98 Subaru legacy

[GSL]

Need some  advice

Legacy automatic 105,000 miles problem  free. Recently  had  a sweaky  noise then clicking  noise on right front tire ...took in new cv axle and wheel  bearing....noise went away.  A few weeks later noise re appeared  and put on lift  with car running transfercase  noise ....  sound goes away again after changing  differential  fluid. Starting  to come back after 20 miles drive.....have a great mechanic  ....but not with Subaru.  Appreciate  any knowledge  or  feedback  .... 

 

[idosubaru]

1 hour ago, GSL said:

Need some  advice

Legacy automatic 105,000 miles problem  free. Recently  had  a sweaky  noise then clicking  noise on right front tire ...took in new cv axle and wheel  bearing....noise went away.  A few weeks later noise re appeared  and put on lift  with car running transfercase  noise ....  sound goes away again after changing  differential  fluid. Starting  to come back after 20 miles drive.....have a great mechanic  ....but not with Subaru.  Appreciate  any knowledge  or  feedback  .... 

 

 

"front right" and "transfer case", which is centrally located and work was done...this leave some uncertainty.

Check brakes - might have a hung caliper slide that's sticking and freeing up during working on the vehicle but returns when back to driving it. 

Is the noise on the right, left, or center?  Have someone stand outside the car and listen from both sides...can they hear it?  Is one side louder?

Does the noise vary:

Is the noise the same when accelerating up a grade or driving lightly on flat ground?
Same at 10 mph and 30mph?
Same whether going straight or fast around sweeping left and right hand curves?
 

Did he carefully check for debris in the oil when the diff oil was channged?  If non change again and check for contamination.

Could be a front diff bearing.  Pull trans, separate front diff, replace bearings and side seals and make sure the ring and pinion is fine.. One of the bearings is $100+  Or get a used trans.