Weird issue this weekend when I swapped in my 'new-to-me' Forest FXT stuts (Pics and post to follow soon).

 

When I removed the driver's side front strut, the whole hub just flopped outwards, and when I tried to push it back upright it wouldn't go initially. After a few more tries I finally got it to go back in so I could install the new strut.

 

Both inner/outer boots looked good - not tears/rips/leaking grease.

 

After getting everything put back together I now have the click of a a bad CVJ/DOJ - when accelerating/turning/etc.

 

So, my guess it was on its way out anyway?

 

Thanks

Edited May 11, 200916 yr by wtdash

Yeah, just funny timing. The playing with the suspension may have brought the noise to your attention sooner, but it was coming either way. Are these the original Subaru axles and original boots? That's very odd for them to click...almost unheard of. I'd guess it's an aftermarket axle or the boot has been replaced previously.

Sometimes this happens. It's not often but it does. As long as you are there inspect the wheel bearing too.

 

 

nipper

What is the mileage? Its sounds like it was on its way out and the banging was the death blow. I had a very similar issue but I think I caused it by driving the car to the alignment shop with it being so out of alignment. It clicked the whole way there, 3000 miles later and it still clicks a little.

It was a used one I got from a local Subie shop. It lasted 1.5 years longer than the new one from autozone:rolleyes:.

 

Thanks

the good news is if it's just the outer joint clicking and the boot isn't cracked you have a LONG time before anything happens....except the voices in your head from the clicking.

 

i've put 50,000 miles on a front clicking CV joint before. original subaru axles will last a very long time if you keep them out of rock and sand (i've destroyed them quickly that way too!). once they get really bad you'll get vibrations while driving straight, which will go away if you slap some grease in there by hand :lol: until it gets so bad that it's just clicking all the time. of course i don't recommend letting it get that bad, just letting you know i have lots of experience with how long axles can last.