My 2019 Subaru outback makes a clicking noise that sounds like it’s coming from the front left tire area when I turn the steering wheel left more than a half rotation. It continues until I straighten the wheel. If I had to describe the noise, I would say it sounds like a rock is stuck in there clicking which there isn’t.
Any thoughts on what this might be?
The car was just at the authorized Subaru Repair Pl. 6 months ago where we had substantial work done on it. I would’ve thought if there was something wearing out they would’ve found it. Unfortunately, I have moved out of state since having the work done.
Thanks for your time.
Sounds like the CV axle is on its way out. Replace with OEM Subaru CV axles, aftermarket ones will fail much earlier than OEM.
^ I second this, we just did the same thing a few thousand miles ago because it was making the exact same sound in our 2020 Outback
I third this. I’ve purchased aftermarket and OEM. OEM lasted twice as long as the aftermarket.
Bla bla bla non OEM lifetime warranty, bla bla can change them out in 15 mins. Bla bla lol. But no they are 100% different.
My $115/pair of A1 Cardone axels with 150,000 miles beg to disagree.
After market axels are hit and miss but not all are guaranteed bad. For 10 years I held on to the original axels and a reboot kit just in case these failed but they are still going strong in my 08 OBW and I finally dumped them when we moved. If you can find rebuilt green can axels at NAPA, that would probably be the best choice. It takes about 45 minutes to replace both unless your axel nut and strut fasteners are badly rusted from road salts.
uh, it seems more like a disc heat shield 'tink' than the wrenching sound a CV joint makes (ask me how I know)
Just get good quality CV axles. I got some GSP's off rock auto for my 09 and they are doing just fine. OEMS are way too dang much.
Its your CV
The axels need to be replaced. Just had those clicks myself (I can still hear them in my imagination every time I turn left)
CV, I've replaced 2 over the last 10 years. it happens regularly, usually after 100k-150k miles
Professional tech here. That doesn't sound like most typical axle failures. They tend to make a more rhythmic knocking noise rather than that random pinging you're getting. Without being there to check it out I'd be inclined to say that sounds much more like a strut mount, which is basically a big bearing. Second thing I'd look at would be the ball joint and brake dust shield. You can try moving the steering wheel back and forth while you're not moving, if you still hear the noise while stationary it isn't an axle. If you have to be moving then it's more likely the axle. But anyone giving you a for sure answer here is talking out their ass because there are a few things that can sound like that
CV axle is my best guess. We used to call them "half axles" back in the day.
CV joint in the axle. Replace.
Ball joint I'm thinking
I guess it is more of a knocking noise.
CV shaft, mine's doing it on the passenger side when I turn right. Not a very expensive fix.
please don't drive too long you might take other parts with it, and with 2019 cvt trans already have a high failure rate I would fix it like yesterday.
Thankfully mine is an '06, and it's just the axle. No CVT transmission for me, just a good ol trusty 4 speed.
CV joint going bad. Do not try to replace just the joint and boot. Replace the entire CV axle as a unit. Much better results and good practice the do whole thing when you have to pull it out anyway to do any kind of half-ass repair on the boot or outer joint alone. I have had good luck with rebuilt NAPA brand axles. Bad luck with new mfg. off brand/aftermarket ones. Subaru factory oEM ones would be top notch, but probably more expensive than good quality rebuilt.
As others have said, sounds like a CV axle
Outer CV joint, if the outer is bad, the inner probably isnt far behind so best to replace the whole axle.
Also check for loose or missing lug nuts! I had one fall off after a rotation (thanks dealer) and the click sounded just like that.
C V A X L E
CV
I've mistakenly replaced the CV Axle on my 2015 outback when this problem ended up being a ball joint.
The noise is the bearing in a cv joint smacking back and forth as it has worn away its retainer slightly. The onpy time you NEED to replace, and dont mind getting stuck waiting a day or three for parts, is when it begins clicking going straigh under acceleration. The other major symptom is a frightening vibration under hard acceleration.
CV joint
Probably left front cv axle. Get it from rockauto because it will be about $800 from subaru. Obviously confirm that's the issue before buying.
As another Reddit’s had commented, before replacing anything, check that all your lug nuts are tight. This happened to me as well and the wheel clicked randomly, mostly on turns. If you catch it quickly you can probably save the lug bolts