Hi, I bought a stock 2002 WRX about seven months ago. Recently I've been hearing a noise that I believe is coming from the transmission when engaging gears at certain speeds. All the gears are easy to shift into, and they're not very notchy or anything like that. I test drove the car twice before I bought it and it seemed good then. Anyways, I was driving in complete silence (windows up and radio off), when I heard a noise coming from the transmission area.
When downshifting into third gear I heard a quiet yet still audible whine type noise. It occurs right as I'm selecting the gear and once it is in gear it's completely gone. As I'm pulling it out of gear it makes the noise then stops once it's in neutral. It seems to do it in second gear but is much quieter, almost non existent. I didn't really hear it in fourth gear but I may have been focused on recreating the sound in third gear and forgot to try downshifting into fourth. It is non existent when engaging first.
The fact that it's much quieter when engaging second gear makes me believe it's speed related. Shifting into any gear when stopped does not make the noise. I have heard this noise before but don't remember it being this loud so I didn't think much of it. I just assumed it was the synchro and/or gear engaging but now I'm not sure that it's normal. Again, the car shifts good so it leads me to believe that whatever it is, isn't having any ill effects on the transmission.
The noise is hard to describe so I plan on making a video of it soon. With the windows down or even the windows up and the radio on slightly I can't hear it. I know it's not my driving, I consider myself good at driving a manual. I'm very easy on the transmission and never come close to shifting fast.
I had the trans and rear diff fluids changed about three months ago. The car only has 42,000 miles so I would like to believe that this is normal and not a problem. I plan on taking it to the dealership for an oil change and asking them about it, but I thought I would ask for some input on here as well just in case anyone might know what it could be or has experienced it. Any input will be appreciated, Thanks