CV Boot-99 Forester

[Mark]

Nearly a couple of years ago I posted a query to this newsgroup on what
could be the source of a solid thumping (noise and physical feedback into
steering wheel) coming from the front end steering when making slow turns,
like into a parking space- usually after the car has been driven a number of
miles to get things warmed up. One suggestion was the viscous couplers. I
had our local mech check this out and they agreed that is was the viscous
coupler. Repair estimates ranged from $2K to $4K depending on rebuilding
the current trans or replacing with a used one. I didn't opt for either.
Then there was burning oil smell and I found that the right front CV boot
was ripped and spraying lube around. I had the CV boot and axle replaced for
around $180 and the thumping is now gone. Now it still may be the viscous
couplers because the weather is pretty cold now and I am not sure if that is
dampening out the thumping but after many miles and plenty of time to warm
things up the thumping is no longer there. Though I would update this forum.
Thanks for the helpful suggestions in the past. Mark

 

[johninKY]

Good to hear the problem has been resolved and it didn't cost an arm and
leg. Always a bad idea to tell a mechanic "i think the problem is...."
because if it is an expensive repair some mechanics will say "Yep, you
pinpointed it". I've been down that expensive road a few times.