Kat-kat-kat sound when stepping on gas and turning.

2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
134,000 MILES • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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DARIUSBD
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While accelerating, esp. which turning, I hear a kat-kat-kat kind of sound on my 2001 Subaru Outback?
What could the matter be?
Thanks.
Feb 3, 2011 at 2:13 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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One of the half shafts is worn, or perhaos both of them.
Feb 3, 2011 at 3:38 AM
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DARIUSBD
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Thanks Dr. Hagerty.
Both the front CV joints and tie rods have been replaced but the mystery deepens as the noise still endures :(
My mechanic thinks it may be an (expensive) transmission issue.
What else could it be?
Could it be broken engine mounts?
Thanks again.
Darius
Feb 8, 2011 at 7:12 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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Noise is difficult to properly diagnose from cyberspace. I would have to defer to your mechanic on this one.
Feb 8, 2011 at 2:39 PM
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DARIUSBD
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I hear you Dr. Hagerty.
Thanks.
Feb 8, 2011 at 5:11 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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All good.
Feb 12, 2011 at 6:10 AM
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DARIUSBD
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As it turns out, my mechanic (whom I trust and from whom I bought the car) admitted that despite replacing both the CV joints and tightened up everything under the car he cannot tell for sure what the source of the noise is. In other words, replacing the transmission may not do the trick! :(
Which leaves me still looking for a fix for this problem.
Any suggestion would help so I welcome any and all ideas, however much of a longshot they may be.
Thanks.
Feb 13, 2011 at 3:52 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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It could still be the axles.
Feb 14, 2011 at 3:08 PM
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DARIUSBD
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Okay. I'm having another mechanic look at the car and will ask him to look at the axles.
In the meantime, is there a chance that there might be a problem with the rear differential? And if so, might adding some special (thicker?) transmission fluid make a difference?
Thanks again Dr. Hagerty.
Feb 14, 2011 at 11:05 PM
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DARIUSBD
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The problem turned out to be the re-built front axles that were no good. Replacing them with new ones seems to have done the trick.
Thanks Dr. Hagerty - you were right from the beginning!
Mar 14, 2011 at 3:47 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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We get credit for being smart and good looking
Jan 3, 2013 at 6:19 AM
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