2006 Subaru Forester chatters in low speed turns

5

Asked by GuruR7TY6 Feb 17, 2020 at 08:38 AM about the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently acquired a 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5x (LLB Edition) with mileage at 150,000. During low speed turns (i.e. entering a driveway), the front end chatters and makes a light groaning sound. No warning lights showing on the dash. I discovered a broken radial belt in the left front tire, so I purchased four new tires but the problem persists. All fluids are fine. My transmission mechanic says there is nothing wrong with the AWD, which makes me wonder about the ABS. Any suggestions?

4 Answers

103,205

Sounds like a bad sway bar link. They tend to "groan" when bad. They are also a fairly easy and cheap part to replace. Google "sway bar links symptoms" and see if this matches your symptoms.

The ABS does not engage when turning, only if you are applying the brakes in slippery conditions.

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Ken F - My mechanic just checked the sway bar links and says they are good. F_O_R - Thanks for that tidbit. Any other thoughts? My husband is a Land Rover junkie, so he's not very helpful with my Subie. ;)

5

One other thought: my mechanic just mentioned a power steering fluid leak. Could a power steering fluid issue cause the car to feel like it's in 4WD when turning at low speed? There are no steering issues or noises at other speeds. Many thanks...I feel like you guys are my 'sanity link'.

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