I have a 2004 WRX with the 5 speed and I've been forced to drive my Rex to work with a bad drive line. (I know it's bad because I can hear the u-joints pop like knuckles when I take off and the center bearing hums at 60-65mph) To top it off though, I was driving home yesterday and I heard a crazy thudding and thumping from the the tranny/front driver side wheel well. Before this disturbing noise I was feeling a little thud through my steering wheel that eventually led to the loud thumping sound. I thought it was my CV axle, so I jacked the car up put it on stands and removed the driver side front tire and saw nothing at all. I started the car and put it in gear to try a process of elimination and my front driver side tire spins for a second when I let out the clutch in first and then stops and struggles. When I turn the car off the same tire suddenly spins backwards and makes a loud clunk and thudding noise?????? I'm so stumped please feel free to tell me what you can! Thanks! -Nick alphq2026@aol.com

 

Nothing? This happens when I turn the car off in first gear.

 

Transfer Case issue

 

Okay would this be from driving it to hard or normal wear and tear? Also, something I self taught mechanic can deal with or should I take it to my local shop (or tow it? )? I appreciate the feed back also