2.5i 2008 Impreza

[xanderaron]

I just purchased an '08 Impreza 2.5i, 5-speed manual, and have been driving it around my house for the past few days... I'm only 17. Long story short on the highway I wuz in 4th gear at 4k revs and heard a whining noise. The clutch was fully engaged and i just wanted to know what u guys thought it might be??

P.S. The noise sounded like a fast-paced whirring sound and is metallicy

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[yarrgh]

more backstory. Did said noise stop? Is it dependent on engine speed or vehicle speed? Throttle position?

[ocddad]

Adding to that guys...I'm OPs Dad and have done a bit of work on my own car...bmw, '99 200K...so been around a bit...sorry if I don't know subbie lingo!

It's a loud whine...a 'bad' sound...a musical high note above engine sound...I'm not thinking center support issue...seems like it's got to be front diff, trans, prolly not clutch, but might be, and I don't know the engine so well, so could be from there.

In 4th just above 4000 rpm...with hints of bad 'note' in lower gears at same rpm. Not what I'd expect from resonance coming from loose muffler things...

Above that rpm, dissappears, though car doesn't sound like it likes the higher revs so much...below 4200 rpm...no sound...it'll hit the note and I can keep the sound by maintaining speed...forget exactly the speed, but seems engine speed dependent...and didn't try 5th at 4200 rpm...not sure what speed that would be...but fastest we went on test drive was around 80...sound prolly at 70 mph or so.

Car's just off lease...with 25K miles...so prolly someone had lots of fun with it before my son. Want to get this resolved as soon as possible in case it turns into a nightmare, you know.

Will try to get sound recording posted soon, but maybe this is enough for someone to refer us to threads of note.

Appreciate any tips you might have...and btw, we will follow up with resolution whenever that happens...for the record!

Thanks.

Doug

[kero]

Doubt it could be a bearing or bearings but ya never know. Also just for good measure, check the tires for abnormal wear, uneven edge wear on inside or outside of tires can also cause noises that come and go with certain speeds.

Just throwing out there some other possibilities.

Do you know the maintenance history of things like the gear oil and diffies??? Can you check with the dealership that you bought it from???

Maybe manual tranny gear wine?

[littlec]

totally unrelated but I think it's great that the combo of you two share a common father son interest. and op, you are very lucky to have a car, and such a nice one, at your age. unhiJack

[ocddad]

Originally Posted by kero

Doubt it could be a bearing or bearings but ya never know. Also just for good measure, check the tires for abnormal wear, uneven edge wear on inside or outside of tires can also cause noises that come and go with certain speeds.

Just throwing out there some other possibilities.

Do you know the maintenance history of things like the gear oil and diffies??? Can you check with the dealership that you bought it from???

Maybe manual tranny gear wine?

Tires new and this is definitely a mechanical sound...a harmonic whine that comes on suddenly at that rpm...but are these cars known for a tranny gear whine that changes pitch all of a sudden at certain speed?

I don't know the maintenance history...I know they bought it from a Toyota dealer, so won't be trusting them to do anything required...but hope Sub. dealer might have records...but at '08, assume nothing of note was done.

I'll search for tran fluid recommendations...but in bmw, it's now 100K miles, so don't think it's that...and if it's leaking already...that'd be something!

No vibration to speak of, and the only symptom is the bad sound, so prolly not center support bearing.

Harmonic coming on quickly. We'll have to see if just revving to that rpm brings on sound...but I'm thinking it won't.

Will entertain all ideas....almost no matter how crazy!

Thanks for your help so far...really appreciate the reception!

Doug

[ocddad]

Originally Posted by littlec

totally unrelated but I think it's great that the combo of you two share a common father son interest. and op, you are very lucky to have a car, and such a nice one, at your age. unhiJack

Maybe now he'll understand a little about why I'm addicted to E46 fanatics...my forum! I've become quite an avid learner/sharer there...so I'm hoping that Xand will see that there's some good to come from the Internet and that I know more about cars than he thinks some in our family knows!

