Whining/rubbing noise.
 

Diagnosis required please. Over last couple of days, noticed a slight noise coming from drivers side front gearbox/driveshaft, but only from firm pullaway in first gear, ie smooth takeoff fine. Whining/rubbing continues up through 2nd and third gears, untill brakes applied, then disappears. Any ideas, I will get underneath tonight. Mileage is 10 miles a day, and car is WRX '94 ON 110,000 miles. Cheers in advance, Mart.

Any Ideas.
 

Had a look tonight - nothing much looks wrong though. I've managed to get the noise back through driving along at 20mph and steering heavily from side to side (1/2 lock to 1/2 lock), as well as pulling away at 4000 rpm +. As before, as soon as the brakes are applied, the noise goes away. Checked gearbox oil, and although low (on min), don't think thats the problem, although it did seem fairly warm. Am now fairly worried. I'm thinking either inner driveshft/gearbox area, gearbox itself, propshaft to gearbox, or possibly clutch mechanism - although there is no noticeable clutch slip. Any ideas, theories greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mart.

Could this be the fix ?
 

As mentioned previously, could find no apparent fault anywhere. Out of desperation, checked a few fluid levels, and found I was getting a false fluid level from the Power steering reservoir - fluid sitting in the bottom of the filter. I have checked this level since having the car (5 yrs), and have never topped up before. Have now topped up, and noise has gone completely. Is this coincidence, or would the power steering pump be making this sort of noise whilst low on fluid. Your thoughts please.
Mart.

For sure the power steering pump will whine if it is low on fluid. You shouldn't really lose fluid though unless it's leaking, be worth keeping an eye on.