That clicking sound during turns isn't something your Subaru should be doing. Neither is the vibration you feel through the steering wheel at highway speeds. These symptoms point to worn CV joints or damaged drive axles, components critical to transferring power from your transmission to your wheels.
At East Valley Auto Rebuild, with over 70 years of combined experience, Subaru drive axle replacement ranks among the repairs we perform most frequently. Our Kent facility has addressed thousands of axle problems over two decades, keeping local Subarus running smoothly through the Pacific Northwest conditions that cause these components to fail.
How Drive Axles Work in Your Subaru's AWD System
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system relies on drive axles to deliver power from the transmission and differentials to each wheel. These axles contain constant velocity (CV) joints that allow the axles to flex as your suspension travels.
Each CV joint is protected by a rubber boot filled with specialized grease. In our wet climate, road salt and grit can accelerate the deterioration of these boots. Once a boot tears, grease escapes and debris enters, rapidly destroying the joint.
Mark Bryant, the Independent Subaru Guru, has seen how local terrain, from valley traffic to hilly commutes, stresses these components over his 30-plus year career.
Signs You Need CV Axle Replacement
Clicking or Popping: The classic sign of CV joint wear, usually heard during slow, tight turns like parking maneuvers.
Highway Vibration: Vibration that correlates with vehicle speed rather than engine RPM often points to an axle issue.
Grease Splatter: If you see dark grease on the inside of your wheels, a CV boot has likely failed.
Clunking: Audible clunks when shifting between Drive and Reverse can indicate excessive play in the joints.
Expert Diagnosis and Quality Parts
When you bring your Subaru to East Valley Auto Rebuild, we perform a systematic inspection rather than relying on guesswork.
1. Visual & Physical Inspection: We check all four CV boots for tears and manipulate the axles to check for play.
2. Transparency:
We capture photos and/or videos of the damage to show you exactly why a replacement is necessary.
3. OEM Standards: We install high-quality OEM or OEM-equivalent axles. Cheap aftermarket axles often have boots that crack within months. We prioritize parts that last to save you money in the long run.
Technicians Paid for Quality, Not Speed
Unlike many shops that use a "flat-rate" system, which pressures mechanics to work as fast as possible, our technicians are paid hourly. This ensures they have the time to double-check torque specifications and handle boots carefully during installation. This commitment to precision is what defines our "recipe for perfection."
Serving Kent, Renton, and Auburn
Our shop rate provides significant savings compared to dealership pricing while delivering service from specialists who live and breathe Subarus. Family-owned and operated since 2003, we've built our reputation on honest assessments and straightforward communication.
See Why Subaru Owners
Keep Coming Back
The quality of work is top notch. Took my 2011 STI there to get the head gaskets done and could not be more pleased with the work they did and how they treated me through the process. Sent photos and videos of the entire process while taking apart the motor. Great people who really do want the best for the customer and their car. Would absolutely take my Subaru there again if needed.
I brought my 2017 wrx with a blown engine to Mark at east valley auto rebuild. I really liked how he took the extra time to discuss all my available options, from keeping it stock to going with more quality parts. Mark covered it all with his extensive knowledge while he tooks us out to lunch. He really made sure that what I wanted out of and from the car is what I got.
I have been coming to this repair shop for a couple of years now and just bought my second Subaru to allow them to keep maintaining my car for me. They have been so helpful to me over the years, always working around my budget, always squeezing me in last minute when they are busy. The owners are great people who genuinely care about their customers and the staff is very informative. Thank you, East Valley!
These folks handle all my auto repairs with extreme care and understanding
I've brought my 2011 Subaru Outback to East Valley Auto Rebuild a few times now, and every visit has been a great experience. Mark Bryant and his team do excellent work at a fair price, and they really know their stuff—especially when it comes to high-performance Subaru options. They're honest, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. If you're looking for quality service and trustworthy advice, I highly recommend them!
Some of Our Professional Subaru Services
Below are some of our most popular Subaru Services and Repairs and descriptions of each.
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Other Services
Explore our full range of Subaru specialist services
Don't Ignore the Clicking
Drive axle problems worsen over time and can eventually leave you stranded or cause damage to your transmission seals and wheel bearings.
Contact East Valley Auto Rebuild to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at our Kent facility.
Call us or visit our shop at 22647 88th Ave S in Kent, WA.
