The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

I know a guy that recently changed out both front wheel hub / bearing assemblies on their GEN6 Liberty (driveline noise that started suddenly after a service / tyre rotation - seemed bearing related but noise didn't appear to resolve until new tyres, so thinking it was possible uneven tyre wear creating the noise) but they're now concerned by a noticeable clunk on tight turns / manouevering (especially noticeable when turning in enclosed carparks).

Could this be a sign of worn driveshafts or a perhaps a problem introduced with the hub / bearings and I just hadn't noticed it before, got me worried that they mightn't have torqued the axle nuts properly (quetionable torque wrench a real possibility in hindsight) as they did reuse instread or replacing with new nuts at the time? Mechanic suggests replacing both axles and bearing / hubs but didn't know the hub/bearings had only just been changed).

No other noise or symptoms present at all other than this noise a low speed / turning. Is it worth checking just the the axle nuts or replacing with new if it might be a simple fix or do you reckon it's likely a separate issue and either just the axle shafts or both them and the hub/bearings need replacing?

Is the noise a rotational clunk that repeats itself until the tight turn is completed, or is it a one off clunk noise?

If it’s a one off noise it could be worn struts.

If it’s rotational it could be the centre diff that’s worn out (if manual, I don’t think the auto have this issue). CVS will click as you know. Bearings would make other noises or have other signs as well.

Last thing it could be if a single clunk is a worn ball joint or rack end shifting with the extra loads of a tight turn being applied to the steering system.

Cheers

Bennie