'95-'99 Legacy: Did you fix your clunk?

outback_97 · 05-29-2003, 11:02 AM

Any Legacy or Legacy Outback owners out there get TSB 04-09-01 done on their car? Basically, it is supposed to reduce or eliminate the "clunk" or rattle you can get when turning on uneven surfaces. The repair procedure involves installing a "Steering Universal Joint With Damper".

I did some searching and there were some old threads talking about the problem, but I never found anything about it getting fixed. It's not a safety issue, but it's very annoying.

Mine does it ALL the time on gravel roads and when you hit a crack or pothole while turning. A fellow nasioc'er was kind enough to send me some info on this, so after worrying forever about my steering or suspension sounding like it's broken, at least now I know what the cause is.

If anyone had this done, let me know if it helped, thanks.

Steve

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ws6fiero · 05-29-2003, 11:07 AM

I'm also curious about how much it costs to get fixed. It's driving me nuts, too

KD7000 · 05-29-2003, 02:11 PM

Hmm, I have that clunk, too. I'd be interested to hear more as well, especially if this is something we can fix ourselves.

-Brian

monovich · 05-29-2003, 02:17 PM

I'm not familiar with the clunk.

hmm.

biggreen96 · 05-29-2003, 02:18 PM

I never knew there was suposed to be a fix for that, I was going to try out the steering rack bushings. I would like to kow how much it is too.

outback_97 · 05-29-2003, 06:43 PM

FWIW:

Part #'s for the Steering U Joint w/ Dampers:

Legacy: P/N 34160AC030 (Shorter Length)
Outback: P/N 34160AC090 (Longer Length)

I checked an online parts vendor and these are about $90 for the Legacy and almost 3X that for Legacy OB.

Still wondering if anyone actually got this done... it sounds like there's a lot of people that didn't, though.

If you're not familiar with the clunk... you're lucky. Maybe mine always did it, but it seems to have gotten more noticeable since 70K-80K miles (I'm at 95K now).

lucien2 · 05-29-2003, 10:59 PM

I have a clunk that is driving me nuts, but it sounds like it is coming from the left rear, so I don't think it is the same clunk as your clunk....

Spare tire is secure, jack is secure. I am paranoid that it's my strut/spring assembly

ws6fiero · 05-29-2003, 11:09 PM

Yep, that would be a different clunk.

I bought my car at 99k and I didn't notice "the clunk" at all, but now that I have 110k on it I am noticing it all the time. I'm really surprised nobody has gotten it fixed yet.

Not sure if its worth $90 and the effort, though.

Sobelizard109 · 05-29-2003, 11:56 PM

I've got the clunk too, specially when i go offroading to remote camping/biking locations. bother the heck outta me but i think for 90+ i can deal with it.

lucien2 · 05-30-2003, 04:13 PM

I think my clunk might be a bearing. What does a bad bearing sound like?

jkyes · 05-30-2003, 05:51 PM

i am not sure if this is the same clunk or not, but i have had mine for a year now.. i can actually get a noise very similar to it by jacking up the rear end with the car in gear rocking the rear wheel front to back. i can actually get it to make the noise on straits if the bump is big.

lucien2 · 05-30-2003, 07:06 PM

Interesting, it must be the silver ones, then....

mvstype · 05-30-2003, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lucien2
Interesting, it must be the silver ones, then....

I have the clunk and mine is booger colored.

MV

US2JDM · 05-30-2003, 08:33 PM

I have the clunk on rough terrain, and I have an Impreza!

lucien2 · 05-31-2003, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mvstype

I have the clunk and mine is booger colored.

MV

are you talking front-end clunk or the rear end clunky grindy clunk? 'Coz if it's front end clunk it is part of the TSB. But if it is the rear end grindy clunk then yea, we're gonna have to add booger colored to the list.

ws6fiero · 05-31-2003, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lucien2
I think my clunk might be a bearing. What does a bad bearing sound like?

