Hi folks,

 

First time poster here! We bought our 2002 Subaru Outback wagon brand new and have owned it since then. Change oil religiously as well as performing routine maintenance. This is an automatic transmission.

 

Everything has been wonderful to date...until a week ago. All of a sudden, it makes a squealing noise when the car is moving in Reverse. Putting it in Reverse feels the same. There is no noise if the brake is applied and the car is stopped. But soon as it starts moving in Reverse, there is a squeal sound. You get the noise with the brakes partially applied or completely taken off - no difference in sound. So it is not brake related. Its coming from the front of the car around the tranny area.

 

Checked the fluid and it is fine. Anyone come across this before or know where to start looking?

 

Thanx!

 

Z

i wouldnt rule out the brakes, especially on a car you just bought.

Can be a heat sheild. SOunds travel in a car so they arent always where you think they are.

 

and welcome

 

nipper

Emergency/parking brake worn down?Try driving forward at about 5 mph and pull up e-brake handle hard enough to slow car down.Does sound get worse or did it go away? I know yours isn't a chrysler but Chrysler products are known for this and we used to take especially Neons and PT cruisers out in the back lot get going about 15 mph ,pull up e-brake to the point where it almost locks the wheel,go about another 50 feet,and sound would be gone.Nothing wrong withthe e-brake or pads,just crappy pads and design.Instruct the customer and they usually didn't return.

John

Yep, sounds like brakes or backing plates. Have you taken off the wheels and had a look around?

Aren't there "chirpers", those little metal tabs on the brake pads, that rub on the discs once the pads have worn to the point of required replacement? Perhaps that little birdie chirping is trying to tell you something.

I think you guys nailed it! Looks like it is the brakes - and its the chirper making the noise. I was thrown off because it only chirped in reverse, but now its starting in forward gears also.

 

Thanx a bunch!

 

Z