Bad CV Joint or Bad Axle Nut ?

[Inteze]

Hello guys, I am new to this forum and still kind of lost so bare with me, thanks

So I have this bad clicking while driving with my GT86, it comes from the back/driver side. From what I've been reading online this could be a bad CV Joint or a loose Axle nut... What do you think could this be ? (SEE VIDEO)

More details :
- It does not clunk while turning sharply as seen/heard on some youtube videos showcasing a Bad CV Joint.
- Clicks while decelerating from FOR EXAMPLE 4k RPM
- Disappears while accelerating
- Clicks louder while turning slightly to the right, doesn't click when turning left
- But also clicks while decelerating on a straight line (as you can see on the video)

THANK YOU

VIDEO :

[solidONE]

Your car seems kinda new to be having problem with the CV axle. Have you tried torquing down the axle nut? While you are down there, check to see if any of the grease liquified and escaped the CV boot's seal.

Take it in for warranty. Your car is way to new to be having issues with the CV joint. Unless your car took some damage hitting something hard at the wheel.

[Inteze]

Yes I am going to check the Axle Nut... I hope it's that, not looking forward in buying a new axle...

[Mr.ac]

A bad cv joint is easy identified by looking at them underneath the car.

The axle nut is only one that needs to be replaced and torque down.

I would always start with the cheapest parts to replace. Thus buy yourself a new axle nut.

Also you don't need to buy a whole new axle if the cv joints are bad. You can just rebuild them. Just look for any tranny shop or axle shop. It's an odd find but they are there.

[Apoc]

Do you have hub rings? I had a similar issue. It would only make random clicking noises on accel, decel or sharp turns at lower speeds. Never a constant click like a bad CV joint. I changed out the axle nuts and it still happened and there were no signs of failing CV joints. I installed a new set of hub rings last summer and the clicking stopped.

[Inteze]

Originally Posted by Apoc

Do you have hub rings? I had a similar issue. It would only make random clicking noises on accel, decel or sharp turns at lower speeds. Never a constant click like a bad CV joint. I changed out the axle nuts and it still happened and there were no signs of failing CV joints. I installed a new set of hub rings last summer and the clicking stopped.

Hey, no I do not have Hub Rings :/ but thank you !

[Inteze]

Originally Posted by Mr.ac

A bad cv joint is easy identified by looking at them underneath the car.

The axle nut is only one that needs to be replaced and torque down.

I would always start with the cheapest parts to replace. Thus buy yourself a new axle nut.

Also you don't need to buy a whole new axle if the cv joints are bad. You can just rebuild them. Just look for any tranny shop or axle shop. It's an odd find but they are there.

Alright, thank you

[Teseo]

Is the axle nut, re torque it

[Inteze]

Originally Posted by Teseo

Is the axle nut, re torque it

I really hope you’re right

What makes you think that it might only be the Axle Nut if I can ask?

[pgranberg11]

i had the same sound. I had to replace the axle... I would check the axle nut first... easy check to tighten it. if it's tight and still makes noise, you know to replace the axle. good luck.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by Inteze

I really hope you’re right

What makes you think that it might only be the Axle Nut if I can ask?

Had almost identical sound, bough the nut brand new because i found it cheap and torque it on spec

[solidONE]

According to my local Subaru parts counter guy, the axle nut on our car and many other subarus including the imprezza, tend to need to be replaced. Something about the metal being used being a lower grade, softer material. Breaking wheel studs and throwout bearings seems to be a common "subaru" thing as well apparently.

Having dealt with similar problems that was first remedied by torquing down the original nut, then replacing the nut and eventually replacing the driver side axle with a used one repacked with new grease. Repacking the grease is a good preventative measure if you're up to it. If you track the car, you'd better do it ASAP IMO. Axles going out isnt uncommon. Its just a matter of time. As for the axle nut, I suppose all we can do is check the torque periodically and replace when needed or retrofit a different brand.

If anything, take it to the dealer. Maybe you get a brand new axle for your troubles. Or just do it before your dirivetrain warranty runs out haha.

[Inteze]

Alright, I’ll be checking this asap

I don’t track the car, but will do the necessary to get it fixed!

[Inteze]

UPDATE : Okay so the axles are fine, Axle Nut has been changed, Noise still occuring...

I have noticed one thing though, as you can here on the Video, the ticking comes from somewhere between the differential and the propshaft.

Little detail : The car does not seem to do the noise as soon as it rains....

VIDEO :