Yea...the OP is very lucky...but props to him...earned almost all of the car starting caddying at 13 and saving! (Note to other 13 subbie-to-be-fanatics!)

Doug

[flightwatch]

What confuses the hell out of me is that it's only happening in 4th at around 4k. Since it is only happening in a specified gear and a specified speed, I would rule out the differential or gear oil. Also, tire wear could make a noise, but only at a specified speed...regardless of gear selection. It sounds like a transmission issue that is specific to 4th gear. I would definitely get the dealership involved. Considering that the car only has 25k on it, I would assume that it is still under warranty.

Edit: I would also recommend that you post this question up in the transmission and driveline forum. You might get more answers down there.

-Matt

[ocddad]

Flight,

Thanks for your thoughts. I mentioned there are 'hints' of the sound in lower gears too, just hints...but I suspect that it's only a hint coz first in lower gears, we're traveling through the sound quicker or it needs to be at such a specific rpm for this resonance/harmonic that it's hard to 'lock that in' in lower gear...and in 1st/2nd...just traveling through that so quickly. But, your post made me think that we need to test it specifically at the other gears and work harder to make that sound in those gears.

So, given that I know there were hints of it, though, going back to dif or gear oil...and nothing personal, but are these cars known for losing gear oil and/or being sensitive to lack of fresh fluid as such low mileage?

BTW, maybe I should've mentioned, but don't think associated...there's one sizeable dent under the rocker panel in front of rear wheel...just outside frame rail...it goes up an inch or so...

I have no idea how it got there...seemed like some moron tried to jack up car there or PO drove it so it slammed down on curb...so I do suspect that PO had been having fun, maybe too much fun with car. Are trans/difs subject to particular issues when 'maybe' a former PO is too enthusiastic?

Search terms or links to threads anyone might suggest?

Again, thanks...will 'pay it forward' as I can!

Doug

[racerx9987]

Sounds like a belt to me. I have a jeep that as soon as you hit a little bit higher of an rpm the idler pulley belt would make a high pitched sound. I changed the belt and it stopped making it. Check all of your belts could be wrong but you never know.

Nate

[ocddad]

Originally Posted by racerx9987

Sounds like a belt to me. I have a jeep that as soon as you hit a little bit higher of an rpm the idler pulley belt would make a high pitched sound. I changed the belt and it stopped making it. Check all of your belts could be wrong but you never know.

Nate

Thanks, Nate...answering on behalf of OP...I thought of idler puller...assume there's a tensioner one too...but sound seemed to come from below shifter...will check that out...but still will entertain ideas until we find this.

Thanks again.

Doug

[Subarudave09]

change the fluid in the front diff. shud be done at 30K

[ocddad]

^ Thanks!

30K and dif fluid change already? My bmw has 'lifetime' fluid in trans and dif, though all us fanatics don't buy it...I'll do every 50K or so. Now bmw has changed its def of lifetime to every 100K...but still!

Also, I searched here for fluid recommendations...I already have and found what I expected...every fluid on earth recommended by someone or other!

Could someone point me to a link that actually gives Subaru's recommendations? I don't want to run into a 'we can't cover the warranty work coz you put such and such in such and such.'

I'm not a noob...though am with Subs...so appreciate the 'no flaming' rule!

