Strange Noise from Front End…ABS???

[Nick Bruns]

Hey everyone. I have had this issue for about 2 years and couldn’t figure it out until recently what might be the issue. So far I’ve replaced both front axles, had new tires, two (2) 4-wheel alignments, new inner tie rod dust boots, and a complete engine/gasket overhaul (took the engine out- head gaskets and all other gaskets, plugs, new coolant, etc.). Wheel bearings are good, and the rest of the suspension seems sound. Now, the issue is when the car starts moving (forward or reverse) I get a sort of buzzing noise from the front. Only at low speed (under 15 MPH) and under braking when the ABS kicks on. I only recently noticed this when we had some snow and worn tires- and had the ABS kick on a few times. It made the exact same noise when the ABS modulated. I suspect it’s something in the ABS since it’s the same noise.

Any ideas? There’s no CEL (I checked all the instrument cluster bulbs over the weekend- they all work) for ABS and never has been. 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon.

Thanks!

Topic

[college man]

Check your exhaust heat shields. also check that brake lines are secure and in there
clamps or holders. This can be difficult to find.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car?start=7#ExhaustNoises

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car

[Nick Bruns]

Hey thanks for the reply. I had checked all of that out before. The lines are good and the exhaust shields aren’t rattling. We just had the front wheels off a month ago and everything looked good- nothing out of the ordinary. The noise isn’t like there’s something loose. It sounds exactly like the ABS pump is active. is it doing some kind of self test when the car starts rolling?

Thanks.

[college man]

It may do a self check but should not activate the abs module.

[Shaun Flichel]

Does the vehicle have traction control?

[Nick Bruns]

Hi. There’s no traction control. This model Subaru didn’t have VDC.

Thanks.

BTW- LOVE the GNX- Best Buick ever.

[Author]

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