2Outbacks Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I have a 2001 OB Limited 4EAT sedan, 70K miles, that has just started to make a whining noise at speeds of 40 and up. It sounds like it's coming from the front, and gets a little worse on acceleration. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwst Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Two obvious choices. Tires. Are they cupped?, edges feathered?It could be the tranny, but then you will hear it mostly on acceleration at any speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I just bought a 2001 Subaru LL Bean w/ 64K miles. Very nice ride, overall, though I have noticed two weird noises. First, when accelerating on the hwy 70-80mph (with stereo OFF) I hear a high frequency noise that sounds electrical, ie., I think it's too high a frequency to be the tranny or the engine. Then when I take my foot off the accelerator and coast through 65-60mph, I hear a vibration from somewher up front, sounding a bit like a rattle or a mechanical resonance. Neither noise seems to affect performance, though I wonder about long-term negative effects. Any others out there have the same experience? If so, any insight into causes and solutions (besides turning the stereo back up)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 High frequency noise could be the diode brigde in the alternator is bust. Stereo doesn't have to be on to here that. Does the alternator become too hot to touch? Sure sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 High frequency noise could be the diode brigde in the alternator is bust. Stereo doesn't have to be on to here that. Does the alternator become too hot to touch? Sure sign. Thanks -- I'll check. Would the diode bridge noise occur at all rpms or only at 70-80mph rpms? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 Pinion gear in transmission. SOA will tell you it's normal. Tell them not to your ear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetterFan Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 I just bought a 2001 Subaru LL Bean w/ 64K miles. Very nice ride, overall, though I have noticed two weird noises. First, when accelerating on the hwy 70-80mph (with stereo OFF) I hear a high frequency noise that sounds electrical, ie., I think it's too high a frequency to be the tranny or the engine. Then when I take my foot off the accelerator and coast through 65-60mph, I hear a vibration from somewher up front, sounding a bit like a rattle or a mechanical resonance. Neither noise seems to affect performance, though I wonder about long-term negative effects. Any others out there have the same experience? If so, any insight into causes and solutions (besides turning the stereo back up)? My parents had the same high frequency noise problem in their 3.0 Liter Jaguar. They had the car in and out of the dealer 3 or 4 times. We had the amp replaced, and the noise stopped. I think that the way the amp was mounted in the car allowed for it (the amp) to vibrate at certian speeds (of the car) (Natural frequency and its overtones.) (There's some physics for you.) It could be the same problem, but mabey something completely different. I don't know if there are any hidden amps on the 01 LL Bean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Outbacks Posted July 25, 2005 Author Share Posted July 25, 2005 I just took it to the dealer to check it out. Tech indicated that the noise is coming from the front differential. Differential oil checked, level OK, very clean, but a little thin. I had the 60K service done a little ahead of schedule so I could complain about piston slap and ended up with a new short block. So 2 questions: if they used the wrong oil, could this have damaged something to cause the whine; and could they have done something during the engine work to affect the differential? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Outbacks Posted July 25, 2005 Author Share Posted July 25, 2005 Two other questions: First, they indicated it would take 10-12 hours to disassemble the front diff to find out exactly what the problem is - is this reasonable? Also, how much trouble would I be in if I don't do anything about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hootowl53577 Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 '04 Impreza TS Wagon. We just returned from our dealer to have them check out a similar noise, Whirring/rubbing sound that changes when accelerating/decelerating. They thought a pinion bearing. Would have to dissasemble entire transaxle to say for sure but probably ring and pinion and side gears and bearings too. Tried to blame it on my changing fluid @ 60K with Farm & Fleet Fluid. Bummer is we now have 87k mis. and no warranty. $1600 to have some kid who doesn't even shave yet screw it up some more with a 90 day warrany or $3400 for a reman unit with a 2 year 24k warranty. Is this a common enough problem that we might push SOA to give us a little help? Or should I just take my chances with a junk yard tranny. Any one else out there have any pinion problems or other thoughts on the matter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinsUBARU Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 2Outbacks: When I first read your post I automatically thought of the front differential fluid. When I changed mine, it made a world of difference...so much quieter! I would suggest swapping the fluid out for some fresh 75W90 and go from there Hootow: you can contact SOA in a very polite manner, explain your situation, your brand loyalty, and they might chip in for half of the repairs (after you send them the invoice). They have done this for me before when the car has been out of warranty. Take care, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hootowl53577 Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 Well we solved the problem with the transmission. We traded the Impreza in today for a new Forester. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted November 22, 2005 Share Posted November 22, 2005 A new approach for the home mechanic, but if it works for you....:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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