jessb_55 Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 So over the last few months it seems like an intermittent clunking noise from my front passenger side. It usually only does it over bigger bumps and I would say it only happens about 80% of the time during that scenario as well. Otherwise it doesn't seem like the car is driving any differently than normal and no obvious non consistent wear on tires. I've searched the forums and found a variety of responses of folks with what appears to be a similar issue. I'm planning on taking a peek for anything obvious this weekend when I'm working on the car replacing the brake pads but was hoping I could get a few ideas on what to look for/areas to check and also figured that I should just make sure anything isn't simply just loose but I also don't want to overtighten anything but I have no records of how tight things should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ammcinnis Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 First, it would help to know what model year, engine, and trim your Legacy is. Given only the information you posted above, I would think that the steering rack issue addressed in TSB 04-17-17R is the place to start. This is a relatively common issue in Gen 6 Legacys and Gen 5 Outbacks. TSB_04-17-17R_Steering_Rattle_190820.pdf "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." ~ The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 ball joints and sway bar endlinks will do what you're describing when they are going bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jessb_55 Posted August 19, 2022 Author Share Posted August 19, 2022 Good god, so sorry I missed all that critical information. its a 2015 4 cylinder limited with about 70k on it. If its the steering rack or ball joints or endlinks is there a way to tell that's the case by visual inspection? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 Get the front wheels off the ground, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and try to rock it back and forth. You'll feel the play if there is any. 12 and 6 is your wheel bearing test, other than the absolute roar they make when failing... End links should not twist easily on their sockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
langm1 Posted October 14, 2022 Share Posted October 14, 2022 I am having a similar issue. @jessb_55 were you able to get this fixed? If so, what ended up being the issue? I have a 2018 2.5i limited with almost 70k miles. I started with replacing the CV axel, when that didn't fix the issue, I tried changing the diff fluid, as I read that low or old diff fluid can sometimes resent as axel issues. Neither of these have fixed my problem. Symptoms: intermittently when turning left (and only when turning left) there is anywhere from a vibration to a grinding noise/feel coming from the front passenger side. Also, sometimes when driving on uneven pavement, it almost feels like the front right strut is bad. I have jacked up the car, there is no play when rocking the wheel. Nothing appears to be loose in the suspension either. I am at a lose and am getting ready to take it in to see if I can get a diagnosis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jessb_55 Posted October 14, 2022 Author Share Posted October 14, 2022 hey @langm1 unfortunately I too wasn't able to find any play or anything loose so I gave up and brought it in and they couldn't hear the clunking noise and told me to bring it back once it's worse.... Sorry I can't help you out, but I'm hoping to get an update to all of you once I know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jessb_55 Posted August 21, 2023 Author Share Posted August 21, 2023 hi @langm1, Finally an update! The issue ended up being a bad ball joint! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
langm1 Posted August 21, 2023 Share Posted August 21, 2023 @jessb_55 I was just about to respond to the thread as well. I replaced the wheel bearing last week and that fixed MOST of the issues I was having. I still have a little vibration every now and again, which I think my driver's side wheel bearing also needs replacing. I will look at changing ball joints as well. Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ammcinnis Posted August 22, 2023 Share Posted August 22, 2023 4 hours ago, jessb_55 said: The issue ended up being a bad ball joint! Thanks for following up. I'm glad to see you finally solved the problem. "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." ~ The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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