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Turning hard right in a Subaru Crosstrek -- click click click

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October 26, 2019, 06:00 AM
r0gue
Turning hard right in a Subaru Crosstrek -- click click click
So I assume I have a failing CV joint. Are we able to tell by the nature of it only occurring in a Right-Hand turn, whether it is the right one or the left? It seems to be from the rear only. Or do I just need to bite the bullet and have them do both?

6 year old XV Crosstrek with 50k miles.

Thanks all!
October 26, 2019, 06:03 AM
sgalczyn
Are the boots ripped/damaged?

That's too dam early for a CV-joint fail.


"No matter where you go - there you are"
October 26, 2019, 06:06 AM
Oz_Shadow
Are you talking about having the wheel fully locked right? Does it stop if you let off just a little?
October 26, 2019, 06:13 AM
r0gue
No, Doesn't have to be fully locked. Just a pretty steep turn. No torn boots apparently as it just passed inspection. The mechanic wasn't thinking CV (because my brakes were way shot). He thought maybe the brakes. But it seems very rotational. So I'm thinking CV.
October 26, 2019, 06:16 AM
egregore
Are you sure it's the rear? This is usually associated with a front axle. The outer joint on a front axle is subject to constant bending and flexing as you steer. Rear wheels don't steer, so the joints always rotate along the same axis or plane. Noises can do tricky things. Usually, but not always, a bad CV joint is accompanied by a torn boot.




"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
October 26, 2019, 06:24 AM
r0gue
quote:
Originally posted by egregore:
Are you sure it's the rear? This is usually associated with a front axle. The outer joint on a front axle is subject to constant bending and flexing as you steer. Rear wheels don't steer, so the joints always rotate along the same axis or plane. Noises can do tricky things. Usually, but not always, a bad CV joint is accompanied by a torn boot.


I guess this explains why the guy thought it wasn't a CV joint. Sure seems like it is from the rear. Anything related to the AWD that comes to mind?
October 26, 2019, 06:38 AM
egregore
If it happens when turning, not when driving straight, is in fact from the rear and is not a CV joint, a rear differential is possible. Differential-related noises, however, are more of a growl, grind or clunk rather than a click.




"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
October 26, 2019, 06:51 AM
egregore
quote:
click click click

Are the clicks slow with a slight pause in between them, or rapid click-click-click? Typical outer CV joint:


(Inner joints are made different. They have to "plunge" in and out as the drive shaft must change length as the suspension moves.)

If it is bad, the clicking will be at a frequency six times the speed of the wheel.




"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
October 26, 2019, 07:05 AM
r0gue
I'll do a test shortly. I think it is once per rotation.
October 26, 2019, 07:11 AM
Woodman
Only noticeable at low speeds? Possible it occurs at higher speeds?
October 26, 2019, 08:11 AM
r0gue
Just did the "how many clicks per rotation" test with my wife outside and... It's the front right. doh!
October 26, 2019, 08:31 AM
ZSMICHAEL
I always did both when I had my CV joints replaced. It was a Honda Accord. Mechanic said it was a matter of time until the other failed and there would be a savings by doing both at once. Yours may be different. It is early for those to fail and to not detect a torn boot.
October 26, 2019, 09:16 AM
Rick Lee
I've done that job before. Lots of fun.




Freewill Firearms
07 FFL, Class 2 SOT
October 26, 2019, 09:21 AM
r0gue
Guessing a grand a side for OEM. Half that for aftermarket...?
October 26, 2019, 10:20 AM
Rick Lee
Under $200 for all parts. If you can DIY, it should be pretty cheap.


Freewill Firearms
07 FFL, Class 2 SOT
October 26, 2019, 11:11 AM
2000Z-71
Did you actually expect a Subaru to be able to turn hard right? Smile



My daughter can deflate your daughter's soccer ball.
October 26, 2019, 11:21 AM
r0gue
quote:
Originally posted by 2000Z-71:
Did you actually expect a Subaru to be able to turn hard right? Smile


Well played. Big Grin
October 26, 2019, 02:56 PM
Excam_Man
Pretty common failure.
Have a 36mm socket (chevy/oldsmobile) for just the occasion.



October 26, 2019, 05:21 PM
hrcjon
The first thing I would check if its in the rear is the backing plates. They are made of tin and rust corrode and then warp and hit something in certain parts of the load cycle. A failing cv joint in the rear does not usually respond to turning in a certain way.


“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
October 26, 2019, 06:58 PM
ASKSmith
Have you had the front and rear differential fluid replaced? It’s recommended at 30,000 miles.

My 2009 Legacy was doing something similar at 50k. You need to understand how the Subaru AWD system works, but when the diff oil breaks down over time, it can create issues like what you mentioned.


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I apologize now...