I have a 2002 WRX Automatic Tranny with STi struts/springs. For the past few days whenever I make a slow turn theres a kind of groaning, maybe grinding sound, coming from the front right. I haven't done anything to the car mod wise recently except switch out wheels after going off roading. When I went off roading I didn't go fast or hit any bumps faster than crawling speed.

I dont know what could be making this noise, can anyone help?

 

Sounds like your CV joint might be going. Does it sound like a clicking noise? does the grinding sound faster as you go faster?

 

no, I dont think the noise gets faster as I go faster.

the only abnormal situation the car has been through was off roading, and like I said that was at a slow pace so the only abuse was the suspension moving a lot.

 

Check to see if you're rubbing on something. Check your CV boots for cracks or rips.

 

which parts the cv boot?

is that the black part by the end of the axle where it goes into the tranny?

 

yes

more info for ya

http://www.samarins.com/glossary/cv_joint.html

 

thanks, I'll check that when I get a chance. I'm not TOO worried because I do have a manual tranny/axle/diff ready to go in soon and if its suspension, I have the stock wrx front stuff I can put back in

 

I just checked and the cv boot is fine. is there any way that low front diff fluid (remember, its a 4EAT so the front diff/tranny fluid are different). Anyways, I can't see very well in the garage so I can't read the dipstick very well

 

you shoulda let me listen to it matt...

 

I did some experiments on the way home today. The noise (which seems to be getting better actually) only happens when I'm not moving, or moving very slowly, and seems to be caused by the turning of the steering wheel, not the moving of the car.

 

bump....still have this noise

I added more gear oil to the front diff (it was getting pretty low) but that didn't help. I'm going to jack up the entire front end later tonight and see if I can isolate where the noise is coming fro,

 

check power steering fluid level?

 

wouldn't that just make it harder to turn? I'll check anywho

:runs to the garage:

EDIT: its still slightly above the "cold min" level

 

Some cars make a squeaking sound or grinding sound if it is low on ps fluid. It happened on a friends car although not a subaru, I would think the same thing is happening or at least check that first.

Good luck.

 

well I cant get any PS fluid right now, so I'm still going to try to locate the sound. What kind of PS fluid do I get? anything important to know when getting it?