Clunk sound after cornering

[SpadedOne]

Sometimes after going around a corner or from a standing start, I have a cluck sound coming from the front of the car. Sounds like it's on the drivers side. It only clunks once. And sometimes doesn't do it. I looked things over, and nothing seems to be out of order or loose in the suspension or steering. I didn't notice this noise before I had an alignment done.

So, I went to check the differential fluid, since I haven't checked it since I got it and don't think the previous owner ever changed it, and the dipstick is stuck in there. I dont want to force it out and wreck to o-ring on it, if there even is one. Also don't want to spray it with some lube in case it gets down in the tube into the differential. Anyone had this problem and how did you get it out? Will lubing it up hurt it if a little gets in the differential?

Any ideas on the clunck sound? What should I check for?

[kwren]

I would just force it out... Buying a new "O" ring isn't like the end of the earth
Keith

[kwren]

single clunk is a hard one. More clunking could make it easier to diagnose.

Keith

[SpadedOne]

Originally Posted by kwren

I would just force it out... Buying a new "O" ring isn't like the end of the earth
Keith

I tried forcing it out. I was trying to twist and turn it, but it didn't budge. I'm fairly built/strong too. The closest Subaru dealer is 1 1/2hrs away. I went to every auto shop in town trying to find an o-ring for the power steering with no luck. Ended up paying $4 for shipping a $1 part and it took a few weeks to get here(subaruparts.com). I doubt any stores in town would be able to match up an o-ring for the dipstick too.

Any thoughts on the clunck being differential related? Sometimes it almost feels like it could be in the wheel. Front bearings, brakes???????????

[kwren]

Originally Posted by SpadedOne

I tried forcing it out. I was trying to twist and turn it, but it didn't budge. I'm fairly built/strong too. The closest Subaru dealer is 1 1/2hrs away. I went to every auto shop in town trying to find an o-ring for the power steering with no luck. Ended up paying $4 for shipping a $1 part and it took a few weeks to get here(subaruparts.com). I doubt any stores in town would be able to match up an o-ring for the dipstick too.

Any thoughts on the clunck being differential related? Sometimes it almost feels like it could be in the wheel. Front bearings, brakes???????????

I am on the west coast but if I was closer, I would come by and pull that dipstick out for you! I will be 80 years old next month and I have met a lot of dipsticks!

Keith

Seriously, no idea on that clunck... sorry.

[LetItSnow]

Check the antiroll bar endlinks where they meet the struts. They have a tendency to be troublesome.

[dcarrb]

Could also be a busted/missing sway bar bushing, although in my experience a bushing departure is announced by a repetitive, slightest-bump-induced clunk-clunk-clunk that can be felt in the steering wheel and pedals.

dcb

[SoCal LS-L]

I would guess ball-joint...