Hello Subaru folks,

I have a 96 2.5L Outback. I hear what sounds like a grinding noise...not unlike the sound of tire on gravel towards the rear of the vehicle. The strange thing is that it only occurs when going fast enough and only if the pedal is depressed a certain amount...any more or any less...noise stops.

 

My guess is either that it's a CV joint in the rear (which are getting old) or it's the exhaust from the engine that is particularly noisy when the throttle is open a certain amount. I don't think its vibration because it's independent of engine RPM and somewhat independent of vehicle speed.

 

The only thing I've done back there lately is change the diff fluid. The fluid that came out was old and full of shavings (along with a piece or two of metal stuck to the magnet).

 

Otherwise car runs beautifully.

 

Any ideas?

 

--Damien

Hello Subaru folks,

I have a 96 2.5L Outback. I hear what sounds like a grinding noise...not unlike the sound of tire on gravel towards the rear of the vehicle. The strange thing is that it only occurs when going fast enough and only if the pedal is depressed a certain amount...any more or any less...noise stops.

 

My guess is either that it's a CV joint in the rear (which are getting old) or it's the exhaust from the engine that is particularly noisy when the throttle is open a certain amount. I don't think its vibration because it's independent of engine RPM and somewhat independent of vehicle speed.

 

The only thing I've done back there lately is change the diff fluid. The fluid that came out was old and full of shavings (along with a piece or two of metal stuck to the magnet).

 

Otherwise car runs beautifully.

 

Any ideas?

 

--Damien

 

I wouldn't rule out a wheel bearing in addition to your thoughts.