Thumping noise that goes faster with speed

[Ricochet]

I'm in Iraq and this happened to my mom back home while she was driving it. She's car-stupid and this is the explanation I got:
I was driving on Sawmill road when it started to make a thumping noise that went faster as I went faster. So I parked the car - your father came out to look at it - we drove it to Byers Subaru - left a note since it was after nine. the guy called today and said the transmission specialist would not be in until tomorrow. Your father thought it was the transmission, but was not sure. They will take it for a test drive before they do any work. Do you remember when you were little and you would put a card in a bicycle spoke. The faster you rode your bike, the faster the clicking goes - this is the same as the car
She said it's coming from the front, any ideas before I get charged an arm? It's a 92 awd untouched except a tranny cooler.

[Ricochet]

Wheel bearings?

[newsvx]

If it was a "thumping", I would suggest a tire issue. But a clicking or like a card in a bicycle spook, then I don't know. I would start with a tire problem first ....
Harry

PS: Stay safe there in Iraq!!

[Manarius]

If it was a "thumping", I would suggest a tire issue. But a clicking or like a card in a bicycle spook, then I don't know. I would start with a tire problem first ....
Harry

PS: Stay safe there in Iraq!!Clicking is usually CV's....

[Earthworm]

CV's normally only make clicking noises around corners. The front diff on the other hand...

[Manarius]

CV's normally only make clicking noises around corners. The front diff on the other hand...What would have caused the front diff to just go out like that on a random road then?

[dannmarr]

Differential gear wear or a damaged tooth can cause the noise. If it's minimal, an auto mechanic can fix this with a grinding wheel.

[Ricochet]

If it was a "thumping", I would suggest a tire issue. But a clicking or like a card in a bicycle spook, then I don't know. I would start with a tire problem first ....
Harry

PS: Stay safe there in Iraq!!
I know it's not the tires, they're only 4 months old.

[msvx95]

This might be stupid, but check the tread for rocks...I had some in my truck treads and every revolution was a click...It drove me nutz

[Ricochet]

well like I said they're car-stupid so that might be a possibility..

[SVX_MY_BABY]

If they just put on the winter wheels I'd check that the lugs are tight. If you use hub rings and they forgot to install them that would do it.

[Motorsport-SVX]

hate to say it, but usually everytime I hear that noise
it turns out to be a broken front diff

[Ricochet]

How much do new ones cost? Anything else I should have replaced while they're up in that area? Could this be the reason for random jerks and hesitations while cruising around?

[Motorsport-SVX]

How much do new ones cost? Anything else I should have replaced while they're up in that area? Could this be the reason for random jerks and hesitations while cruising around?

Its almost easier and cheaper to change the whole
transmission to be honest...if its the front diff

[SVX10]

I vote for lug nuts. I've had that happen a few times. It's the easiest place to start and would definitely cause that kind of sound.

[Ricochet]

One of the gears blew up so a 2005 wrx 5mt is on its way to find a new home in my car.

Yes, really.