Forester "clunk" - need help

[Mojo]

I am hoping someone might have the answer to a little problem that I have with our car - 2003 Forester XS auto, total of 37,000km.

The problem star6ted time ago (at about 15,000km total), it developed a "clunk, clunk, clunk" (or knocking sound) in the steering when at very slow speeds turing with hard lock or close to hard lock. Most predominant with the power off on a slight descending gradient to the right - just like you get in parking lots. With the clunking noise was also a body shudder, just like it was binding up or something. (Definately not CV joints - I am familiar with that one). When this occurs the steering is slightly firmer - just like the car does not want to turn - but keep going straight.

After changing service centres, fortunate to get a good service centre where the mechanic picked it straight away with a test drive - centre diff/transfer solenoid stuffed. Replaced under warrenty - checked serviceable and all ok for the last 2 months. Problem now back intermitantly - more so when the car has warmed and driven some km.

Could this be the same problem or an associated problem in the same area?

Has anyone else heard of this problem and found a solution?

 

Also, had to have the brake discs machined at 20,000 km due to brake shudder. I thought this a little strange as I pride myself as a very smooth driver with minimal brake application . After the machining, all was OK but is starting to resurface again. Any ideas what is causing this? Is this because of my driving style? Or is this common with the new series Forester. Any ideas on how to prevent this occuring again?

 

Apart from this, the car has been excellent. Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

Best regards, Mojo.

[hklaine]

I don't know about Forester-specific, but the clunk is very common in Subarus. Do a search here and on nasioc.com and I think you will find a lot of information on the "clunk".

 

As for the brakes, don't know. The last car I had this problem with repeatedly had the parking brake tied to the front wheels, so when I set it after driving the hot discs cooled unevenly and regularly killed the rotors. I am assuming the Forester does not activate the front calipers when the parking brake is set (?)

 

-Heikki

[nipper]

There is a service bullitin for the clunk.... search out "get it while its hot" i just dont know if it is your year or not. They replace either a joint or rubber coupling in the driveshaft to rectify it.

 

The breaks are a little weak on some years subaur, as the car got heavier they didnt beef up the rotors. NOw that you had them cut, they will prbbly warp even faster next time. This may be some place where you would want to invest in some aftermarket rotors and fix the issue yourself

 

 

 

 

nipper

[Mojo]

Just thought I would keep all in the loop in case anyone else comes across this problem. After the centre diff solenoid replaced - was still making the clunking noise and body shudder after winding up doing some tight turns. Further investigation revealed some major problems with the centre diff itself, including complete clutch housing replacement and many other items wit the centre diff. The parts took several weeks to come from Japan. All fixed under warrenty, which was greatly appreciated and well done.

 

From this I can surmise - some service centres are crap and just take your money for doing bugger all, and some are fantastic who really know what they are doing. Centre diff solenoid failure can lead to expensive problems if you are not covered by the warrenty. However as I was covered by warrenty - I am a very happy chappy again.

 

Thank you Subaru - I can again say I am happy with may car when asked by others for my thoughts. The best advertising you can get.