2004 Subaru Wrx "whining" noise (video)

iLLmattic · 10-08-2012, 05:22 PM

Hello and thanks for looking.

My car is a 2004 subaru wrx. The car is stock other than Bc Racing coilovers and Cobb Cat-back exhaust. The problem is I'm hearing a whining noise coming from what I think is the water pump. This could be a normal noise, I'm not sure. Any input is appreciated. If you need more info about the car to make a guess on the noise, please ask.

thanks.

2004 Subaru Wrx "whining" noise - YouTube

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Saskatchatoon · 10-09-2012, 02:41 AM

Are you sure it isn't the alternator? You could take off the alternator/ p/s belt off and idle it for a bit (don't leave it running too long and drain your battery), and if the noise is gone then my guess would be the alternator. Sounds like it has bad diodes. And if the noise doesn't change while turning the wheel then it won't be the p/s pump.

pebelz · 10-09-2012, 07:46 AM

Could be the idler pulley, especially if you still have the stock plastic one.

Saskatchatoon · 10-09-2012, 09:13 AM

Haha, ya forgot about that, give that a spin with the belt off and see if it makes any noise, or feels rough. but to me that doesn't sound like an idler.

iLLmattic · 10-09-2012, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saskatchatoon

Are you sure it isn't the alternator? You could take off the alternator/ p/s belt off and idle it for a bit (don't leave it running too long and drain your battery), and if the noise is gone then my guess would be the alternator. Sounds like it has bad diodes. And if the noise doesn't change while turning the wheel then it won't be the p/s pump.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pebelz

Could be the idler pulley, especially if you still have the stock plastic one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saskatchatoon

Haha, ya forgot about that, give that a spin with the belt off and see if it makes any noise, or feels rough. but to me that doesn't sound like an idler.

the noise isn't coming right from the alternator but i will definitely try it because sound does travel, ill give that a shot today. I'm not sure if it is the stock idler pulley, the previous owner didn't say anything about it and i cant find a record of it being replaced with the paper work he gave me. Ill give it a shot and thanks for the help guys.

cmiovino · 10-09-2012, 04:43 PM

Try blowing some of the red-ish dust stuff off around the A/C pulley. I've heard that works when researching my 2004 WRX whining noise in the same area.

I changed the timing belt, water pump, and idlers.... and no more noise. It was due anyways.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-09-2012, 02:41 AM	#2
Saskatchatoon Scooby Newbie Member#: 297802 Join Date: Oct 2011 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Casa Rio, Saskatchewan Vehicle: 2005 WRX OBP	Are you sure it isn't the alternator? You could take off the alternator/ p/s belt off and idle it for a bit (don't leave it running too long and drain your battery), and if the noise is gone then my guess would be the alternator. Sounds like it has bad diodes. And if the noise doesn't change while turning the wheel then it won't be the p/s pump.

10-09-2012, 07:46 AM	#3
pebelz Scooby Newbie Member#: 268632 Join Date: Dec 2010 Chapter/Region: South East Vehicle: 2004 WRX wagon Suby Blue	Could be the idler pulley, especially if you still have the stock plastic one.

10-09-2012, 09:13 AM	#4
Saskatchatoon Scooby Newbie Member#: 297802 Join Date: Oct 2011 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Casa Rio, Saskatchewan Vehicle: 2005 WRX OBP	Haha, ya forgot about that, give that a spin with the belt off and see if it makes any noise, or feels rough. but to me that doesn't sound like an idler.

10-09-2012, 04:43 PM	#6
cmiovino Scooby Specialist Member#: 134005 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh, PA Vehicle: 2004 WRX Premium PSM	Try blowing some of the red-ish dust stuff off around the A/C pulley. I've heard that works when researching my 2004 WRX whining noise in the same area. I changed the timing belt, water pump, and idlers.... and no more noise. It was due anyways.