Hi

I've got a standard 2005 WRX, 56k which a couple of weeks ago developed overnight a whining noise that seems to come from the front end.

You start to notice the noise at around 45mph and increases with wheel speed not revs. It doesn't matter if you dip the clutch, put it in neutral, what gear it's in, and barely changes if the drivetrain is under load or not.

It hasn't got any worse over the couple of weeks since it started except today when I pulled slowly out of a junction when it made what's best described as a circular grating noise on thin metal at the same speed as the wheels.

I did notice the other day that the front drivers side caliper was binding a bit but I managed to pull back the pads and drive it straight away and the noise continues.

I haven't had a chance to look properly underneath but would be grateful of any advice. Although it's a UK car i've brought it to Cyprus so i'd like an idea of what's wrong before I take it to some dodgy dealer. I've read on here some horror stories of diff and gearbox problems but obviously hoping it's wheel bearing, CV, or something. Cheers.

 

Sounds like a diff/gearbox fault but check your wheel bearings as they can cause similar noises.

 

Thanks Richard.

After a few days of persistent rain, I've noticed that it doesn't make the noise when wet and now it's dry, the noise is starting up again. Any ideas of anything related to front wheel speed that may need a dab of grease would be appreciated. Are the wheel bearings sealed from the elements?

Also, after a week of carrying significant weight around in the back (Mother-in-law) the car has developed a 'whirring' noise from the back end that's noisier when I turn right than left. Would I be right to suspect rear passenger side wheel bearing?

Thanks all.

 

sound always travels f&r check all pads including on inside, check all wheels up in air for wheel wobble etc(bearings)
check all calipers for seized ones.
cant see it being the diff with that noise.

 

I'll give all that a try this weekend, much appreciated.

 

Sounds like wheel bearing. See if you can feel play in them or feel or hear roughness when spinning wheels. If not see if you can get it on a ramp somewhere & drive it whilst in the air while someone listens to the bearings. Also a deformed tyre can make a similar noise have a good look at them all and see if they spin true.

 

also check all tyre sizes are correct.

 

when I go too fast I get a whining noise that comes from the passenger seat

windyboy

 

Wheel Bearing

 

Have you had new tyres recently. I had a set of Federals once that had me convinced that a wheel bearing had gone till I changed tyres (after replacing all the wheel bearings )

 

 

I've got exactly the same symptoms at the very same speed mate,I'm getting my n/s front baring changed on tuesday so i'll be able update you if you don't get yours sorted first.

 

99% convinced it will be wheel bearing from how you have described it.