My Subaru has a quirk (which one doesn't) but I am thinking it's more of a problem lately.

2001 Subaru Legacy L wagon

59,500 miles (I have owned it since 47K)

5-speed manual

 

When I start from a stop (first gear or reverse) with the wheels turned, the steering wheel vibrates pretty hard, kind of like a pulsation as I am giving it gas and letting the clutch engage at approximately 1500rpm. It goes away when the wheels are straight and the clutch is fully engaged. It also vibrates sometimes on low speed second gear turns, for example, pulling into a parking spot.

 

Things that I checked:

 

-Tire pressure is ok

-Tire wear is ok

-Tire rod end boots are fine

-All axle boots are in good shape

-Steering rack is tight, fluid is at the appropriate level

-Transmission mount to the center x-member had a new bolt installed by me a few weeks ago on a snapped stud. It is tight and ok.

-Transmission mount to the transmission was missing 1 of the 4 bolts somehow. I put another one in tonight and the pulsation is still there...no better, no worse, so not the problem IMO.

 

Is there anything else I can check myself before I drop it off at the local specialist? Any ideas? Thanks for the help,

Kevin

it sounds like a seized cv joint. Could be a bad tire, bad wheel bearing or a warped rotor. a cv joint can seize even with a good boot, its rare but it happens. You can jack the front tires up and with the wheels cut hard, turn the wheel by hand and see if you can feel the sensation. Also inspect the tires for any broken belts.

 

nipper

I will check the CV situation via your method tomorrow hopefully. I have 4 new snow tires on the beast...probably about 6,000 miles. I will check those as well. Would a broken belt on the tire be noticeable? The brakes on the front appeared to be new when I purchased it (pads and rotors). I really appreciate the help! Thank you:)

 

Kevin

broken belt will apear to be a dimple on the sidewall of the tire.

 

nipper