Hi everyone,

I have a 2006 Subaru Forester with a 4EAT automatic.

I'm chasing a cyclic metallic squeak/chirp that starts at very low speed. It sounds similar to a small stone rubbing on a brake rotor.

A few observations:

• Braking does not affect the noise.
• Noise is louder when coasting and quieter under acceleration.
• Front brake rotors and pads were replaced with no change.
• Rear brakes, wheel bearings, and rear differential seem quiet.

I raised the rear wheels, put the transmission in Neutral (engine off), and manually rotated the rear wheels. Using a mechanic's stethoscope, the noise appears strongest at the rear/tailshaft area of the transmission.

I also replaced the driveshaft today because the original front U-joint had some binding, but the noise remained exactly the same.

With the driveshaft removed, the transmission output shaft feels smooth when rotated by hand.

Has anyone experienced a similar cyclic squeak/chirp from the 4EAT tailshaft area? Any common issues I should check before removing the extension housing?

Thanks!

 

This is the prop shaft, and I found that the edge of the shaft skirt has shiny metal in some spot. I am not sure if it was like this or if it's a sign that it is deformed, and the shiny metal is a result of friction that was producing a squeaky metal noise.

 

I recorded a video of the squeaky noise on the run. Sorry, it's not very clear because of the wind noise, but it can still be heard: