I have this intermittent noise that seems to come from the rear differential or somewhere along the drivetrain. A real grinding noise that can occur at any speed. It will persist even when coming to a full stop or when re-starting. There is this horrible clunking, or rachetting, or gear grinding, or rattling noise. It is hard to describe. It only begins when in motion (usually 40 or 50 kms/hr and in 4th gear). I always pull over and it eventually goes away by driving forward and backward very slowly. Sometimes it takes awhile before the noise goes away.
No one can find the problem. The car works fine as soon as a mechanic is present. New clutch, repaired parking brake and sway bar, and a new set of tires have not solved the problem. A view underneath reveals the rear differential shaking or bouncing. Opening it up shows nothing unusual. The latest suggestion is a worn or seized slip yoke at rear drive shaft. This is not something I know anything about.
Thoughts or suggestions?
I recently purchased this Subaru and it has been a legacy of problems.
Horrible Noises From a 1991 Legacy AWD Turbo 5 Speed
Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators
An update...
Thanks for the suggestion. The car is at the shop with the mechanic taking the car home and about to try and reproduce the problem etc. I'll pass the suggestion along.
As an update I should mention that the noise, once it has started (a real hard knocking that slows down as the car slows down) occurs even when the clutch is depressed or the car is in neutral. The speed or rate of knocking is a function of the car's speed. Shifting gears is not a problem when the condition exists.
As an update I should mention that the noise, once it has started (a real hard knocking that slows down as the car slows down) occurs even when the clutch is depressed or the car is in neutral. The speed or rate of knocking is a function of the car's speed. Shifting gears is not a problem when the condition exists.
1991 subaru Legacy AWD Turbo Sedan