1999 Forester. Just replaced the front drive axles and now have a pretty violent vibration when braking, especially over 45 mph. Had to beat the drivers side out to replace it. What could be causing this ?

Did you use genuine Subaru or aftermarket axles. Aftermarket axles have been reportedly associated with many unwanted conditions i.e. vibrations, shuddering, your wife leaves you, you get mugged, just to name a few.

a bolt isn't properly tightened - axle nut or wheel nut...or any others you may have removed to do this.

 

or one/both of the axles are bad.

 

if you still have the old axles your best bet for long term reliability is to have them rebooted and avoid the after market axles, they are notoriously problematic. if they were clicking then they're probably not worth keeping but if the boots were just torn, save the origianals. not just out of the box either - long term reliability isn't good either.

 

i buy used subaru axles and reboot them. i get them for $25-$33 each and reboot them. extra effort but it's worth the time saved from dealing with the endless aftermarket issues. i've seen it all - vibration, exploding to pieces, leaking, noises.....it can happen on day one, 100, or 10,000. subaru axles are beefy and do not fail unless you abuse them.

 

MWE is the only other good option for axles.

I used aftermarket axles from AUTOZONE. Accelerates smoothly and no more clicking when turning. Just the shakes when braking. I will see if something is not tightened enough. What is the torquing for the axle nuts ?

I used aftermarket axles from AUTOZONE. Accelerates smoothly and no more clicking when turning. Just the shakes when braking. I will see if something is not tightened enough. What is the torquing for the axle nuts ?

 

I use AZ axles. Occasionally, I will get one with a worn bearing that causes some shakes, but not that often. AZ guarantee is good on replacement, so it is just the labor to R & R. Okay, if working on your own car, but not something you would want to put on a customers car if you are in the repair biz.

What is the torquing for the axle nuts ?

really tight! rare to use an actual torque wrench but 140 will do it. i go with the 2 foot pipe and put some stank in it ft-pounds.

 

a quick google/search here gives:

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=87075

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=114416

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=109532

Thanks to all. I will check ALL bolts for tightness and torque the axle nuts to 140.