Ask an expert

My 1989 Subaru Legacy has started to make "clanking" sounds when I go round corners. What is this and is it still safe to drive?

Is it worth repairing my old car?

Helen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 15 September 2009

It sounds like the noise may be coming from the outer driveshaft joints. These joints allow the front wheels to turn (as in steering) while the driveshaft delivers power or drive to the front wheels. When wear takes place in the joint itself they develop a knocking noise when turning.

Reconditioning of these joints (for many different makes and models) has become a very popular and cost effective repair method for many years now.

You would need to get your garage to confirm the problem and to give an estimate of costs. If the car is in reasonable shape body wise as well as mechanically then it may be worth spending the money.

One of the worries with older cars however is trying to keep the costs down and once these sorts of jobs are started often other problems arise which drive the initial estimates higher than the bill payer is expecting.

Depending on how much you would be prepared to contribute to upgrade the Subaru would also be a factor in whether to sell or keep it.

Unfortunately fixing these sorts of problems does not automatically increase the cars value.

Another option, if you did want to upgrade, is to simply trade the car in 'as-is'. A Licensed Motor Trader would find a cost effective way to dispose of the vehicle and possibly save you a lot of worry.

First step is to get an estimate to fix the problem and tell your repairer to give you the best and worst possible scenario to stop unwanted surprises later.