Hi,
I've had a nasty noise from around the engine bay in my '96WRX since I got it back from frontal repairs, I bought the car damaged.
I would describe it best as a sharp cracking noise.
It happens when the clutch is released from standstill or after releasing clutch from 1st to 2nd, during full throttle acceleration.
It also appears under sudden heavy braking.
Basically it's there when the car jolts. It's like something is loose or flexing !!
The noise is sharp and not a blunt thud or clonk like a worn bushing.

Any ideas?

 

Check the Engine steady under the intercooler. They always break in a front impact.

 

Engine steady.

 

Thanks guys I'll have a look.
I remember refitting this plastic bar when reinstalling the engine.
I didn't check it for cracks/fractures but it was definately in one piece.
I'll have a closer look though.
cheers..

 

Sounds like it's due to load/engine movement.

If it's not the steady try rocking the engine back a forth.

 

Sounds likt the engine mount nuts/bolts are loose.Check these from under the car (onto crossemember).

Unfortunately,in the case of a repaired car,there could be more than 1 possibility.

 

Yes there is a few possibilities.....
To facilitate repairs, I removed the engine, gearbox and crossmember. When refitting I remembered that some of the engine mount nuts being awkward to tighten.
I would have expected a blunt thud or clunk from something like a mount or bushing, this is a sharp crack, like .... dare I say it... body flex !!

I was suspecting either the crossmember bolts not tight enough, allowing the cross member to move, or the exhaust system.
It's not evident cornering hard, or into bumps etc...

it's also not evident when you drive rapid,and use a smooth clutch 'n throttle technique,i.e don't nail it too soon after letting up the clutch, let it bite then floor it smoothly.. if you know what i mean..