Not long had 05 wrx,and it's whirring near the ac pump,alternator etc.
It had cambelt and tensioner change only a year and not too many miles ago.
Also had auxiliary belts changed not long ago.
I've changed the ac idler pulley and it hasn't stopped the noise.
I'm going to remove auxiliary belts tomorrow to see if it stops.if it doesn't and it turns out to be the small idler on cambelt,can I just change that or is it replace belts etc as well.?cheers

 

Ok,I just took off both belts and right passenger side cover off timing belt and noise still there.
Can I just change the idler if that's what it is or is it everything.
Cheers.

 

You really need it all off to check all the idlers,tensioner and to re time it. Id do a complete belt and kit if one idle has failed. How long till another goes? You may not be so lucky next time and destroy the engine

 

Subaru timing belt whirring: http://youtu.be/Wc_ex7Lmano


Video

 

whip the cambelt cover off and look for any obvious signs,
Id be trying not to use the car until you have it sorted, as if the belt is rubbing and snaps its a new engine time.

 

I had the passenger side off and I couldn't see anything untoward.like I said the cambelt and tensioner was only done last year. Really annoying if it is the idler as they should do the lot first time.
My mechanic friend always makes me buy all of the parts to do with cambelt changes.water pump etc.overkill maybe but at least it's done once only.

 

Anyone get a chance to look at video?