I have a 02 Forestor with 140K miles and have Subbies since 82. The noise isn't the usual when you turn the corner, but on straight away and when going on a curve it goes away. I was able to diagnose outside joints by turning a corner etc. The boots all look OK. Is there a system for us shade tree mechanics for the inner cv joints? BTW at 65+mph it is hardly noticeable and starts about 25. I just completed a 750 mile trip and I cannot detect any indication its getting worse!

Can you be a little more specific on the noise? Is it vehicle speed dependent and when exactly does it occur (I couldn't really follow your post when describing when it occurs).

It occurs during a moderate acceleration but not during a accelerator backoff. Going around a curve with constant foot pressure it stops. At 60+ it is hardly detectable. I put it on jackstands started engine, no noise under that "light load" or obvious "slop" of shafts when I grabbed the them. The engine was off then. Hope this helps?

I don't know for sure, but my guess is it would be the CV (constant velocity) joint. I have a similar problem in my car and that's what I have determined it is.

CV Joint.

I replace right cv axle and fixed the problem. Boots looked good and looks to be original. Guess it was inter-joint that was the culprit.

If it is a bad CV joint, you can drive many more miles before replacement. It will just simply get louder as time and miles march on.