A bad bearing would be more of a whine/hum type noise. I really don't know the legacy's rear suspension at all, but in general that sounds like something you'd get from a bad ball joint or toe link or a worn bushing, etc.

Subietonic · 05-31-2003, 05:06 AM

Bearings deteriorate at different rates depending on their lubrication, stress/torque loads and use. You'll typically start to notice a bad bearing because it's making a noise that exceeds the normal ambient noise that you're used to in your car. If it's a wheel bearing or a pinion bearing, initially you'll notice that the noise goes away when you turn left or right (wheel bearing) or load/unload (on/off the accelerator) the drivetrain (pinion bearing). That's telling you that bearing is starting to go and needs to be repaired/replaced. Once they hit their death throes, you'll have constant noise (loud yowling noise, grating, clunking, etc.) from the bearing hub or the differential areas.

The clunking that you mention in the post seems to be a common anomaly across the Subaru line. All 3 Legacys, the wife's Forester and daughter's Impreza all do it to varying degrees. You notice it when you're making a turn across a raised joint where two streets come together, or you turn into a parking lot and the entry way is slightly higher than the road surface, or as some have mentioned, you're driving along bumpy road and you notice it when you hit a rock/bump while cornering. Almost always it involves turning and it feels like the steering column rattles.

I'm fairly sure that as the mileage builds up, the incidence and the severity of it increase. The most I've got on any of my cars is 56K and that's on one of the 98 GTs. I notice it more on this car but have thought it might also be a function of the 17" wheels/low profile tires.

Someone in another forum which I can't find right now, also suggested that it might be steering rack bushings as well. Does anyone have a copy of the TSB info and does it make mention of the steering rack too or just the "Steering column u-joint coupling"? BTW - 1st Subaru Parts check of the Legacy P/N above returns the following:

List $118.40
Price $88.80
Steering column - Coupling
COUPLING, Legacy, w/Outback - W/O SVX 1996 - 1999

and
List $118.40
Price $88.80
Steering column - Steering column assembly - U-joint coupling - W/outback sus W/outback sus 1996 - 1999

the Outback P/N returned a "No parts found"

Br, Dale

remarcable · 05-31-2003, 08:42 PM

My car has had the clunk since about 4k miles. I've grown so used to it that it isn't a problem anymore.

outback_97 · 06-02-2003, 02:17 PM

Seems like the consensus is:

1) It's quite common
2) It's annoying to most people
3) Accepted by some as one of those wacky subie foibles
4) No one here has ever had this fixed, or even knows someone who has had it fixed per the TSB.

I already knew #1-#3, still hard to believe #4.

[rant]
What is irritating is that when I brought the car to the dealer complaining of an issue nearly verbatim to the description in the TSB, the dealer is clueless. At least say, "Here's the TSB, you're past warranty, but if you want to fix that it'll cost you X dollars. There's nothing wrong with your car which compromises your safety or performance."

Maybe that's too much to ask. Sucks when the consumer is so much more informed than the dealer, when the TSB's are easy for the dealers to get and a pain for consumers to get.
[/rant]

Guess I'll just learn to love my clunk.

Steve

Oquipah · 06-02-2003, 05:44 PM

I've had that confounded clunk since day one (41,000K miles). It was discussed here or possibly at the USMB forum, without any conclusion.

How does one get the TSB for the fix?

outback_97-it sounds like you have the TSB...true? I'd be interested in a copy if possible.

I just called NHTSA regarding the TSB and they were no help.

Yes it's another Subaru quirk, but if it can be fixed then many people would be very happy.

Peace,
Oquipah

remarcable · 06-04-2003, 11:14 AM

There used to be a personel web page out their titled "subaru noises" but I seem to have lost the link. It had a little more info about the various creaks rattles and squick squick noises.

outback_97 · 06-04-2003, 11:54 AM

Google search "subaru noises" yields:

http://resnet.uoregon.edu/~dwhite/pages/subnoises.html

I emailed the guy who made the page a while back, he has sold the car and has no more info.

