My 2006 Impreza makes a chattering sound in the front end when making a turn in either direction. Dealer flushed transmission and added conditioner and that didn't help. What's next?
6 Answers
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 8 years ago
Probably a front half-shaft (CV/DOJ axle). If it's REALLY not an axle then probably the AWD transfer case inner bearings are too worn from age and old fluid to recover from just a flush and THEIR conditioner. Once you determine that it's NOT a front axle try adding a bottle of TRANS-X Posi-Trac additive to the transmission (NOT the rear differential as the bottle advises). This additive historically does a GREAT job keeping those worn bushings slippery. Alternative is replacing the AWD clutch pack, about $800-1000 with labor. (Note that cheapies will use a shot glass of brake fluid in the ATF instead, but I'll splurge and spend $12 on the Trans-X. Another alternative is the GM Posi-Trac additive sold for old M rear ends. Again, put it in the trans...NOT the rear diff, despite the directions. You've got nothing to lose. If the chatter doesn't o away within a few miles driving you'll have to replace the clutch pack. Note also that salvage yards will NOT separate the clutch-pack from a whole trans, so sometimes it's cheaper to just install the new part than chasing an entire used trans...that migt need a clutch pack anyway too! In the majority of cases the TRANS-X is magical, so do it!
Thanks. Brings up all sorts of interesting possibilities...
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 8 years ago
Listen carefully when turning. If the chatter is ABSOLUTELY from the front then it's probably an axle. If it feels more from the center/rear of the car (under seat or rear tires chatering) then iit's the clutch-pack.
Okay, it's definitely coming from the front end. So why are they trying to sell me a transmission job? Oh, wait...could it be that that's a more profitable job?? Dang, my dad told me I was making a mistake going to college instead of trade school. Maybe time for a second opinion.
Oh, by the way, this car has only 63,000 original miles on it, and I kept maintenance up to date. Thanks again for your help.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 8 years ago
Mileage rarely matters, as I suppose it's been mostly city, with lots of stressful turning of the 10 year old rubber CV and DOJ boots. They're cheap ($60-90) aftermarket. Don't let anyone suggest you pay $300-400 at the dealer. Same stuff in different boxes....
