Wheel clunk but only when car has been driven 30 minutes plus

[todd]

Hi I have a mystery problem and wondering if anyone else has had it and hopefully diagnosed and repaired it. When the wheel is all the way turned and I am moving at low speed, (like during parallel parking). The car (I think the wheels) make an intense clunking. It only happens after I have been driving for 30 minutes plus and seems to get more intense if I have been driving for longer. Just took a trip and it got really terrible. Arrived at my destination on Sunday night and took it to be looked at first thing Monday morning Of course it had cooled by that point and they couldn't get it to replicate the clunking. They checked all front end parts though and all look good. Any ideas? Is it a computer thing or something with the differential? Obviously the thing to do is to drive it for a while and then bring it to someone but I am not sure what they we physically see and dont want to replace wrong parts in the hunt for finding the problem. It is so specific I thought maybe some other 2019 Crosstrek (Manual transmission) owner might have experienced the same. may thanks

 

[Jo Harris]

Hi Todd
We have a similar problem with our manual Outback 2009 and cannot find any answers. Have had the CV joints replaced, suspension lower control arms and suspension sway bar link set and had a wheel alignment. Front end feels better when driving but clunking remains but maybe slightly reduced. Have you had any joy solving your issue.

 

[bmart]

Does this model have the viscous coupling?

 

[Jo Harris]

I don't know, sorry, and can't find any documentation we have to help. It's a 5-speed manual, does that help?

 

[bmart]

The 2009 outback has one for sure. It is effectively a clutch between the front and rear drive. They grenade if the tire PSI variance across tires is too far off for any length of time or when the tires aren't the same physical size (not sidewall size). This is why AWD normally gets 4 new tires and not less...or some get shaved to match.

If Al gore is right, the same system is in the Crosstrek.

 

[Jo Harris]

So you think that it might be the Outback's viscous coupling which could be causing the "clunking" sound while parking after a long-ish drive? Maybe "vicious coupling" would be a better name.
I'll get our mechanic to cheaply check (if possible) and give us a quote.
Thanks very much bmart for your thoughts.
Jo
Australia

 

[bmart]

Normally makes noise when wheel is turned if it is bad. A noise like you describe shouldn't be difficult to diagnose.