WRX Whine...

[texaxile]

Vehicle is an 04 WRX, 92k loads of history, all fluids changed about 4k ago.

At 68mph, 5th gear lifting gently off the throttle but still feeding a little bit in (holding level), I hear a high pitched whine from the NSR, it disappears at 67 mph, 69 and 70mph, not evident under load and only evident under the specific conditions mentioned.

Evident in 4th as well,but only the same specific speed although the revs are higher. I have 4 goodyear Excellence Tyres with 4 mil all round in good order. Just started happening today in the -6 temps.

I have tried moving the gearstick at the same time as the whine is evident, no change in tone, same when I spply the handbrake or brakes. Could it be harmonics?.

I'm fairly sure it's not a wheel bearing, but how do I rule out gearbox / transfer box and diff?.

TIA Pete

[TEKNOPUG]

Could be something loose causing the harmonics when you back off. Check wheel nuts! Also brake pads, backing plate and anything else around the hub. Rule all those out first as they are free and easy to do (perhaps not in this weather though).

[R12many]

Transfer shaft bearings would be a whine under load on acceleration. I've just had mine done as it sounded like a supercharger every time I put my foot down.

[texaxile]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've pulled the rear wheels off , everything is in order there. Just as well I did actually because I needed to add a little bit of copperslip to the hub to stop the wheel sticking to it. I checked the tyres for any bulges etc, nothing.

It is slightly less noticeable, but still only under the specific conditions mentioned, it might be one of those foibles cars get as they age. Once the bad weather is over I'll get the old girl up on a ramp and go through it, it's due a service soon anyway.

Is 92k in the territory of worn wheel bearings / drivetrain on Imprezas?. I understand it depends upopn how the car has been looked after and driven, but mine seems to have had a relatively unabused life.

[fred bloggs]

Mate, sounds like your cars about to fail catastrophically. I'll take it off your hands to help you out. How does £50 sound ?

[texaxile]

fred bloggs said:

Mate, sounds like your cars about to fail catastrophically. I'll take it off your hands to help you out. How does £50 sound ?

Bargain Fred, tell you what I'll throw in my Lancer Turbo EX2000 if you can come up another ton. How does the 29th of this month sound?.

The noise is still bugging me a bit though.

[R12many]

Fix one noise then you get another.
My engine now has a slight tapping/knocking from the front. I hope it's the belt tensioner and not the rods! Subaru life!!!!!

[texaxile]

R12many said:

Fix one noise then you get another.
My engine now has a slight tapping/knocking from the front. I hope it's the belt tensioner and not the rods! Subaru life!!!!!

Ahhh...so someone else shares my pain. Mine has a slight tap from the engine all the time, they're not really "quiet" engines are they lol?. Not so great when it is cold either, but soon quietens down. They're great cars, just like you say, get rid of one noice and find something else annoying.