Clunk from front wheels, only when hot!?
 

Hi guys. I started to notice a clunking noise coming from the front of my 04 STI, but only when after 20 minutes of driving, up to then it was totally fine. Over the weekend I went camping and it got really bad half way there. In and out of gear, mostly going slow, and the front wheels juddered violently when turning, especially full lock. It even juddered every few seconds when going perfectly straight, felt through the wheel and gear stick. So, managed to crawl to the campsite, and got the AA out. Annoyingly as the car was cold again by then, the problem wouldnt re-appear, so he couldnt do anything. Dove it home and it started clunking again as before about half way, then limped home. Also I can feel pressure on the steering, and the car 'sticks' before it pulls away as though there is pressure build up. somewhere :confused:

Why would it only appear when hot? Could it be diff oil low or something? I have had no recent work done on the car, but I did clip a kerb a few days ago with the front drivers side wheel, perhaps I have damaged something then?

Again, had a drive this morning, absolutley fine until driven a while.

What the hell? Any help much appreciated.....

Hmm power steering fluid changes viscosity when hot therefore the problem may well be Steering rack related....

This is only a stab in the dark mate, but i'm sure a local place would be able to diagnose it.

thanks for that, I have the car booked in on Thursday, so they will hopefully be able to find the problem. Was just hoping to give him more info on what it could be to save on his tim which = money...

Hi Mate,i had this same problem when cold perfect but after i,d been driving about 20 minutes when turning it felt as if the wheels were skipping especially when trying to park on full lock even worse,turned out to be centre diff had it replaced no further problem.Jim

Very valid point :thumb:

Cheers buddy, will relay that info onto the mech on Thursday, should hopefully save him some time. :thumb:

How much was a replacement centre diff? Can I get one at such short notice?

Thanks.

Hi Mate,my centre diff cost £360 plus oil plus fitting,it takes about 3 hours to fit and they can fit it in situ gearbox does not have to come out.Jim.

forgot to add they are easy to come by my garage got one within a couple of days Jim.

Yikes, bit more than I was hoping for.

Thanks Jim...

said it might be the diff - you should always listen to your older bro, older AND wiser (better looking too)

Has anyone else had problems with their centre diff? Anyone opened one up to repair rather than replace the whole unit?

I have called subaru and they want £467 for a new centre diff!! (Part no. 38913AA101)

Any advice much appreciated :)

welcome to the world of subaru ownership. have you tried grade A subaru.

Will give them a go, thanks mate...

None in stock at Grade A Subaru :(

Finally got a used centre diff from a breakers @ £270, which isnt too bad.

I have kept the old center diff, does anyone know if it will be of any use to anyone?

has this fixed the problem?

Sorry for the late response Rich.

Yep, its now sweet as a nut :)

think I need to find me a new centre diff then... :(

glad to hear it cured the problem mate happy motoring from now on then JIM.