Fixing A Clunking Noise In Subaru Outback Front End. Replacing The Front Sway Bar Links.

In this video I am replacing the front sway bar links on a 2009 Subaru Outback. They are making a knocking sound. The balls joints in the links get worn which causes noise from movement. This fixed my noise problem.

[@davesaysso1970]

Thanks for the video. Great to be able to get a visual before working.

[@mikesworld60]

Glad it helped!

[@gsabella4]

Nice video. I have a 2008 forester that appears to be leaking oil from the dipstick tube seal. I'll replace the whole thing and this video looks to be exactly what i need

[@mikesworld60]

Good to hear, glad it was of help.

[@timswanson1936]

Thanks for the video fixed the knocking sound in my 2009 forester.

[@mikesworld60]

You're Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@avidskier73]

Nicely done, thanks! Don't forget for an extra 15-20 bucks, you can change the swaybar bushings as well.

[@mikesworld60]

Great point! Thanks!

[@XCSNCR]

Awesome video. Thanks for the visual guide. Now I can do mine.. keep them coming lol. Love learning all about Subarus.

[@mikesworld60]

Thanks! Glad it was of help.

[@FixerMerlin]

I just changed one of those on my 2010 outback and used a vice grip and angle grinder to get it off.. never thought to check if there was a place to put an Allen key..

[@mikesworld60]

You got the job done though and that's what counts. Thanks for stopping in. I checked out your channel and you have some good videos. I sub you.

[@user-ot9ti3ns2v]

The unedited version must be fun.

[@Zombiecidal]

thanks man! part # made it much easier.

[@mikesworld60]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for stopping by!

[@VideoNOLA]

Torque spec on those is really low like 18-30 ft-lbs.

[@mikesworld60]

Thanks!

[@JamieBenoir]

Hey, quick question. How did you diagnose the link vs a bushing?

[@mikesworld60]

I heard the links will cause noise. Just an educated guess, I guess. It worked out and was my noise.

[@RatBonez74]

I'm thinking is may be the issue on my 14. Everything is tight, no movement when checking tie rod or ball joint issues....but something is clunking. Drives 100% perfect, just annoying clunking when hitting a bump or a rough road. How did u figure out this was your issue?

[@mikesworld60]

The boots were torn and the joints looked dry. There was absolutely no movement in them that I could detect. It did take care of the noise I had for sure. I think If you lift the wheel off the ground you may be able to detect some movement in them but I would not count on it. I decided to replace them because there was nothing else that made sense looking at the other front end components. The clunking noise can be quite loud sometimes from those little guys.

[@dickwhitmore5878]

1 of my bar link nuts was loose ,, knocking loud,,metal 2 metal on bumps ,,sounds dangerous when driving,,, went 2 four shops they never physically checked the 🔩 bolts

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Question does the clunking notice is only noticeable when you are driving on a rod that has like expansion joint crack across the road. I have a 2012 legacy and when the street is completely smooth I don’t hear any noise. The wire thing is that I remembered having changed the linkings last year for the same reason and I steel hear the nocking, could it be some else? Please advise

[@mikesworld60]

Mine only made noise on my gravel road or when I hit noticeable bumps in the road. I believe there are some on the rear suspension as well as the front. I suppose it is possible the ones that were replace have failed if you fixed the problem replacing them the first time. If the first time you replaced them, it didn't fix the problem I would maybe look into possible ball joint noise or maybe a strut bearing. Or maybe sway bar or body bushings if there are any. I can only suggest what I would look at next. Keep in mind I am just a backyard mechanic.

[@matteoperron5436]

Great video! How do you actually diagnose this though? my 2012 forester is making a clunking noise from the front and i think its these little guys. Jacked it up and took the wheels off and didnt feel any play or movement in anything whatsoever so im second guessing myself. they looked fine visually too but im no mechanic so i could be wrong haha. Any tips?

[@mikesworld60]

It is really hard to tell they are bad by looking at them. Sometimes if you use a pry bar with the tire off the ground you can see them move a little. They only seem to make noise when you're on a dirt, gravel road or hitting bumps. I just replaced them because it was the only thing that made sense other than strut bearings. I don't think they were that expensive and I got mine from the dealer because I like OEM parts if possible. I guess you just have to go for it when it comes to these things.

[@matteoperron5436]

@@mikesworld60 awesome thanks for the reply! il probably go for it then. relatively cheap so worth the shot

[@180shots7]

Looking for some help. I just changed the cv axle a few months back. Now I'm getting a clunk only when turning left. The bearings were done 6 months ago too.
I've checked everything and all looks solid. No tear in boots. But the clunk has me stumped

[@mikesworld60]

Not sure I can help, but if the clunk was not there before the work was done, then I would go back and check everything that was touched when doing the work. good luck.

[@vladislavplamadeala1297]

I replaced new shocks and struts , sway bar bushings and sway bar links . But still have the same clunking noise. 😢

[@mikesworld60]

Ball joints maybe

[@jackgreen9062]

Cv joint(s)? Transaxle?

[@maryfranco9406]

What about noise coming from the left side tire

[@mikesworld60]

Is it a squeak, could be brakes, or is it a growling sound Wheel bearing, my best guess without seeing the vehicle. Pretty hard to troubleshoot without actually looking at a vehicle. Good luck.