[razrielle]

I I can look at the manual, but my most resent visit, they handed me a chart of scheduled stuff for my 09, they had the diff oil change at every 15k. when I wake up this morning I can scan and post the stuff they printed out for me, it even includes prices for my local stealership

[Cuddles]

Originally Posted by razrielle

I I can look at the manual, but my most resent visit, they handed me a chart of scheduled stuff for my 09, they had the diff oil change at every 15k. when I wake up this morning I can scan and post the stuff they printed out for me, it even includes prices for my local stealership

What? Guess you shouldn't be going to the 'stealership'.

http://www.subaru.com/content/downlo...08SchedFed.pdf

[razrielle]

heres the info my dealer gave me

[razrielle]

Originally Posted by Cuddles

What? Guess you shouldn't be going to the 'stealership'.

http://www.subaru.com/content/downlo...08SchedFed.pdf

yea I know, doesnt help much I live in apts, and I work 12+ hour days. I hate throwing away the money like that, but all it ends up being is me dropping the car off as soon as the shop opens, and then picking it up after work

[ocddad]

Originally Posted by Cuddles

What? Guess you shouldn't be going to the 'stealership'.

http://www.subaru.com/content/downlo...08SchedFed.pdf

Not sure I'm going to trust the Fed telling me about service intervals for 'every car' but it's interesting that it gets involved in car maintenance!

I've got a call into the DOT head to have him change fluids as appropriate...can't wait to see if he knows where the oil drain plug is!

BTW, I didn't get the thumbnail...maybe my error or maybe it didn't 'take.'

...while I'm here with some guys that know subbies (is that correct 'nickname, btw?)

We found a largish electrical connection bundle on engine rt. side (sitting in car...yes!) and it was seemingly opened...as in about 20 wires exposed...with a plastic hose about 1 1/4" diameter ('threaded exterior') that stopped about 2" away. Seemed odd that such a large bundle would be opened like that.

I know former owner did some mods...seemingly aesthetic...but I'm now wondering whether the car had had some major work done. A few of these wires and a number of other cables/wires had electrical tape wrapped around them and didn't seem to be 'factory' at all. Is electrical tape used for wire wrapping out of the factory?

We're taking it to my buddy who owns a shop and is a genius, so will get another opinion today, but also know he doesn't know everything!

Thanks guys.

Doug

[razrielle]

Originally Posted by ocddad

Not sure I'm going to trust the Fed telling me about service intervals for 'every car' but it's interesting that it gets involved in car maintenance!

I've got a call into the DOT head to have him change fluids as appropriate...can't wait to see if he knows where the oil drain plug is!

BTW, I didn't get the thumbnail...maybe my error or maybe it didn't 'take.'

...while I'm here with some guys that know subbies (is that correct 'nickname, btw?)

We found a largish electrical connection bundle on engine rt. side (sitting in car...yes!) and it was seemingly opened...as in about 20 wires exposed...with a plastic hose about 1 1/4" diameter ('threaded exterior') that stopped about 2" away. Seemed odd that such a large bundle would be opened like that.

I know former owner did some mods...seemingly aesthetic...but I'm now wondering whether the car had had some major work done. A few of these wires and a number of other cables/wires had electrical tape wrapped around them and didn't seem to be 'factory' at all. Is electrical tape used for wire wrapping out of the factory?

We're taking it to my buddy who owns a shop and is a genius, so will get another opinion today, but also know he doesn't know everything!

Thanks guys.

Doug

If you want I can send them to your email, also, since I have an 09 I can send pictures of whatever you need of the engine bay since its pretty much the same thing. Just send me a PM on here

[Cuddles]

Originally Posted by ocddad

Not sure I'm going to trust the Fed telling me about service intervals for 'every car' but it's interesting that it gets involved in car maintenance!

Check your car manual. I'm almost positive it's that exact list in there. Let me know if I'm wrong...because I sure as hell didn't change the fluids at 15k!!

Still don't trust it even though it came from the Subaru site??

[subyski]

Originally Posted by razrielle

I I can look at the manual, but my most resent visit, they handed me a chart of scheduled stuff for my 09, they had the diff oil change at every 15k. when I wake up this morning I can scan and post the stuff they printed out for me, it even includes prices for my local stealership

Also note that dealerships push the 15k change because, well, they make money off of you. They are in business to make money through sales and service. They operate independently from Subaru. Compare a dealer recommended schedule vs. Subaru's recommended schedule. They do differ. For most driving, service requirements may fall somewhere in between the Subaru recommended schedule and dealer recommended schedule. Follow Subaru's schdule at minimum.

