Detached feeling in right front wheel after cold start

MCHRISTOPHER

MEMBER
2009 SUBARU IMPREZA
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

After a cold start, (sitting all night/day), when I turn my wheel there is play, and then a thump as if hardware is loose then catches the right front wheel. After that it drives and steers great during the rest of my travels. The CV boots are not broken or cracked, “look” good. I’ve wiggled the wheels when it’s off the ground and there’s no play. The boots on my struts are cracked and broken.
It happens only after a cold start and is immediately fine once I pull away and start driving. Any thoughts? Thank you!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

When this happens, do you feel it in the steering wheel as well as feel it? When you had the front end off the ground, did you check ball joints?

It's odd that it only happens after it sits. The first thing that comes to mind is suspension, but in reality, that doesn't make sense simply because one would think sitting overnight wouldn't change it.

Do me a favor (if possible). First start of the day, (before starting it) open the hood and have a couple helpers hold their hand on the upper strut mount to see if they feel it. Also, have someone watch the rack and pinion gear to see if there is any movement in it.

I attached a couple pics below. The first is the front suspension. Make sure there is no play in the control arm bushings and control arm bushings (see highlighted parts in pic 1)

Next, make sure the front cross member support plates are tight. (Highlighted in pic 2).

Third, check the rack and pinion gear support bracket bolts to make sure they are tight. (Highlighted in pic 3)

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, I would recommend that you do all checks when before driving the vehicle (when you would normally feel the problem) Heat will expand steel and it could be why you only feel it cold.

Take care,
Joe

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