GEN4 3.0RB WHINING NOISE

[dmh2508]

Hi Gents, I have a MY07 3.0RB and having running like dream and had it serviced about 2 weeks ago. A couple of days ago I started noticing a whining noise when I'm driving. I don't really know where the noise comes from but sounds like wheel bearings noise. No noise what so ever when the car the stationary only when driving.

I'm hoping someone may have experience same and could shed some light to it.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Swipez]

Hi Dave, are you 100% sure that it is not your power steer pump?

[jslayz]

Perhaps remove wife from passenger seat and check for noise again?

[brent451]

Hey guys,
ive just got my B-spec manual, and i have the same thing a whining noise coming from the box tho. its not all that loud but can hear it when the radio is off.
the box feels fine and is in good condition but yeah i have the same thing

[Swipez]

I hope you guys aren't talking about the gearbox whine. Because if so, that's what you get with an STi 6 speed gearbox that can handle 450kw atw. The cut on the gears makes more noise than a standard shitty gearbox. Mine makes that sound, but that's healthy and I know what is. Stronger gearboxes typically are louder than most weaker gearboxes due to the gearset. I'm not saying your whine is this whine, but I assume it is.

Brent, I know you are talking about the gearbox, that's fine. But a distinct loud whine that isn't the gearbox are the pulleys and corresponding pumps/accessories driven in the engine bay. They're quite loud on Subarus.

[jp928]

Whine in first and second is normal. If its pronounced with the bonnet up, try spraying some WD40 or similar on the belts - usually shuts up noisy belts at least briefly.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[Swipez]

Whine in first and second is normal. If its pronounced with the bonnet up, try spraying some WD40 or similar on the belts - usually shuts up noisy belts at least briefly.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

Engine whine and belt squeak are 2 very different things.

[jp928]

Not everybody regards the same noises as the same description. Alternators can make whining noises in my experience. IMHO the H6 always sounds much more whiny than a H4.
If there is any chance the noise is coming from the engine, try a mechanic's stethoscope - long screwdriver with the end of the handle held to the ear, touch the tip to as many items as you can safely, and see if any of them seem to match the noise - power steering, AC compressor (even if its not engaged, the pulley will be turning), alternator, front chain cover or rocker cover.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[Swipez]

Not everybody regards the same noises as the same description. Alternators can make whining noises in my experience. IMHO the H6 always sounds much more whiny than a H4.
If there is any chance the noise is coming from the engine, try a mechanic's stethoscope - long screwdriver with the end of the handle held to the ear, touch the tip to as many items as you can safely, and see if any of them seem to match the noise - power steering, AC compressor (even if its not engaged, the pulley will be turning), alternator, front chain cover or rocker cover.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

Yes I know the H6 whines eat more than a 4 banger. I was merely stating why the h6's whine. To someone who may not be familiar enough with them.

[applegeek897]

You're likely hearing the timing chain. Normal from what I've heard. Depends how loud it is.

[Hutchy]

Whine in first and second is normal. If its pronounced with the bonnet up, try spraying some WD40 or similar on the belts - usually shuts up noisy belts at least briefly.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

Glad to hear that! I was searching for a reason why 1st and 2nd gear are so noisy in the H6. My kids have started learning in it ( I know, I have to buy a cheap shitter for that) and even my son asked why it made that noise.

[Bennis]

Hey mate, check your idler pulley and tensioner pulleys. Real easy using the stethoscope or screwdriver to the ear, or even just loosen your belt tension and remove the belt and spin them by hand. If they aren't silent when they spin they are probably making your noise.

I just replaced both of mine, seperately, in a two week period. They would be silent when idling but if the engine was under any load they would make a terrible whining noise.

I neglected it for weeks and eventually the idler pulley bearing seized, lost the belt going 110km on the highway.

A week later the tensioner bearing made the same noise so I replaced that too.

[zoliberty]

I just recently purchased a 3RB, I have the whining as well. At first I thought it was the power steering. State Road reckon it's the serpentine belt and that it's normal to make that sound.

[Bennis]

If its a very quiet, constant whine that increases with revs... then it is probably the normal ez30 whine from the chain. So no worries.

Best way to identify that whine is to be in a few different ez30 cars and you will hear the same noise in each. Hopefully your whine is that, but an easy check is to just take the belt off and spin all your pulleys and listen for bearing noise.