New owner: Clicking sound?

[svxcentric]

I'm a new SVX owner. I just registered it on the forum: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=48296

I plan on bringing it down to All We'll Drive for a full mechanical inspection and a timing belt/water pump/reseal job. It is a very clean car as you can see from my description on the link above. However, the one thing that is bothering me is the clicking sound I heard on my way home as I described it in the registration post:

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Clicking sound from rear at crusing speed (?) - On the ride home I noticed a faint to moderate clicking sound (radio was off) coming from behind me. It sounded similar to the click when a cv joint is going bad. It was constant and varied in frequency with road speed. I really hope it isn't the rear diff but I haven't identified it yet. I'd appreciate it if anyone has ideas about this.

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I know what wheel bearings sound like when they go bad as I've had that happen on another car (not an SVX). I don't think it is a wheel bearing. I can't hear the sound over the radio, which is probably why the seller didn't mention it and I didn't hear it on the test drive as I was talking with the seller and paying attention to other stuff (like the wheel shimmy on hard braking). Has anyone heard of this noise before? What are the possibile causes?

On a separate topic, any reccomendation for upgraded front brake rotors and pads? I'm 99% sure that is what is causing the braking issues.

Overall I am happy with my purchase. I just want to head off any serious problems. I'd like to enjoy the car for a while before having to make major repairs.

Thanks,
Jim

[SoCal LS-L]

It may seem dumb, but have you checked for a rock stuck in your treads? The same thing used to happen to me all the time after going off road, and I would have to get under there with a flat blade screwdriver and pry them out. Just an idea....

[svxcess]

Vote for the rock stuck in the tread.

Once while driving my SVX I suddenly noticed a loud screeching coming from the right front wheel; sounded like a worn out brake pad rubbing against the rotor. It was louder the faster I went.I know my pads were good but coldn't account for the noise.

Called a mechanic friend of mine. He said I probably picked up a "hitch hiker" (which was his term for a stone or rock). He told me to put the car in reverse and get up to about 15-20mph and slam on the brake. After I did that, the noise was gone.

He said somehow I picked up a rock and it became wedged between the caliper and the rotor. It would probably worn down in time and fallen out on its own. Going into recerse kicked the rock out.

Look for the simplest solution first.

.

[svxcentric]

Thanks for the ideas. I really wish it was a rock in the tread...

I got down under the rear with a flashlight and looked at the rear diff. There is some oil seepage on the the driver's side where the axle enters the diff. There are no drips but the plate surrounding the axle is dark, shiny and damp. The other side is bone dry.

I don't know if that is my problem, but it is reasonable to think that if there is oil leaking from the diff, then the fluid level could be low and the gears are a bit starved for lubrication. Extra friction means noise, which can also mean damage. Damage=$$$

Perhaps its the bearing on that side of the diff causing the noise and maybe the gears are fine.

At minimum, the seal on that side of the diff is starting to go.

I'll just have to keep an eye on it until my bank account recovers from the purchase and then get it serviced.

Jim

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by svxcentric

Thanks for the ideas. I really wish it was a rock in the tread...

I got down under the rear with a flashlight and looked at the rear diff. There is some oil seepage on the the driver's side where the axle enters the diff. There are no drips but the plate surrounding the axle is dark, shiny and damp. The other side is bone dry.

I don't know if that is my problem, but it is reasonable to think that if there is oil leaking from the diff, then the fluid level could be low and the gears are a bit starved for lubrication. Extra friction means noise, which can also mean damage. Damage=$$$

Perhaps its the bearing on that side of the diff causing the noise and maybe the gears are fine.

At minimum, the seal on that side of the diff is starting to go.

I'll just have to keep an eye on it until my bank account recovers from the purchase and then get it serviced.

Jim

Why not pull the upper bolt off the rear of the diff and stick your pinky in there to check the level? You can drain and refill it easily with a quart of gear oil, which isnt expensive, and see if that eliminates the sound.

[svxcentric]

Chris,

Yes, I was thinking of changing the oil in the rear diff and seeing if there is a difference. It's worth a shot and from the look of things I'll bet the oil has never been changed. I dont think the rear end has been touched since the factory.

I checked the boots on the axles too and they are all intact and look good. It could be one of the axles, but I think I'd have some driveablity/handling issues if it was. The car is solid & smooth on the road...which makes this issue more annoying. You never know, but I don't think it's an axle.

Do I have to drop the diff to replace those seals where the axles enter the diff or can I do it on the car?

I'll let you know if the gear oil change has any effect.

Thanks,
Jim

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by svxcentric

Chris,

Do I have to drop the diff to replace those seals where the axles enter the diff or can I do it on the car?

Thanks,
Jim

To be honest im not entirely sure, I havent had to do this on mine yet. If you just do the side thats leaking im sure it would be easier just to pull that sides drive-axle.....

If you click on the link in my signature for the service manual, it shows an exploded diagram of the axle and seals. I would actually download it while you still can, the link is at the bottom of the page now.