Today we had a new Subaru Service customer that called up concerned about a vibration and noise when they were on the highway. They were told by the local Subaru Dealer that the belts in the tires had shifted that that they need 4 new tires and an alignment.
One of our Master Technicians drove the vehicle with the customer to verify the concern. The noise sounded like a very loud thumping that vibrated right through the seat of his pants around 55 mph right up through 65 mph. He then pulled the Subaru into the shop for inspection. We found that the tires are newer but worn a little unevenly due to lack of service. The tires should be rotated about every 8-10,000 miles. In addition the Tech found that the left inner CV boot is torn completely open and has no grease lubricating the inner joint.
The boot that somewhat resembles an accordion is called the CV Boot. You can clearly see the tear right in the center of it
Since this joint depends on grease for lubrication, the grease needs to be sealed into the joint with the use of a rubber “CV Boot”. These CV Boots wear and sometimes tear. If spotted early enough the boot and grease can be replaced. But unfortunately in this case the issue was present for an incredibly long time causing the axle shaft to freeze up in the joint where it should be able to slide in and out freely.
We ended up just replacing the entire left front axle, rotating the tires, and performing an alignment. Then we road tested the vehicle again to verify that the Subaru Repair fixed the customer’s concern. We’re happy to say that this vehicle drove straight and smooth just like the day it came off the Subaru Dealer’s lot when it was new. Fortunately this is another case where we’re happy that we took the appropriate steps to properly verify and diagnose the customer’s concern. Otherwise we would have unnecessarily replaced parts that were perfectly “Ok” based on someone else’s incorrect diagnosis.
In need of Subaru Service? Feel free to call 413.363.0306 or schedule online today.
I love my Subaru and have always been loyal to the brand. It’s actually my 5th one and I wouldn’t drive anything else. It’s important that the car drives properly and is safe because I’m constantly traveling for work and can’t afford to be without it. I heard good things about Precision and I’m happy that I finally gave them a shot. One of their mechanics went for a ride with me to make sure that he heard the noise and then they checked it over to figure out the problem. I only had to wait a few hours and was able to get right back to work. Precision also saved me $327 under what I almost paid at the Subaru Dealer and the repair at the dealer wouldn’t have even fixed the issue. So who knows how much I would have ended up spending. You have a new customer for life. I love my Subaru and I can’t say enough great things about the entire staff at Precision Auto.
Samuel D.
Hampden, MA