2001 Subaru Legacy Screech from front end / clicking noise

2001 SUBARU LEGACY
81,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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SUE BARU
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The car was rear-ended in 2004, professionally repaired.

Multiple problems in the last 12 months with steering - Rack & pinion assembly replaced twice.

Two problems, perhaps unrelated, happened on my way to work last week: I heard a fast clicking noise, like a turn signal going real fast, then a LOUD metal-on-metal screech from the front end. I pulled over & had it towed to the dealer for repair. They said it was a short in the turn signal & replaced that assembly. They were unable to reproduce the screech, said I probably "picked up a rock". I do not drive off-road to work ....

What are the odds that this is correct? Should I trade the car ASAP while it is still running??
Apr 14, 2008 at 2:35 PM
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BLACKOP555
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you can trade it in if youd like, if it keeps doing it theres a problem.

i never heard of picking upa rock making a noise like that.

how long did said screech last? and what were you doing when it did that.

did that same time the turn signals started flicking?
Apr 14, 2008 at 3:25 PM
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SUE BARU
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I had just made a turn, and was driving straight. The clicking started, and then about 3-4 seconds later the screech started. Lasted about 15 seconds while I pulled off and parked. Screeched while driving straight AND in the turn. No worse in the turn. Slower speed = less screech. It sounded so horrible, that I didn't try to drive it again, just called for a tow. Dealer was "unable to reproduce customer concern".
Apr 14, 2008 at 4:51 PM
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BLACKOP555
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is it clicking or screeching right now? or did it just stop when it was towed? it would be kind of hard to diagnose this.

Did the drivebelt break?

are you positive the noise came from the front of the vehicle?
Apr 14, 2008 at 6:55 PM
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SUE BARU
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It seems to be fine for now. The dealer replaced the turn signal assembly, saying that was the source of the clicking noise.

The screech has not come back, but I don't trust the car enough to take it on the highway.

Yes, I'm sure it was coming from the front end.

I'm just not sure I believe the "picked up a rock" theory.

What other symptoms would the car have if it were a problem with the drivebelt?
Apr 15, 2008 at 11:20 AM
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BLACKOP555
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maybe somethign hit the drivebelt causing the clicking then the screach was it jamming up and screaming.

take it on the highway, dont go to far away though, see if the noise is back.
Apr 15, 2008 at 5:37 PM