06 Forester non turbo, at, about 160k.

 

The other day when cold noticed a "tinking" noise coming from what sounded like a loose exhaust shield, after the car warmed up it went away.  Noticed in another day or two, always when cold, seldom when warm.  Took it to a shop and they agreed it sounded like a loose heat shield, but after test driving it and further diagnosis they determined it was coming from the trans/rear diff so they put the 2wd fuse in, bypassing the rear drive and the noise seemed to go away.  Now after a week or so it has come back intermittently, even though the car is still in 2wd.  The shop says it needs to go to a trans specialist, that it isn't super urgent but something to do "sooner than later".  Trans shifts and drives fine, has been serviced at proper intervals by same reputable import shop. 

 

Thoughts? 

Edited November 7, 201411 yr by mattri

Check the gear oil levels front and rear diff.  Check the drive shaft U-joints.

You notice this when the car is off? Or when it's running?

u-joints still move in 2wd but, aren't loaded the same so.....?

 

maybe a bushing or trans mount issue? seems like it would thunk , not tink lol!

Turns out is was the rear right wheel bearing- thanks for the help.