2010 outback 321 frl

Without being there, that would be my best guess.

so if its the clutch, is that why i have to start in manualy before it catches and goes out?

The ratcheting sound happens when the slide is completely in or out and the clutch slips when there is full pressure applied...the clutch may be worn or maybe even loose on the motor or shaft...the ratcheting noise is supposed to happen, but only at full open or closed...if you here it when you try to move the slide in when it's out or out when it's in, then there is a problem with the clutch.

I hear that sound you may be refering to but i hear that on all the slides,

Sounds to me like bad clutch on the motor...when you run the slide in or out, you hear the clutch slip when the slide is fully opened or closed ( a ratcheting sound)...or possibly the threaded rod that is driven by the motor has come loose...may tighten the nut on the shaft and fix it.

yes motor works and runs, in order for me to get the slide out, i have to use a socket on the motor to get it started.

Does the motor run and not move, or does the motor not run...more info would help greatly.