Front end makes clacking noise

I suspect that it is "U" joints or cv joints that is the problem
remove drive shafts and lock the t case in 4x4 and see it it makes the noise
refit the rear drive shaft after checking joints and if still no noise connect the front shaft. if the "U" joints checked out then it could be the joints in the drive axles at the pivot point ball
remove a hub drive plates and see if the noise is there
if it isn't then I would consider the joints in the axle shafts to be candidates for repair /replacement
it all has to do with the torque wind up when in 4x4 and any worn or failing joint will clack as it tries to work

Hello,

Find a large open parking lot and then do tight figure "8's" with the steering wheel all the way over locked and then listen for noises from the front wheel area with your windows down and the RADIO OFF! When doing figure 8's with the steering wheel hard over each way when your doing the figure 8 pattern will bring out the bad CV joints and they will make lots of noise. Best to get a second quote from a front end shop and compare prices. You could call a local auto parts store and ask what the CV joint and shafts cost to get an idea on the parts prices. Good luck and road test that car in a large parking lot with room to do the figure 8 pattern. Dennis

check the suspension and steering linkage, control arms, shocks struts and bushings

If you hear a clacking sound esp. while turning. Sound like your CV joints (constant velocity) or Front Wheel Drive axle.

ball joint,s shock bushings,tie rod ends etc shackle bushing if it has them

Have you replaced the rack and pinion? How about the rack and pinion mount bushings?

Auto or 5-speed?
Subarus have CV axles in front and back. And a drive shaft from the center differential of the transmission to the back differential.

Yes, it could be the drive shaft or axle. If you turn the car hard left or right do you hear any noises - usually a 'clicking' sound? This is likely a CV axle in front.

Check the fluid in the transmission (Automatic) (info is in the Owner's Manual) to make sure it's full and/or gear oil in the front differential.

If it's an Automatic transmission, the fluid may need changed - NOT FLUSHED - if it has more than 30K miles since last changed.
GL,
TD

you have a bad front wheel bearing..jack up front of vehicle..put in neutral..block rear wheels..put 1 hand on front coil spring and rotate wheel..you will feel roughness in spring on side that wheel bearing is bad

turn the wheel all the way to the right till you hit the end of it's travel... move it back and forth toward the end... shut off the motor and check the power steering level fill if needed... now do it toward the left side. check the fluid level when you are done... is the noise still there ?

it does sound like wheel bearing a cv joint dont make noise and then stop but you can jack the car up and in neutral try to shake the tire from side to side.to see if you have any play then turn the wheel by hand try to feel for roughness in bearing. let me know what you find. Phil.