Why would my front axles be popping and clicking when I turn corners

Tiny
BROOKLES
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 180,000 MILES
My front axles (both sides) have been popping and clicking when I turn corners (even slowly), just the same way they did when they had to be replaced. They have been replaced 3 times under warranty. I also had the boots replaced. The parts were from an auto parts store that my mechanic used. They were not Subaru parts. It seems like there must be something other than the quality of parts. Of course, the Subaru parts department told me that it was the quality, but this is rediculous. The mechanic who replaced them said that he would not replace them again, which I understand. I asked him the 2nd and 3rd time what could be causing this, and he said that he had no idea. Surely would have noticed something when he changed them, but I asked and he had no feedback. Once I had to have it towed because it stopped going into gear, and felt like the transmission. It turned out that it was the axle, and the mechanic said that it fell apart in his hands when he took the wheel off. This car has been so much trouble. Is this common with Subarus? Please help!
Thursday, September 29th, 2011 AT 11:30 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Subarus are usually quite reliable. I'm guessing your mechanic used Rock parts, as these are what most mechanics prefer for aftermarket driveline parts. Remove the large clamp on the outer CV joint boot and pull the boot back and check to verify there is ample grease in the boot. Check them all. Use a large worm clamp to replace the crimped clamp, unless you can release and re-crimp it yourself.
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Thursday, September 29th, 2011 AT 11:35 PM

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