Oquipah, PM'd you.

mvstype · 06-04-2003, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lucien2

are you talking front-end clunk or the rear end clunky grindy clunk? 'Coz if it's front end clunk it is part of the TSB. But if it is the rear end grindy clunk then yea, we're gonna have to add booger colored to the list.

It would be the front.

TSB=???

MV

juancolorado · 06-26-2003, 08:55 AM

For all of you with the famous "clunk".

2000 Outback Wagon, 43k. I have had this "clunk" from day one. Bought the car new. The first time I had it in I was told it was "strut action" noise. Well, yesterday I went to the dealer with the TSB in hand (thanks Steve).

The boys went over it and said that they though it was the steering problem explained in the TSB. So, to make a long story short they ordered the parts and I am going to get it "fixed" (I hope) as soon as the parts come in.

I will let everyone know what the results are. I have lived with this noise for a loooooooooong time and hate it!!!! I hope this is the fix.

Later,

John

outback_97 · 06-26-2003, 06:40 PM

Note:

I changed the original post to reflect the fact that this applies to '00 Legacies as well.

It's interesting to note that the fix for '00 differs from the prior years, though.

Please keep us informed of the results, John, thank you.

Steve

06-26-2003, 08:55 AM	#24
juancolorado Scooby Newbie Member#: 38896 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: north of Pittsburg Pa Vehicle: 2000 outback	I'm going to get that clunk!! For all of you with the famous "clunk". 2000 Outback Wagon, 43k. I have had this "clunk" from day one. Bought the car new. The first time I had it in I was told it was "strut action" noise. Well, yesterday I went to the dealer with the TSB in hand (thanks Steve). The boys went over it and said that they though it was the steering problem explained in the TSB. So, to make a long story short they ordered the parts and I am going to get it "fixed" (I hope) as soon as the parts come in. I will let everyone know what the results are. I have lived with this noise for a loooooooooong time and hate it!!!! I hope this is the fix. Later, John

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05-29-2003, 11:02 AM	#1
outback_97 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30874 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: salt lake city, ut Vehicle: 0897 OUTBACKS and 2003 TS wagon	'95-'00 Legacy: Did you fix your clunk? Any Legacy or Legacy Outback owners out there get TSB 04-09-01 done on their car? Basically, it is supposed to reduce or eliminate the "clunk" or rattle you can get when turning on uneven surfaces. The repair procedure involves installing a "Steering Universal Joint With Damper". I did some searching and there were some old threads talking about the problem, but I never found anything about it getting fixed. It's not a safety issue, but it's very annoying. Mine does it ALL the time on gravel roads and when you hit a crack or pothole while turning. A fellow nasioc'er was kind enough to send me some info on this, so after worrying forever about my steering or suspension sounding like it's broken, at least now I know what the cause is. If anyone had this done, let me know if it helped, thanks. Steve * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by outback_97; 06-26-2003 at 06:38 PM.

05-29-2003, 11:07 AM	#2
ws6fiero Scooby Newbie Member#: 33067 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: MI Vehicle: 1998 Legacy Wagon Spruce Pearl	I'm also curious about how much it costs to get fixed. It's driving me nuts, too

05-29-2003, 02:11 PM	#3
KD7000 Scooby Specialist Member#: 16653 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Central MA Vehicle: 2012 Mazda 3 2004 Honda Pilot	Hmm, I have that clunk, too. I'd be interested to hear more as well, especially if this is something we can fix ourselves. -Brian

05-29-2003, 02:17 PM	#4
monovich Scooby Specialist Member#: 8124 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Denver, Colorado Vehicle: 1998 Old Grey Mule Regacy Rype R	I'm not familiar with the clunk. hmm.

05-29-2003, 02:18 PM	#5
biggreen96 Scooby Specialist Member#: 12535 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Idaho slash Washington Vehicle: vf39 93 Legacy Wagon 92 Legacy Rally EG33'd	I never knew there was suposed to be a fix for that, I was going to try out the steering rack bushings. I would like to kow how much it is too.

