Low speed turn & clunk

Maybe some words of wisdom from out there in the ether?
From a dead stop, when accelerating gently, particually in a turn, I'm experiencing several "clunks" until I straighten out and get moving. Probably some type of backlash in the rear drive/joints, but would like to hear counsel from all you guru's.No bearing noise, (been there, replaced that)
Any comments on actions to take along with representative costs?

thx from the cornfields.

[Zeppelin]

It's most likely your CV joints.. I had the same problem.. Bought new CV shafts (part number 7346) and had the local garage install them and no problems since!

[wawazat??]

If it is a lower pitched "clunk" like you stated in your message and you can feel the car shake or shudder it is probably whats known as the transfer clutches (I'm assuming you have an AWD version, not FWD). The transfer clutch assembly is part of the transmission and costs about $1000 to replace (just had mine done, but it was covered under warranty)
If the noise is more rattle-like, I agree with Zeppelin.

[svx_commuter]

The CV joints in the front of my car made a snapping noise when I turned corners and accelerated. They were bad and I replaced them myself.
If the noise is from the back it could be a bad transfer valve that locks the car in AWD or it could be the bad clutches. It could also be the transfer piston sliding back and forth but corners shouldn't make any difference with that. Only on or off the throttle even in a straight line could bang the piston back and forth. It isn't supposed to be loud enough to hear and might mean the transfer solenoid is wearing out.
Does your power light blink after the car starts?

My CVs are going south in a bad way... what should I expect to pay for them?

Thanks for the replies. Yes, its AWD. Would not it be a fair test to remove the fuse, turning it into a FWD and see if it does the same thing? I would think the the same clunk would happen if it's the rear CV joints and not happen if it's the transfer valves/clutches.

OBTW, I've got a 96 and have yet to see this mythical "Power Light" did they leave it out this last year of production?

[svx_commuter]

Does the "Power light" come on when the car is first turned on? Maybe the bulb is burned. If the light is working, when the car is turned on, then to get it into power mode, you stomp real fast on the gas. But this may not be a good idea until you get your car sorted out. You may break something else by loading up the drive train.

[Seraph]

Originally posted by IA SVX
OBTW, I've got a 96 and have yet to see this mythical "Power Light" did they leave it out this last year of production?

I hate to be an anal idiot but I have to jump in. 97 was the last year and they only imported 640 into US. on 96, they imported 1111.

Sorry, had a bad night/morning.

Lwin

[vkykam]

I think the Power Light went the way of the Dodo's with the 95 model year. Not sure on exact year, but a 96 I'm pretty sure will not have the power light.

With the clunking, check to see whether your CV boots are ripped first. If they are, your CV's toast for sure. If they aren't, do tight turns in a parking lot and see if you can replicate the sound. CV's usually make a sound when making a turn, and is usually the outer side, meaning clicking from right front wheen when turning left.

VK

Originally posted by IA SVX
Thanks for the replies. Yes, its AWD. Would not it be a fair test to remove the fuse, turning it into a FWD and see if it does the same thing? I would think the the same clunk would happen if it's the rear CV joints and not happen if it's the transfer valves/clutches.

OBTW, I've got a 96 and have yet to see this mythical "Power Light" did they leave it out this last year of production?

you guys have been great. Whew! I was wondering why I was "powerlight-less" only to find they never gave me one. (sounds like something from the Wiz of Oz)Thanks for the illumination, so to speak. Did not know about those 640 from '97.
Anyway, am taking the 96 to the SVX Doc and will report the sad/glad news.

from -Eye-Oh-Uh

[1994SubaruSVX]

cv axles will run you $259.16 each. really not that bad. the advice above is good. it is your cv axles. i have replaced mine three times and i know that sound and scenario very well.