I bought a 2003 Subaru WRX about a month ago. It has 42,500 miles on it and seems to be in good condition. It was in an accident where the driver side was hit but the exterior damage and supposedly the mechanical damage was fixed. Anyways, every once in a while, there seems to be a clunk/pop noise coming from the front. Its not consistant, so I'm not really sure where to start looking. Any thoughts on what it could be would be appreciated
I had the same issue on my STi when I installed my new springs. It wasn't settled correctly. Every bump you can hear a clunk noise. Since your car went thru an accident and especially in the front...was there any suspension work done on it? I would check the springs.
I'm not sure if any suspension work was done on it. But, I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip Did you fix the noise? Or did it eventually go away?
Does the noise change with speed?? Does the noise happen when you hit bumps?? Does thenoise happen if you push down on the front end?? Does the noise happen when you make corners?? Does it happen when you turn left or right?? Answer these and that will narrow it down. Russ
The noise doesn't really change with speed. It just goes "pop" or "clunk" once. The noise doesn't always happen when I hit bumps. When I am pullling up in my driveway, I usually hear it. I tried turning right or left really quick, but can't hear it. Sorry for such a "complicated" question. It really isn't consistant with any movement. Seems like it'll happen when it wants to.:laugh: I'll try and pay really close attention to it next time and see if I can notice a pattern. Is it possible that it has something to do with the driveline?
When it makes the pop/clunk, it is something you can feel (ie does the car jerk)? I would also try bouncing the front end up and down. if it is the way the spring is sitting in the perch, it will probably make a clunking sound. If the sounds doesn't change speed it is not in the front drive axels. Is it something that you can make happen (such as pulling into the driveway a certain way)? If you can make it happen, try it, and then turn the stearing wheel to a little different direction and try it again. It could be something as bad as loose strut bottom bolts, a loose tophat, or just he springs not perched correctly. Russ
Hey i have a related question. My GC8 makes similar noises. When im driving slow it happens shifting 1st - 3rd gears. I'm assuming its the springs but is that an easy fix?
Sounds good, man. I appreciate the help. I'll get back to you if I can figure out how to make it consistently happen.
I have been reading up on this and I think this might be it. I have figured out that the noise is at low speeds and when I turn the wheel (doesn't matter if turning left or right) almost a full rotation, I can hear it. I think its coming from the firewall area on the driver side and can feel it just a bit, also. Thanks again for those that have given their advice. BTW, any other thoughts on this if it isn't the pitch stop?
i had the same sound.. my tophats wernt tightend all the way down.. check the center bolt in the engine bay and make sure theyre both tight
Tophats? Man, I need to learn some new words here. LOL! I looked it up and know what it is now. I'll do that tomorrow morning and see if they are loose. Thanks again for the added input. It is very much appreciated
all u really ahve to do is open up your hood. and in each rear corner theres 3 little bolts surrounding one center bolt.. just try and tighten alll 4
I can see 3 bolts per side, but I have this black cap covering the top on each side and the 4th bolt.
take that off... then you will see a BIG nut... I htink its a 17, 18 or 19 ha ha tighten that with an impact... short trigger bursts if you have one... or with a ratchet...
This may sound stupid, but how do you get the cap off? :dunno: Its doesn't seem like I can just take it off by hand. Of course, it was at night when I opened up the hood and tried taking it off by hand. Maybe when I get home from work, I'll take a look at it and see if it'll just come right off.
UPDATE: I figured out that the big rubber piece doesn't come off and only the top part does. I feel dumb now LOL. Anyways, all the bolts were tightened. I did notice that the center bolt had a hex design on it for an Allen wrench to go onto. Have no idea why that is. I guess I'll take the tires off and see if I can see something else when I change the brakes in the near future. Thanks again for all the help. If anyone else has any recommendations, please let me know
