1998subie

Thanks for the quick feedback... Tires are brand new BFG all seasons. Will look into the diff fluid and bearings. Really hoping for a way/repair to quiet it down...

Meant to say - WAY too much cabin noise. Hello, So...I am not only new to this message board but also new to Subaru's. I have always bought hand-me-down domestic vehicles but at my wife's request (demand) we bought a 1998 Legacy Outback about 6 months ago and I (we) LOVE IT. Winter in Chicago, snow, street parking no garage...need I say more. Anyway, from what I can tell the car is in great shape (I'm no expert.); spotless interior and body; had it looked at right away and had a few things done - CV boot, timing belt, thermostat, rebuilt the power steering pump, one caliper replaced, and a couple of other things. The only nagging issue (aside from the rough idle which I'm told is 'natural') is the cabin noise... When driving over 30mph it sounds like you are in a small aircraft. It is quite loud and increases with speed; highway roadtrips are loud until you get used to it. Is this also 'natural'??? I may have exaggerated a bit but it is BY FAR louder than any other car I have ever owned. It is silent at idle so I'm sure it is drive train related. Definitely sounds like it is coming from the rearend; perhaps the rearend/axle needs to be replaced? Any help would be greatly appreciated.