Needs some diagnostic help?

[Dus10R]

I'm coming to the conclusion that my P car doesn't like to sit in the garage during winter. Since it's been parked I've come across more issues than I ever have while driving it daily. Most of it's just coincidence I'm sure, it's getting to that first milestone of needing some wear parts, 45K miles. So, I have to change the clutch (it's slipping), then I noticed a puddle of fluid below the rear right axle, turns out that the rear strut decided to have a melt down and all the fluid has leaked out of it, then today I had to take the car for a smog and I noticed that when I turn the wheel full lock in either direction while moving slowly (forward or backward) it feels like something is binding up and the wheel bumps while rolling....bump,....bump,....bump,....bump. It's not a steering issue, more along the lines of a drive shaft or prop shaft or whatever you call the shafts that run to the front wheels. Do these have small u-joints where they connect to the wheels? I've never looked at it. But you can hear it, feel it, and see the steering wheel jerk when it happens. You have to be at full lock though and or very close to full lock. Any ideas?

Edited December 31, 2009 by Dus10R

[jpflip]

I think there is three possibilities. Drive shaft which doesn't seems to be a common failure on TT's (universal joints or cv joint) but if the rubber boot is damage then there is a possibility of corrosion. Wheel bearing which are a common failure but steering full lock ????..... And finally tires! Take a good look on the inside of your front tires. A good look at the suspension, ball joint, wishbone etc. is also necessary. Keep us inform....

[wross996TT]

always check codes..might be a steering sensor...check the front diff. to see if it is leaking fluids.

Edited January 1, 2010 by wross996TT

[greenboxster]

When it is cold outside, I notice more bumpbumpbump when turning the wheels all the way to lock on my concrete driveway. I had assumed it was the colder tires' stiffer sidewalls and lower grip.

[Dus10R]

When it is cold outside, I notice more bumpbumpbump when turning the wheels all the way to lock on my concrete driveway. I had assumed it was the colder tires' stiffer sidewalls and lower grip.

It's been cold here too, but I don't think it's normal. I'm thinking CV joint. Haven't put it on my lift yet to actually find out though.

[Tytus]

I am having the exact same experience in my 2001tt. I thought it was the AWD binding when cold just like inky Suburban and previous 2005 Subaru. It is worst when really cold outside like below freezing as I just noticed it when the weather got bitterly cold. I hope there is nothing wrong. I will keep an eye on it as the weather gets warmer. It seems to be worst when pulling out of a prking space after being parked all day and it is below freezing.

I just got the car so I have to get to know it and didn't notice this before but it was warmer. The car had a very thorough PPI and the Indy didn't say there was an issue; I will check with him next week.

Regards,

Tytus

Edited January 31, 2010 by Tytus

[Dus10R]

I am having the exact same experience in my 2001tt. I thought it was the AWD binding when cold just like inky Suburban and previous 2005 Subaru. It is worst when really cold outside like below freezing as I just noticed it when the weather got bitterly cold. I hope there is nothing wrong. I will keep an eye on it as the weather gets warmer. It seems to be worst when pulling out of a prking space after being parked all day and it is below freezing.

I just got the car so I have to get to know it and didn't notice this before but it was warmer. The car had a very thorough PPI and the Indy didn't say there was an issue; I will check with him next week.

Regards,

Tytus

You may be on to something... the first time I noticed it, I was backing out of a parking spot on a very cold day. Then, I drove it the other day, which was a warmer day, and I couldn't get it to do it. Curious to hear if the PPI catches it...

[Tytus]

I am having the exact same experience in my 2001tt. I thought it was the AWD binding when cold just like inky Suburban and previous 2005 Subaru. It is worst when really cold outside like below freezing as I just noticed it when the weather got bitterly cold. I hope there is nothing wrong. I will keep an eye on it as the weather gets warmer. It seems to be worst when pulling out of a prking space after being parked all day and it is below freezing.

I just got the car so I have to get to know it and didn't notice this before but it was warmer. The car had a very thorough PPI and the Indy didn't say there was an issue; I will check with him next week.

Regards,

Tytus

You may be on to something... the first time I noticed it, I was backing out of a parking spot on a very cold day. Then, I drove it the other day, which was a warmer day, and I couldn't get it to do it. Curious to hear if the PPI catches it...

your experience is the same as mine. I discovered it backing out of a parking space after being parked all day on a freezing day. Then yesterday it was much warmer and after a half hour drive it was fine and wouldn't bind and exhibit the vibration at all. Must be normal behaviour for the 996tt. Makes sense that it behaves like other AWDs. It is a bit disconcerting feeeling this mechanical binding but it may have something to do to the viscous coupling of the front differential.

Tytus

[Tytus]

I am having the exact same experience in my 2001tt. I thought it was the AWD binding when cold just like inky Suburban and previous 2005 Subaru. It is worst when really cold outside like below freezing as I just noticed it when the weather got bitterly cold. I hope there is nothing wrong. I will keep an eye on it as the weather gets warmer. It seems to be worst when pulling out of a prking space after being parked all day and it is below freezing.

I just got the car so I have to get to know it and didn't notice this before but it was warmer. The car had a very thorough PPI and the Indy didn't say there was an issue; I will check with him next week.

Regards,

Tytus

You may be on to something... the first time I noticed it, I was backing out of a parking spot on a very cold day. Then, I drove it the other day, which was a warmer day, and I couldn't get it to do it. Curious to hear if the PPI catches it...

your experience is the same as mine. I discovered it backing out of a parking space after being parked all day on a freezing day. Then yesterday it was much warmer and after a half hour drive it was fine and wouldn't bind and exhibit the vibration at all. Must be normal behaviour for the 996tt. Makes sense that it behaves like other AWDs. It is a bit disconcerting feeeling this mechanical binding but it may have something to do to the viscous coupling of the front differential.

Tytus

Good News! I spoke with the independant mechanic that did the PPI and he said that this is normal, as I expected, due to the vicous coupling being cold. He said it would be a good idea not to turn the wheel lock to lock if you can help it when it is so cold. Once it warms up it is ok to go lock to lock but you have to remember that you have the diffs fighting eachother and it is always better avoid turning so hard if possible.

Tytus