Clunking when backing out of parking spots

Tiny
DARTHDONALD
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID
  • 77,500 MILES
I have been having problems with my control arms for a few months. I recently replaced the ball joint, but was not able to replace the bushings at that time. I will be replacing the whole arm shortly. Yesterday it started to clunk when I pull out of parking spots. I am reading it could be the CV, it could also be something else. Could it be my control arm and is it safe to drive since it only started yesterday?
Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 AT 5:33 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
When backing up and it clucks then that could be a control arm issue but you should be able jack up the vehicle and watch the bushing and control arm for any movement in the bushing. You should see the arm drop as you lift the vehicle but it should not move around in the mounting location.

Once the tire is off the ground you can try to move the control arm by putting a pry bar on the arm at the bushing and move it around. There should be minimal movement but if you can move it then it is loose.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

CV axle noises are normally clicking and not clunking. Here is a guide that talks about this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clicking-sound

Let us know if you have other questions and what you find with this. Thanks
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Monday, April 5th, 2021 AT 3:30 PM

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