Hey fellas.

Got a wee bit of a problem that I was hoping you could help out with...

My 2002 STI UK has developed a strange intermitent clunking/grinding/juddering on full lock. Sometimes when cold, sometimes not, sometimes only after a thrash? There is also a strange smell that I can only describe as Calor Gas from the car after a good thrash too (maybe clutch-like)? It also seems that this clunking noise could be diff/cv joint related as it clunks in every low gear engaged?

Anyone got any clues?

By the way, I also had my geometry done a few weeks back with some prodrive fittings that seemed rather aggresive...

Will be taking it to Len at subaru4you tomorrow to give it the once over but would like to get some additional advice from you guys too.

It's a real shame as I have just lined up the cash for my new de-cat, fuel pump and re-map this month, but it looks like it will set me back! <<< BUMMER >>>

Anyway, over to you guys... HELP PLEASE!!!

Ta,

Ed

 

The smell could be from heavy use of brakes,or clutch like you say.Also maybe your car had a heavy dose of engine protection wax blasted on from new.It maybe just burning off from hot parts of the engine.Have you aftermarket wheels?could they be rubbing on the inside of the arch?

Pete

 

Calor gas smell sounds like the cats getting hot to me.

As stated for noises
CV joint (outer)
Wheel bearing
diff.

 

Thanks for some of the suggestions guys. I'm sure that Len will be able to make an informed call tomorrow, but it's always good to get some ideas from SNetters too.

Will post up what the diagnosis is tomorrow for other people's future reference.

Ta,

Ed

 

Spoke to Len. He says that I should keep on going until the noise(s) becomes more prominent and detectable. Maybe it's just me being paranoid or something. Just felt sloppy through the gears and with noises and smells being so intermittent it really is hard to figure out what is going on.

Keep my fingers crossed that it goes away! ... Bring on the De-cat and fuel pump!!!