I am getting a thumping noise with about three thumps coming from somewhere underneath the arm rest and parking brake lever (you can feel it). It occurs if when starting out from a stop or when stomping on the gas when driving.

 

The car is an 03 Outback 3.0 VDC automatic with 121,000 miles.

 

I thought it might be the tranny mount and changed it out but the sound is still there. I had a problem previously withe a clicking CV axle and fixed that problems by changing the axle. I now changed the other axle thinking that it may be bad, but the problem is still there.

 

Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing this thumping noise?

I figure it has to be something related to the transmission or drivetrain given the location of the noise.

 

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

Ken

I am getting a thumping noise with about three thumps coming from somewhere underneath the arm rest and parking brake lever (you can feel it). It occurs if when starting out from a stop or when stomping on the gas when driving.

 

The car is an 03 Outback 3.0 VDC automatic with 121,000 miles.

 

I thought it might be the tranny mount and changed it out but the sound is still there. I had a problem previously withe a clicking CV axle and fixed that problems by changing the axle. I now changed the other axle thinking that it may be bad, but the problem is still there.

 

Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing this thumping noise?

I figure it has to be something related to the transmission or drivetrain given the location of the noise.

 

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

Ken

 

Skier, I vote for stuck E-brake shoe. something to take apart and inspect I guess.

 

Springs huh? are you a pirate?

drive shaft center support bearing??

drive shaft center support bearing??

 

I just bought a 92 legacy wagon turbo and it has a similar issue and I went under the car to shake the shaft. Has noticeable side to side play. Interesting how at speed it is very smooth though.

i would inspect this right away.

 

ujoints, center bearing, or rear diff bushing are my guess. the first two can cause massive damamge (folks have posted pictures before) if a ujoint fails.

 

some grabbing and pushing around on the driveshaft might show the culprit.

 

sometimes a bad driveshaft ujoint isn't detectable unless you actually remove the driveshaft though. bad joints are very obvious then - either seized or lumpy.

Right under the center console is gonna be about the area of the center drive shaft support bearing. It should have a bushing on it to isolate vibration, the bushings tend to wear out after a while and will allow the driveshaft to wobble when torque is applied during acceleration.

Sounds alot like a bad center bearing on the driveshaft. Or maybe U-joints, but I haven't experienced them first hand.

 

Could also be a bad DOJ on the front axle (I've had it even on brand new ones.....)... but that is more constant vibration when applying power, not just at very low speeds. Driveshaft tends to be worse at low speeds, and just a gentle hum at high speeds even with really bad bearings, because centrifical force kind of keeps it straight I think.

 

Z

Fellow at work has this same car, about same mileage, and just had to do the U joints.

 

You can get the u-joints 'replaced'** and the driveshaft reconditioned with new center bearing for about $550, if you can find a driveshaft shop that knows where to send it.

 

I did find an online shop that claims to do the same, they had various driveshafts in stock. You should be able to google it, or search here for the online shop name.

 

 

** replaced, as in it looks like they cut the yokes off and weld on new ones that accept replaceable greaseable U joints.

 

 

Dave

Just find a used shaft thats all!!!!

Thanks for all the replys.

 

I looked over the U-joints and center bearing of the drive shaft and did not notice any obvious problems. The engine mounts also look good.

 

The center bearing does allow for quite a bit of side to side play, but it is a rubber joint so I guess this may be normal.

 

Ken

I finally figured out what was causing the thumping and vibration. It was the drive shaft. The front U-joint was almost seized and the rear one was wonr also. A local shop that specializes in drive shaft did the work. It cost $225, which is a lot better than the $600 for a new one.

 

I could not find one in a local junk yard so this was my only ohter option than a new one. The repair place said that this problem is pretty common over 100,000 miles. I hope this may help someone else who may have a similar problem.

 

Ken

Good going. Must be a great relief to have a smooth drive again.