clunking noise when turning

[hricher]

My 2010 Impreza makes a very loud clunking noise in the front when turning sharply right or left but it only does it after it has driven many kilometers on the highway first otherwise it won't do it. Is my differential going?

[1 Lucky Texan]

My 2010 Impreza makes a very loud clunking noise in the front when turning sharply right or left but it only does it after it has driven many kilometers on the highway first otherwise it won't do it. Is my differential going?

 

 

are all 4 tires the same brand/model/size ?

 

Likely center diff - particularly if this is a manual transmission.

 

HOWEVER - torque bind is almost always felt as a jerkiness or 'holding back' when turning in tight circles. What you describe, if it's noise only, could be something else. A bad front CV joint or possibly a bad driveshaft component (u-joint or carrier bearing.)

 

Try to make arrangements with a good mechanic familiar with Subarus and demonstrate the problem for him.

Edited April 18, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan

[hricher]

There is also a jerkiness when turning either way even turning backing up. The question is can I change only the viscous coupling or will they want to change the whole center differential?

[1 Lucky Texan]

it's your call - if you have fairly low miles on a trans that is known to you and hasn't been neglected - changing the center diff is probably a good choice.

 

but a high-mileage trans....well, you might consider a lower miles unit from a wreck and swap it in.

 

Maybe someone will reply who has been in your situation.