Rod702

Man I don’t what to tell you. I posted a video of me Turing the wheel inside the car with clunk, a video with me inside engine manipulating the steering rack with clunk noise. I examine all the bushing with best of knowledge, they all look like in good shape for 2016 car. clunking noise in steering is still there but not as bad as before, but the noise over slight bumps is completely gone. Service advisory told me they all clunk on steering, what is concerning was the noise over slight bumps. mechanic didn’t even drive car he sat in car and manipulated steering knew exactly it was the steering rack.

So I have been having this weird chirping noise, almost sounds like a cricket. I know it’s the blower because when I shut off a/c or fan it stops. It only does it at Low speed, at higher speed the chirping is absent. You think blower motor is going out? IMG_3994.mov

So got the part installed. The clunking noise from left to right is not as bad as before. But a noise on little bumps is gone. The Subaru advisor said that was issue really to be worried about. But I appreciate every one’s help! anyone needs this 5 point Torx bit I’d be willing to lend it out to pay it forward if anyone needs it ! IMG_3990.mov

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/front-end-rattle-clunk.377209/post-6096141 this guys video of the clunking left to right on steering wheel. Don’t know if clunking is the correct terminology for noise but it sounds exactly what he is experiencing. Also the vibrations and noise when going over small bumps. I took wheels off and looked at all bushings and had Subaru look at arms. They said it looked fine.

So I got part from dealership and tried taking off screw with reg torx 40 and it wouldn’t work. So the part number BTP40P bit is the same as a torx 40 security bit with hole in middle ? my buddy has a kit with Torx security bits. Trying to save some money and not order this $20 bit from Matco that I will never use again. also has anyone tried to adjust lash themselves ? If so, I’m assuming u need special tools and can share their experience?

Pmed u

thanks bud. I can tell u enough how grateful I am u share that info with me. I’m going to do the eps tension spring myself and pray to God that solves my problem. in video, those noises on small bumps and also the side side on steering wheel are exact symptoms I’m experiencing on my legacy. thabks again, u might of just saved me thousands of dollars.

So is that price correct to install new spring and adjust the backlash $1300 ?

Unfortunately not. It’s 2016. I am the 3rd owner.

is that TSB your referring too a no cost replacement from dealer?

this was done with recall. Looks like it was steering colum. the dealer did not want to cover the valve lash adjustment he wanted to charge me $1300 and said the noise would return after awhile. He never asked me about the spring though?

can u share the procedure if u have done it before?

im asssuming it’s the same electronic steering rack as the Forster. update: picked up car and service advisor was really cool about not charging me $150 for diagnoses fee. He said as soon as tech jumped in car and wiggled steering wheel around he knew exactly the problem. I sent him the tsb and he said he can adjust the lash for $1300, but the problem always come back within a few years. Or I can totally replace the steering rack for $3500 parts labor. he then told me that this issue is common with a lot of legacy. And assured me that it wasn’t a safety issue, but should be replace in near future. I could replace the rack myself, looked online about $1100 new for rack and then I have to take it back to Subaru to program it $200 and realignment $80-$100. i got this car for $7500, 142000 miles. Blue book value was 11k, so I thought I really got a good deal. But in retrospect seller knew what was going on and dumped the car. what do u guys think? Should show it a little TLC and cash or just dump the car and sell it. this is my son’s first car, and I want him to be safe.

It’s annoying sound. My wife 2018 forester is also electric rack with eyesite and it doesn’t make that noise. its a Subaru of Las Vegas right now. $150 to diagnose it, can be applied to repairs. We shall see the outcome. Thanks for all your input gentlemen!

Sound manifest at lower speeds to over mild bumps.