Advise needed

[Zimogor]

Hello, 

I will greatly appreciate an advice that could narrow the search for what causing snapping\ popping sound which seem to be coming from steering wheel when doing slow speed right\left turns, roundabouts, etc. Its almost guaranteed to happen when weight of the car shifts to the front. Like pressure that builds up in steering column, snaps, releases. One click\pop for each side of the turn. No freepay. Steering is very tight itself. No other suspicious noises.Silent when rotating steering wheel being parked.CV joints are seem to be fine. Car is Impreza 2004 with 86000 on it.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Cheers

[Rooster2]

bad half shaft bearing is my best guess. Check the boots to the half shaft to see if any of the boots are torn. That usually points to which half shaft is bad.

[john in KY]

Just a thought. Raise front end of car off the ground, turn steering wheel. May be able to reproduce the symptom and then pin point the source. Also check the steering rack. It's held in place by rubber bushings that may be loose. Also look at the steering shaft U-joint.

Edited April 10, 2015 by john in KY

[1 Lucky Texan]

based on the description, it does seem like a CV joint. Even more likely if a rubber boot (at either end) is torn. Also, if one of them is an aftermarket/rebuilt - they may have a reduced lifespan compared to OEM.

 

But, tell us if this is a 'jerkiness' felt in the car or just a sound? also, to be clear, this isn't something you hear/feel WHILE rotating the steering wheel - but something you hear during the car's turn right?

[Zimogor]

Thanks everyone.

Car is due for major service, so i'm going to see mechanic in a week or so. During this time i'll keep close watch for this problem which seem to be

quite intermittent by its nature. 

Just like i said before, its guaranteed to happen if, lets say, braking downhill approaching roundabout, loud click at perharps 11o'clock , then, 1'oclock.

There no vibrations or anything that affects steering itself. Just a click sound inside of steering column, or being resonated to column.

 

1 Lucki Texan - The reason why im saying that cv's are fine is because car had an inspection during minor service at subaru service not so long ago, they checked cv's and steering itself, - no failures. There is no sound whatsoever when rotating the steering wheel being stationary. It doesnt matter which turn, left of right, since here in Australia we drive on left side of the road and there is heaps of roundabouts so its more consistent during left turns. 

 

John in KY - Good point, will check U-joint. 

 

Rooster2 - Can i do it myself? taking in account that i'm to be honest not a big pro at this stage, anyways, good guess..

 

What you guys think of tie rod ends? Could they be a problem with this kind of symptoms?

 

Cheers

[nipper]

This is a CV joint, as ball joints or tie rod ends will cause wandering or groaning noises.