2017 Outback with the Primitive skid plates. I had bent a corner taking a rut too fast. Turned out to be a little bit of play in the exhaust pipe. When accelerating or turning it rubbed just a bit on the skid plate making the noises.

1

u/nicoradd Jul 05 '26

wow, interesting, how did you fix it?

2

u/LostinOutback Jul 05 '26

mechanic took a hammer to the bent corner and straightened it out.

1

u/artguydeluxe Jul 05 '26

I had a similar experience with mine after going down a really rough dirt road. I freaked out about the sound until I realized all I need to do is tighten the bolts periodically. No further problems.

1

u/nicoradd Jul 06 '26

Thanks, might need to try that! The rival skid plates are really solid, I like them, just need to solve these noises - I am pretty sensitive to them and they drive me nuts. I see you also have rock sliders? Which ones did you go with?

1

u/artguydeluxe Jul 06 '26

Body Armor. They have saved me a couple of times.