Loud tugging sounds when slow turning to left and right

Asked by Grace2020 Jan 06, 2020 at 08:39 PM about the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a used 2009 Subaru Forester manual transmission from an individual
recently. I've zero knowledge on mechanical and I felt dumb for not asking for
any expert opinion before buying. The vehicle makes a loud, ugly tugging
sounds when I turn to the left and right (either forward or backwards).
Sometimes when driving in third gear, it'd slipped to neutral. A friend said it's
the transmission problem and suggested me to get rid of the vehicle. Another
friend said it might be the axle.
Thanks,
Grace

2 Answers
48,760

TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 4 years ago

Let's take this in order of cost of repair: 1 Check the front axles for a broken outer joint (CVJ) or a seized inner one (DOJ). Regardless, a rebuilt axle and labor is under $250. 2. Is the "tugging" coming more from the CENTER of the car rather than the front axle(s)? If so, does it go away when going straight? If yes to both, you have a frozen center diff, referred to as a "viscous link". Only recourse here is to replace it. Figure about $600. 3. If the "tugging" is NOT an axle and continues when going straight look for a bad REAR diff, which is rather cheap...maybe $300 installed for a used one. 4. If the rear diff spins correctly (it's easy to disconnect the drive-shaft to check), and all the above is true, it sounds like you've a fully-blown transmission. Now you're looking at $1.2-1.5k for replacement with a good used one, with new clutch thrown in as there's no extra labor. Good luck. Ern TSG/B

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,660
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,990
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
40 Great Deals out of 941 listings starting at $1,795
Used Toyota RAV4
105 Great Deals out of 2,799 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda CR-V
89 Great Deals out of 4,542 listings starting at $440
Used Subaru Legacy
10 Great Deals out of 180 listings starting at $3,990
Used Toyota 4Runner
18 Great Deals out of 301 listings starting at $10,800
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 1,085 listings starting at $9,998
Used Honda Pilot
35 Great Deals out of 1,302 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Highlander
28 Great Deals out of 770 listings starting at $6,950
Used Subaru Impreza
30 Great Deals out of 503 listings starting at $3,444
Used Toyota Camry
64 Great Deals out of 1,069 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.