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I replaced:
2 new axles
1 new power steering rack
2 new tie rod ends
Group N motor and 5 speed tranny mount
Used hub knuckle with 100k less miles then the car has on it
full fluids change.

I did all this partially because my old power steering rack was bleeding fluid like a stuck pig, and i was getting a weird clunking noise and feeling when i veer right/ turn right.

The problem is still there whenever i slightly veer right, or turn right something clunks. After all the parts I've replaced I'm totally stumped as to what else it could be. Its my hope the front diff isn't taking a shit, and i don't really see how old sway bar bushings could affect or produce a clunk like that.

Your clunk sound's similar to what I'm having.
Mine has a rotating kind of noise when turning right or veering right.
There is no play anywhere, and no noise when in the air.

In your case, did you check the ball joint(s)?

I'm thinking a wheel bearing for mine, but until it gets worse, and I know for sure, I'm not throwing any more money at it, on just a guess.

Strut top hats?

Brand new subaru ball joint on the right side as well. How would a top hat create that kind of noise?

The bearings in the top hats can clunk when they go bad.

Hmm any way to test that theory without changing the top hat?

What about left ball joint?
Maybe when the weight transfers over to that side?

I too am interested in knowing if there is a way to test the top hat theory.

My best answer is you could jack the car up, loosen the 3 12mm nuts for the strut top hat and spin it and get an idea for how the bearings sound.

Make sure the strut bolts are all tight as well including the on on the shaft.

What about the control arm mount on that side? They are gel filled, and eventually leak out.

mike-tracy wrote:What about the control arm mount on that side? They are gel filled, and eventually leak out.

This is the first I've heard of that. But it makes sense, my Forester has a slight clunk in left turns occasionally that you can feel through the steering wheel, yet all the steering gear, ball joints, etc are tight. But I did see it had what looked like oil forming drops on my left control arm mount, which at the time I figured had to be from the engine or trans. But there's no evidence of a leak from anywhere else around it, which puzzled the shit out of me until now. I had given up and was just going to live with it.

You have just given me reason for an ALK After I verify that there's actually play in the old bushing of course.

This might sound stupid but could it be the wheel weight?? On my 99 leg wagon I fixed the whole front end and I had the same problem and could not figure it out....Turned out to be the wheel weight was falling off hitting my break caliper. Stupid but true story.....

James614 wrote:

mike-tracy wrote:What about the control arm mount on that side? They are gel filled, and eventually leak out.

This is the first I've heard of that. But it makes sense, my Forester has a slight clunk in left turns occasionally that you can feel through the steering wheel, yet all the steering gear, ball joints, etc are tight. But I did see it had what looked like oil forming drops on my left control arm mount, which at the time I figured had to be from the engine or trans. But there's no evidence of a leak from anywhere else around it, which puzzled the shit out of me until now. I had given up and was just going to live with it.

You have just given me reason for an ALK After I verify that there's actually play in the old bushing of course.

I too have experienced this nasty oily goop on my 92. Maybe I should look into this too.

The front control arm rear bushing on my daughters Forester is leaking oily gel too. Its make a mess on my driveway. No clunk while driving but a vibration while accelerating.

it is a 1993 I'm sure it could use new bushings on everything.

I did do a little test yesterday while driving. I was on a large sweeping right turn and the clunk started in so I pushed the clutch in to see if the noise would change or if it was possibly some bearings in the tranny the noise still continued. So I "guess" its not bearing related but some other part of the front end.

Have noticed it does it more around 40 mph and clunks are now more frequent and coming from new places

ball joints?