Just started happening recently. 104,XXXmi. Changes pitch with speed. Clutch in: no change. Downshift: no change. Cornering: no change. On/off throttle: no change. Sounds a bit like straight cut gears. Almost a reverse gear-like whine. Although, nowhere near as bad. It is coming from front, perhaps a little to the driver's side. The only conclusion I can draw is it's downstream of the gearbox. Probably. Front differential? Center differential? Fuel filler door open? Any help appreciated.
Don't think so Megadeth2118. This a is straight-on and around corners kind of thing. It sounds more expensive than tire rub. Tire rub sounds Moe's; this is more Rathbun's. Sadly.
Fluid really should be changed every 20K. What fluid in there now? Front diff means whole tranny out and gutted. Not a diy job and NOT cheap.
yes tranny comes out, honestly you can probably find a used tranny for the price of fixing yours assuming that is the issue. I know guys that have gone a while with a front diff whine. I would swap in some fresh Extra S as it has been 40K since your last fluid change and see if there is any change in noise it is the cheapest thing you can do. If it were mine and it was indeed the front diff I would drive it until it broke or I had a reason for pulling it like needing a clutch.
Take it to King at SOK or Brandon at AllPro, have a suby tech diagnose it. A little whining is not that uncommon in the five speed especially at low speeds and engine braking like down shifting. If you're going to hold on to your car start saving for a tranny or gear swap as your next mod 5sp fail is inevitable...........................
Unfortunately it is impossible to diagnose sounds over the internet. You need to schedule an appointment with the dealership or the other independent Subie shops. The alternative is to meet up with another owner (in person) and see what they have to say about it.
Steve at SOK fixed me up with some Extra S. I changed the fluid Wed night. The whine has quieted down. Still there, but barely. Also changed the rear diff fluid. From now on I will be as religious about transmission fluid changes as I am about engine oil changes. Of note: my 2004 'box has a hex bolt for the drain plug, not Torx.
are all of your tires the exact same brand and size and were they all put on at the same time?? sounds exactly like my center diff when it started going out and it was because of the rear tires being bought weeks after the front ones and i'm pretty sure you could get a used tranny alot cheaper than replacing the center diff
Yep, all same brand and regularly rotated. I'm probably more anal about that than I need to be. If the center/front diff or whatever is making noise decides to clock out, I will do a gearbox swap. Anyone know if that can be done as a one-man job?
I'll bet $5 it was the rear diff. It's a really common whine, and loudest at ~60mph. The Saabaru guys complain about it all the time, what with their wishing they had a Mercedes.