05-29-2003, 06:43 PM	#6
outback_97 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30874 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: salt lake city, ut Vehicle: 0897 OUTBACKS and 2003 TS wagon	FWIW: Part #'s for the Steering U Joint w/ Dampers: Legacy: P/N 34160AC030 (Shorter Length) Outback: P/N 34160AC090 (Longer Length) I checked an online parts vendor and these are about $90 for the Legacy and almost 3X that for Legacy OB. Still wondering if anyone actually got this done... it sounds like there's a lot of people that didn't, though. If you're not familiar with the clunk... you're lucky. Maybe mine always did it, but it seems to have gotten more noticeable since 70K-80K miles (I'm at 95K now).

05-29-2003, 10:59 PM	#7
lucien2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1519 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, hon! Vehicle: 1998 Volvo V70R Silver	I have a clunk that is driving me nuts, but it sounds like it is coming from the left rear, so I don't think it is the same clunk as your clunk.... Spare tire is secure, jack is secure. I am paranoid that it's my strut/spring assembly

05-29-2003, 11:09 PM	#8
ws6fiero Scooby Newbie Member#: 33067 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: MI Vehicle: 1998 Legacy Wagon Spruce Pearl	Yep, that would be a different clunk. I bought my car at 99k and I didn't notice "the clunk" at all, but now that I have 110k on it I am noticing it all the time. I'm really surprised nobody has gotten it fixed yet. Not sure if its worth $90 and the effort, though.

05-29-2003, 11:56 PM	#9
Sobelizard109 Scooby Specialist Member#: 10302 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: CT Vehicle: 2005 GT WAGON SILVER	I've got the clunk too, specially when i go offroading to remote camping/biking locations. bother the heck outta me but i think for 90+ i can deal with it.

05-30-2003, 04:13 PM	#10
lucien2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1519 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, hon! Vehicle: 1998 Volvo V70R Silver	I think my clunk might be a bearing. What does a bad bearing sound like?

05-30-2003, 05:51 PM	#11
jkyes Scooby Newbie Member#: 707 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: cottage grove, mn, usa Vehicle: 99 Legacy GT Quick silver	i am not sure if this is the same clunk or not, but i have had mine for a year now.. i can actually get a noise very similar to it by jacking up the rear end with the car in gear rocking the rear wheel front to back. i can actually get it to make the noise on straits if the bump is big.

05-30-2003, 07:06 PM	#12
lucien2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 1519 Join Date: May 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, hon! Vehicle: 1998 Volvo V70R Silver	Interesting, it must be the silver ones, then....

05-30-2003, 08:33 PM	#14
US2JDM Scooby Guru Member#: 5893 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Fairport, NY Vehicle: 1997 Black GC4 1995 White BK6	I have the clunk on rough terrain, and I have an Impreza!