The 08MY Fed Schedule is issued by Subaru directly as legal document on what they recommend/minimum service intervals/requirements under normal driving conditions. This is provided with every 08 Impreza sold across the U.S. It's not what the federal government recommends.

The 08MY schedule states inspecting the trans/diff oil (not necessarily replace) at 30k but with a Note 3:

When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions,
replacement should be performed every 15,000 mi (24,000 km).

Subaru's examples of severe driving conditions are:

**EXAMPLES OF SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS:
a. Repeated short distance driving. (Items 3, 13 and 14 only)
b. Driving on rough and/or muddy roads. (Items 13, 14 and 17 only)
c. Driving in dusty conditions.
d. Driving in extremely cold weather. (Items 3 and 17 only)
e. Driving in areas where road salts or other corrosive materials are used.
(Items 6, 13, 14, 15 and 17 only)
f. Living in coastal areas. (Items 6, 13, 14, 15 and 17 only)
g. Towing a trailer. (Items 3, 4, 10, 11, 13 and 14 only)

For trans/diff oil (Item 10), this mainly applies to examples c and g.

I know it seems complicated, clear as mud, but this is straight from the manual.

So, under normal driving, changing the trans/diff at 30k is reasonable, at 15k is early IMHO unless you're towing a lot, racing, drive agressively, donuts, shifting improperly, etc. I don't know too many people who change this at 15k, unless they participate in competitions.

For the OP, since it's a used car and don't know the driving conditions of the first 25k, it would be wise to change the trans/oil fluid to see if this helps the whine. If you DIY, use the recommended Subaru trans/diff oil. It's not expensive and this way you cover yourself with any potential warranty issues. It wouldn't hurt to bring it to a Subaru dealer to take a look if warranty work applies.

Subaru's require a little more maintenance but should keep strong for a long time. I hope this helps (not confuse ) you out.

[razrielle]

I drive a dirt road almost every day so Im the exception usually

[subyski]

^^^That makes sense to do a little more maintenance for safety sake.

[Cuddles]

Originally Posted by subyski

When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions,
replacement should be performed every 15,000 mi (24,000 km).

Damn. Missed that one. ****. Thanks for the heads up. Looks like there are a few other ones like that. I do some spirited driving every now and then...

I love how the 'extreme driving conditions' is basically taking your car out of the garage.

[RaceFaceXC]

Originally Posted by ocddad

Not sure I'm going to trust the Fed telling me about service intervals for 'every car' but it's interesting that it gets involved in car maintenance!

I've got a call into the DOT head to have him change fluids as appropriate...can't wait to see if he knows where the oil drain plug is!

BTW, I didn't get the thumbnail...maybe my error or maybe it didn't 'take.'

...while I'm here with some guys that know subbies (is that correct 'nickname, btw?)

We found a largish electrical connection bundle on engine rt. side (sitting in car...yes!) and it was seemingly opened...as in about 20 wires exposed...with a plastic hose about 1 1/4" diameter ('threaded exterior') that stopped about 2" away. Seemed odd that such a large bundle would be opened like that.

I know former owner did some mods...seemingly aesthetic...but I'm now wondering whether the car had had some major work done. A few of these wires and a number of other cables/wires had electrical tape wrapped around them and didn't seem to be 'factory' at all. Is electrical tape used for wire wrapping out of the factory?

We're taking it to my buddy who owns a shop and is a genius, so will get another opinion today, but also know he doesn't know everything!

Thanks guys.

Doug

If the former owner had modified or replaced the bushings that connect the suspension and drivetrain to the unibody frame with harder/solid bushings, it will result in more NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). I have a very distinguished resonance at 3k rpm, and it seems to much more more apparent in 3rd gear than any other with my drivetrain and suspension bushings