Front suspension ratle
Rattle seems to come from the front end, it is not the exhaust, I have already repaired those rattles. This noise is most prominent when I hit a bump driving in the city. Happens on straights or turns under braking or acceleration. I have about 120k mi on the car. Thanks
Cars & Trucks - Subaru - Outback - 2000 Subaru Outback
Answers & Comments
I think your (and my) Outback uses gas-filled shocks so the tell-tale signs of leakng fluid will not be visible.
Oddly, Haynes doesn't mention which is standard.
Try the 'bounce test,' it isn't conclusive but it may give you a clue as to whether you have a blown shock or not.
Push down firmly on each fender individually and let it rise suddenly.
Note how each corner responds, if a corner rises a little above static level, then falls back and stops, the shock is probably still functional.
If one or the other seems to bounce a little more than described, the shock is probably toast.
They should always be replaced in pairs.
120 K is a good run for any shocks; they mostly start to lose their function at half that mileage.