Why is my Subaru making a clicking sound?
In many Subarus, a clicking noise most often points to the drive axle’s CV joint, especially when turning. But other common culprits include a loose heat shield, a worn belt tensioner or pulley, an exhaust leak, or a ticking from the valve train. A quick check can usually narrow down the source.
Common causes of a clicking sound in Subaru models
Below are the top possibilities, organized by where the sound is most likely to originate. Understanding where the noise comes from helps prioritize what to inspect first.
- Worn or damaged outer CV joint on the drive axle, common in all-wheel-drive Subarus. The telltale sign is a sharp “click” when making tight turns at low speeds.
- Loose or damaged exhaust heat shield or other exhaust components tapping against the underbody or engine bay.
- Worn serpentine belt, a failing belt tensioner, or a loose pulley producing a brief clicking or chirping sound, especially during engine start or acceleration.
- Engine valve train or lifter noise, often described as a light tick or tapping, which can arise from low or dirty oil, high-mileage engines, or a cold start.
- Exhaust manifold or exhaust leak near the header causing a ticking sound as exhaust gases escape.
- Timing chain tensioner or guides (in older Subaru engines with timing chains), which can produce a sharp ticking if a tensioner or guide is failing. This is less common but more serious if present.
Most noises fit into one of these categories, and the location of the sound—engine bay versus under the car, during turns or at idle—helps you prioritize inspection steps. If the clicking lasts or changes with speed, it warrants a closer look.
Diagnosis and next steps
To identify the source, follow a structured approach and document what you hear. The steps below guide a practical self-check before visiting a shop or service department.
- Reproduce the noise and note when it occurs. Is it only when turning, accelerating, braking, or idling? Does it change with speed or road surface?
- Inspect the CV joints and boots. Look for torn rubber boots or visible grease around the axle ends, and check for play in the axle by gently wiggling the drive axles with the wheels off the ground.
- Check the belt system. Inspect the serpentine belt for cracks or fraying, and listen carefully for noise coming from the belt area. Inspect or test the belt tensioner and pulleys for looseness or bearing noise.
- Check for heat shield or exhaust contact. Lightly tap the suspected heat shield area with a rubber mallet or screwdriver handle (carefully) to see if it resonates as the noise source. Look for loose fasteners or detached shields.
- Inspect for exhaust leaks. Look for soot around the exhaust manifold or under the vehicle; a hissing or ticking sound can indicate a leak near a gasket or joint.
- Assess the engine’s valve train and oil condition. Check the oil level and top off if low, and consider oil change if the oil is old or dirty. If ticking persists after a fresh oil change, a deeper valve train inspection may be needed.
- Consider other components in the vicinity. If the noise seems tied to vehicle speed or braking, check wheel bearings, brake components, or suspension hardware for wear or looseness.
If the noise is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by warning lights, oil leaks, overheating, loss of power, or abnormal vibrations, schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician. A trained mechanic can perform a solvent-based inspection, use a mechanic’s stethoscope to isolate the source, and run a diagnostic scan to check for misfires or injector-related ticking.
When to seek immediate help
Seek urgent professional assessment if the clicking is accompanied by a drop in performance, oil or coolant leaks, severe vibration, grinding sounds, or the vehicle can’t be safely driven. An unchecked issue—especially if it involves the timing chain, tensioner, or a damaged CV joint—can lead to more costly damage or a roadside breakdown.
Model-specific notes and maintenance tips
Subaru models vary in how noises manifest due to drivetrain layout and engine design. Some general maintenance practices can prevent common causes of clicks, including:
- Regularly inspect CV joints and boots during routine service, especially on higher-mileage AWD Subarus.
- Keep engine oil at the correct level and change it at intervals recommended by Subaru for your engine; hesitation or ticking related to oil can often be resolved with a service clean.
- Ensure exhaust components and heat shields are secure, particularly after off-road use or recent repairs where shields might have loosened.
- Inspect belts and pulleys at every major service interval, replacing worn parts before they fail.
Conversations with a technician about the exact model year and engine code can help pinpoint which components are known to be sensitive or prone to noise in your specific Subaru generation.
Summary
A clicking sound in a Subaru is most commonly linked to the outer CV joint on the drive axle, especially when turning. Other frequent culprits include a loose heat shield, a worn belt tensioner or pulley, an exhaust leak, or a ticking from the valve train. A methodical check—starting with where and when the sound occurs, inspecting CV boots, belts, heat shields, and exhaust connections, and confirming oil health—helps narrow the cause. If the noise persists or is accompanied by symptoms like loss of power, leaks, or overheating, seek a professional diagnosis promptly to prevent further damage.
