lichen Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Hey guys, I have an issue with my 1998 Forester: It has been wobbling under load more and more over the last few weeks, but I assumed I had a wheel out of balance and figured I would get around to it soon enough. So yesterday, I took it for a spin after replacing the fuel inlet tube, and discovered that pretty well anywhere from start off to 60mph it now has this horrid clunking shimmy. I jacked it up and discovered two things. 1) A loose motor mount bolt, and 2) A broken transmission mount. I tightened the motor mount bolt and took it out again. It's worse now, if anything. Further inspection revealed some play in driver front wheel bearing and bad rubber in the steering stabilizer mounts or torsion bars or whatever they are. Also torn boots on one cv joint and steering components. But I can't see anything that should account for what is happening. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Driveshaft joint would be a good place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lichen Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 driveshaft joint look normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 (edited) The trans mount was replaced or still broken? Check rear diff mounts? Possible that the missing motor mount bolt was absorbing some of the vibration and feels worse now that it's mounted up firmly. Stabilizer bushings, bearing and cv boots won't cause a shimmy although stanalizer bushings could cause some clunking noises. I'd start with the tranny mount and check the rear diff and go from there. Stanalizer bushings are cheap and worth throwing in if they are bad but can be a nightmare if the bolts are rusted. Were you able to get a firm hand on the driveshaft and rotate it left and right to check the joint or just visual inspection? Edited March 16, 2017 by GreaseMonkey03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 If the boot on the axle has been open for awhile, it can cause the joint to stick, which creates a vibration like you're describing, especially a cheap aftermarket axle. Including the wheel bearing, that's where I would start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 all 4 tires the same size,brand, and model? check the rear bushings on the front lower control arms too. will the car idle smoothly thru tight circles on dry pavement of does it jerk/buck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lichen Posted March 16, 2017 Author Share Posted March 16, 2017 Yes, it turns smoothly in tight circles. The tranny mount is half-intact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Start with what you know. if the motor mounts are good and tight, replace the trans mount and your bearing (or a used spindle is sometimes cheaper/easier) See if it persists after the obvious issues are cared for. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lichen Posted March 27, 2017 Author Share Posted March 27, 2017 It turned out to be the cv joint and wheel bearing front driver side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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