clunk clunk when turning sharply

[Chicobiker]

Hello all.

I have a symptom that I can't place and I thought I would throw it out
here.

My car (2003 Outback Sport, 5spd, 140,000kms) clunks rather harshly
when I turn sharply.

The clunking does not sound like the CV joints on my old Honda. The
clunking is somewhat speed dependant, but also at the same speed but a
tighter circle, the clunking speed increases. I can feel the
clunking, not just sound. The clunking occurs even when I coast in a
circle, not applying any engine power. The clunking does not occur if
I am not moving. It occurs for about the last half turn of the
steering wheel at both limits (left or right turns). It started about
a month ago, went away, but seems worse today. The tires are not
rubbing against any part of the wheel well. No marks on the tires.
The sounds appears to come from the front, but as with sounds it is
hard to tell for sure.

Any ideas?

 

[D&SW]

My money's on a bad CV joint.

 

[ujduche]

If you feel the vibration in the steering wheel, I'm going to say it's the
front differential.

I have almost the exact same symptoms you are describing. I needed to
replace my front axles anyway because both of the inner CV joints were
failing and I suspected this was causing the problem.

After replacing the front axle assemblies, the problem remained, so I change
the front gearbox/diff fluid. No difference.

The only thing left is the front differential. It only does it when the
steering wheel is near steering lock (either left or right), the vibration
frequency is directly related to speed of travel, the intensity is related
to steering wheel position (the tighter the turn, the stronger the
vibration), and it does it regardless if it's in gear or not. And I notice
it a lot more when the car is hot.

I've got a USDM 2003 Impreza WRX 5 speed, with about 86k miles on it.

 

[Todd H.]

Hello all.

I have a symptom that I can't place and I thought I would throw it out
here.

My car (2003 Outback Sport, 5spd, 140,000kms) clunks rather harshly
when I turn sharply.

The clunking does not sound like the CV joints on my old Honda. The
clunking is somewhat speed dependant, but also at the same speed but a
tighter circle, the clunking speed increases. I can feel the
clunking, not just sound. The clunking occurs even when I coast in a
circle, not applying any engine power. The clunking does not occur if
I am not moving. It occurs for about the last half turn of the
steering wheel at both limits (left or right turns). It started about
a month ago, went away, but seems worse today. The tires are not
rubbing against any part of the wheel well. No marks on the tires.
The sounds appears to come from the front, but as with sounds it is
hard to tell for sure.

Any ideas?

Different car, different sound. My money's on CV joint.

Can you find evidence of a split boot or grease thrown out of a broken
boot?

 

[Chicobiker]

The only thing left is the front differential. It only does it when the
steering wheel is near steering lock (either left or right), the vibration
frequency is directly related to speed of travel, the intensity is related
to steering wheel position (the tighter the turn, the stronger the
vibration), and it does it regardless if it's in gear or not. And I notice
it a lot more when the car is hot.

Yes! Only when the car is hot! It was fine this morning. I'm going
to take it for a little drive after work to heat it up and see if the
clunking returns.

The service dept at local Subaru is hesitant to call it a CV joint
because it does not appear to be present when the car is cold. They
can only look at it next Tuesday.

I don't like the sounds of this ...

 

[Chicobiker]

Diasnosis is a center diff. $1000 plus 5hrs labour

Oh, and one of my rear struts is leaking. Another $600 to replace
both struts with aftermarket ones.

Oh, and my timing belt is coming up soon. Another $800.

Great.

I need to drive about 5000kms next week, and they won't be able to get
the part in time let alone replace it. Highway driving should not
stress the center diff right?

Chico

 

[Rob1066]

Diasnosis is a center diff. $1000 plus 5hrs labour

Oh, and one of my rear struts is leaking. Another $600 to replace
both struts with aftermarket ones.

Oh, and my timing belt is coming up soon. Another $800.

Great.

I need to drive about 5000kms next week, and they won't be able to get
the part in time let alone replace it. Highway driving should not
stress the center diff right?

Chico

Ah yes the old torque-bind problem. Happened to my Forester at 95K
$1650 when all was said and done (new center diff, 4 new tires) a real
bummer. But it did fix the problem. I don't want to speak to your
question, tho, for I don't want to offer ill-informed advice. But the
diagnoses is right on, IMHO.