2016 Subaru Forester XT Touring Exhaust Rattle After Hitch Install

Updated 07/01/2019 | Published 06/30/2019

Question:

I seem to have the same issue as another customer here with their Forester. I just received and installed the hitch and I am hearing vibrations similar to droning and it’s because the exhaust hangers are sitting right against the welded gussets. It’s really apparent at cold idle and low acceleration in the 20-50 mph range. It’s unfortunate if we would have to make some sort modification to the stock equipment to get the hitch fitted right without affecting the ride quality. I also received the hitch with some damage to the finish, scratched to the bare metal. The hitch might need to be wrapped entirely to protect the finish. I didn’t want to return it because it would have been a hassle and nothing a little touch up paint wont cure. It’s hidden and don’t care much but I want to at least protect it from rust where possible. I also can’t rate the equipment on the site for some reason but thus far before having to actually use it, I would rate it a 3-4 because of the fitment and the condition it came in. Otherwise it appears to have solid functioning quality. More to come after initial use. I do like your service and customer response etrailer, that deserves a 5.

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

Exhaust rattling against a trailer hitch is a common occurrence but it is easily fixed although it does require a bit of modification. Exhaust pipes and mufflers hang on rubber isolators. The hangers can usually be manipulated to gain more clearance between the exhaust and the hitch. Or you can source different length isolators and go with ones that allow the exhaust to have the needed clearance. I have included a link to the right that covers the different fixes for this problem.

Heavy metal stuff like hitches are pretty hard to get to survive through shipping. I do wish they were wrapped like you said.

expert reply by: Jameson C