Please can someone possibly point me in the rough direction of this annoying whine coming from my MY95 WRX. I have owned the car for around 2 months now and I'm sure the noise is getting progressively worse.

It goes something like this.....
* Increases in pitch and volume with road speed- not engine speed
* Not specific to any particular gear
* Doesn't seem to get any loader turning either direction or on the brakes
* Doesn't get any loader or quieter on longer or shorter journeys
* Sounds like it is coming from the mid or rear of the car

Initially I suspected wheels bearings, but no play in any of them (none that I can feel anyway)

Diff??- No play in any shafts according to the garage that did the recent service

I am getting pretty desperate now to find out what this is- any suggestions?

Thanks for any advice, believe me it will be greatfully received!
Cheers
Did

 

Get to a reputed mechanic. have the car both tested at idle n when running. also, remeber to hoist the car up n do the same. U'll be able to hear or identify the noise better.

 

Get your tyres checked as they can lose their shape. I had same problem on a VTEC prelude I imported and changed tyres and it was great. You need to get car on ramp and get rear wheels off ground. Spin wheel around and you might be able to see the wonky shape.

Hope this helps

Stu

 

Sounds like rear Diff to me!! - You won't see play in any shafts, as it's crownwheel to pinion mesh that wears - These can really howl if you get a bad one.

Try dipping the clutch when rolling, does it go away?
How many miles has your car done?
Is it under any warranty?
I've heard really bad diff noise on new Subaru's!!
If it was wheel bearing I would expect it too get worse when you load up a wheel, eg cornering hard, wheel bearings also tend to rumble more than whine.
Take the rear seats out, then drive it - is it significantly worse??
Make sure the rear diff has some oil in it!!!!!!(most services don't cover this!)
If you can drive it on ramp (all wheels suspended) listen underneath, you'll be surprised how noisy everything is at 50mph!! but check for excessive gearbox and diff noises.
Hope this helps... Sounds expensive whatever it is.... Sorry.

 

DR Hu,
I'll try dipping the clutch whilst I am running tonight (I'll also try running it in neutral with clutch up to see what it sounds like then)
Will either of these practices highlight whether it is the diff or not?
As for diff oil- It was changed on the recent service and it didn't make any difference.
The car is under warranty (it's a Motor Warranties Direct one) trouble is the warranty doesn't cover exploratory work so until I find where it is coming from I'm going to keep having to pay to get it stripped down.
Hopefully I should be able to get it on a lift next weekend.
Any more ideas anyone?

Thanks
Did