Mysterious Crackling Sound?

[B 4 You]

okay, so this rarely happens. but when it's really moist outside (long rain, snow, really cold, etc.) my car makes a really low crackling or clicking sound from the front wheels. it kinda sounds like the suspension is lose by 1mm of something, and it's only at super low speeds (<10mph) while i'm turning sharply. i can feel it on my feet too. it has never seemed to worsen, and i think it's been like this since i got the car. it's never caused any other problems either. is it a CV joint? if so my warranty covers it.

also, could it be linked to this? whenever i go over abrupt bumps in the road, my suspension seems a little loud. is it just the nature of this 19 year old car to be that way? or is it something wrong? someone must be going through this, i'm stumped. i've had my car worked on my numerous people and they've never told me anything was loose either.

suggestions?
if it's something expensive i'll just deal with it, cause it has never got any worse whatsoever.

[tiv0]

I'm not sure about the clicking/crackling you're experiencing, but my guess on the loud suspension is worn strut mounts; that is typical of a 19 year old car. I had the same problem on my old claret.

[B 4 You]

are worn out strut mounts a bad thing? like. no one else ever notices it, only me because i'm paranoid that my car will crack in half if i hit a pothole. but that's just me.

how much are the strut mounts?
i'll have to check that stupid warranty...

also, the back ones are a little loud too.

[bwb3]

You can get 18 year old Subaru strut replacements for $124.00 each but they are bad on arrival. Ask me, I have 2.
How does the mount wear? Mine look great.
Gene

[B 4 You]

how does the what..?
and are those brand new ones?
also. how hard of a job is this? i don't have labor rates in my budget.

[B 4 You]

according to , that popping sound is my CV joints going. i'm covered for those. but, shouldn't they do that all the time? it seems like it will do that slight popping sound 1 out 100 low speed turns while it's dry or hot out. yet like 90 out of 100 it will make that sound while wet or cold.

[Mike621]

Originally Posted by B 4 You

how does the what..?
and are those brand new ones?
also. how hard of a job is this? i don't have labor rates in my budget.

The creaking/clicking while turning is a sign of CV axles that could need replacement.

I also suggest reading up on symptoms of front end suspension, cv, etc failures by searching.

I'd suggest checking out svxfiles.com or PM svxfiles and think about taking some time to have your car checked out by him, as he is about two hours or less from where your location is listed.

[B 4 You]

yes i've talked with him before :] i think i can get my money back from that damn warranty. paid $1300 for it, got maybe $200 out of it when i replaced my entire cooling system. if i can get even $800 for it then heck, i'll put $800 into my car.

[BRADY]

Originally Posted by bwb3

You can get 18 year old Subaru strut replacements for $124.00 each but they are bad on arrival. Ask me, I have 2.
How does the mount wear? Mine look great.
Gene

Whuuuuah? I have read this response 30 times. What does it mean? Why would you want to buy 18yo strut mounts? Can you get new ones? How does the mount wear, mine look great? Huh? I am not being rude, I just want to understand.

[tiv0]

Originally Posted by BRADY

Whuuuuah? I have read this response 30 times. What does it mean? Why would you want to buy 18yo strut mounts? Can you get new ones? How does the mount wear, mine look great? Huh? I am not being rude, I just want to understand.

What Gene is saying is that you can order the stock struts for the SVX from Subaru, but they are 18/19 year old struts, meaning they are no longer 'great' quality.

His comment on the strut mounts wearing was in regard to my suggestion of replacing the strut mounts. When my front suspension would rattle over bumps, it was the strut mounts I had replaced and that fixed the problem.

Hope that clears it up.

[BRADY]

Originally Posted by tiv0

What Gene is saying is that you can order the stock struts for the SVX from Subaru, but they are 18/19 year old struts, meaning they are no longer 'great' quality.

His comment on the strut mounts wearing was in regard to my suggestion of replacing the strut mounts. When my front suspension would rattle over bumps, it was the strut mounts I had replaced and that fixed the problem.

Hope that clears it up.

It makes it crystal clear. Thanks mate. My car is suffering from a similar problem. I figured it is the strut mounts. So, last question: what strut mounts are on the market today and where do I find them?

Thanks

Mike

[tiv0]

Originally Posted by BRADY

It makes it crystal clear. Thanks mate. My car is suffering from a similar problem. I figured it is the strut mounts. So, last question: what strut mounts are on the market today and where do I find them?

Thanks

Mike

Not too sure. Mine were Subaru parts purchased from the dealership. I am not familiar with the amount of work and $$ involved as my stepdad took care of this issue with our old SVX which I no longer have the maintenance records/receipts from.

[B 4 You]

well i'd like to get me some new struts. it sounds like i have some cheap car with a loud cheap suspension, yet it's like the smoothest ride of all time.