05-31-2003, 05:06 AM	#17
Subietonic Scooby Specialist Member#: 12588 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Low Country, SC Vehicle: Four Count 'em GF5,BDA,BD5, BP5	Bearings deteriorate at different rates depending on their lubrication, stress/torque loads and use. You'll typically start to notice a bad bearing because it's making a noise that exceeds the normal ambient noise that you're used to in your car. If it's a wheel bearing or a pinion bearing, initially you'll notice that the noise goes away when you turn left or right (wheel bearing) or load/unload (on/off the accelerator) the drivetrain (pinion bearing). That's telling you that bearing is starting to go and needs to be repaired/replaced. Once they hit their death throes, you'll have constant noise (loud yowling noise, grating, clunking, etc.) from the bearing hub or the differential areas. The clunking that you mention in the post seems to be a common anomaly across the Subaru line. All 3 Legacys, the wife's Forester and daughter's Impreza all do it to varying degrees. You notice it when you're making a turn across a raised joint where two streets come together, or you turn into a parking lot and the entry way is slightly higher than the road surface, or as some have mentioned, you're driving along bumpy road and you notice it when you hit a rock/bump while cornering. Almost always it involves turning and it feels like the steering column rattles. I'm fairly sure that as the mileage builds up, the incidence and the severity of it increase. The most I've got on any of my cars is 56K and that's on one of the 98 GTs. I notice it more on this car but have thought it might also be a function of the 17" wheels/low profile tires. Someone in another forum which I can't find right now, also suggested that it might be steering rack bushings as well. Does anyone have a copy of the TSB info and does it make mention of the steering rack too or just the "Steering column u-joint coupling"? BTW - 1st Subaru Parts check of the Legacy P/N above returns the following: List $118.40 Price $88.80 Steering column - Coupling COUPLING, Legacy, w/Outback - W/O SVX 1996 - 1999 and List $118.40 Price $88.80 Steering column - Steering column assembly - U-joint coupling - W/outback sus W/outback sus 1996 - 1999 the Outback P/N returned a "No parts found" Br, Dale

05-31-2003, 08:42 PM	#18
remarcable Scooby Specialist Member#: 2362 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: South Carolina, USA Vehicle: 1999 Legacy Outback Blue w/ Paint Chips & Mud	My car has had the clunk since about 4k miles. I've grown so used to it that it isn't a problem anymore.

06-02-2003, 02:17 PM	#19
outback_97 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30874 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: salt lake city, ut Vehicle: 0897 OUTBACKS and 2003 TS wagon	Seems like the consensus is: 1) It's quite common 2) It's annoying to most people 3) Accepted by some as one of those wacky subie foibles 4) No one here has ever had this fixed, or even knows someone who has had it fixed per the TSB. I already knew #1-#3, still hard to believe #4. [rant] What is irritating is that when I brought the car to the dealer complaining of an issue nearly verbatim to the description in the TSB, the dealer is clueless. At least say, "Here's the TSB, you're past warranty, but if you want to fix that it'll cost you X dollars. There's nothing wrong with your car which compromises your safety or performance." Maybe that's too much to ask. Sucks when the consumer is so much more informed than the dealer, when the TSB's are easy for the dealers to get and a pain for consumers to get. [/rant] Guess I'll just learn to love my clunk. Steve

06-02-2003, 05:44 PM	#20
Oquipah Scooby Newbie Member#: 9689 Join Date: Aug 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 1998 Legacy GT Silver	I've had that confounded clunk since day one (41,000K miles). It was discussed here or possibly at the USMB forum, without any conclusion. How does one get the TSB for the fix? outback_97-it sounds like you have the TSB...true? I'd be interested in a copy if possible. I just called NHTSA regarding the TSB and they were no help. Yes it's another Subaru quirk, but if it can be fixed then many people would be very happy. Peace, Oquipah

06-04-2003, 11:14 AM	#21
remarcable Scooby Specialist Member#: 2362 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: South Carolina, USA Vehicle: 1999 Legacy Outback Blue w/ Paint Chips & Mud	There used to be a personel web page out their titled "subaru noises" but I seem to have lost the link. It had a little more info about the various creaks rattles and squick squick noises.

06-04-2003, 11:54 AM	#22
outback_97 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30874 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: salt lake city, ut Vehicle: 0897 OUTBACKS and 2003 TS wagon	Google search "subaru noises" yields: http://resnet.uoregon.edu/~dwhite/pages/subnoises.html I emailed the guy who made the page a while back, he has sold the car and has no more info. Oquipah, PM'd you.

06-26-2003, 06:40 PM	#25
outback_97 Scooby Newbie Member#: 30874 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: salt lake city, ut Vehicle: 0897 OUTBACKS and 2003 TS wagon	Note: I changed the original post to reflect the fact that this applies to '00 Legacies as well. It's interesting to note that the fix for '00 differs from the prior years, though. Please keep us informed of the results, John, thank you. Steve