Whistling / whining noise???

[WheelieBin]

Hey guys,

I went for a drive tonight coz my housemate was annoying me (yes, this is a common theme in my life :S) and I noticed something odd.

Whenever I'm accelerating off from the lights initially (at a moderate pace, not if I plant it or take off very slowly), or applying very slight amounts of acceleration at higher speeds (80 - 100km/h) I get a faint whistle/whine coming from somewhere behind the centre console.

I don't believe it's a grounding issue with the stereo, as nothing has changed, and it persists when the head unit is off. It's also not variable based on the RPM, and only seems to be directly related to the speed and amount of throttle being applied.

Car is driving fine, and if I ignore it, all is good - but now I know it's happening, I hear it EVERY time :S

Any thoughts?

[iisshhyy]

possibly time for new belts?

[WheelieBin]

I'd had that thought although I would have thought it would be more consistent and more of a squeak and less of a whistle if it was that??

It only got serviced less than a 1000km ago, I would have thought Eblens would have seen it and mentioned it if that was the case?

[champ]

I've heard that whistle on two separate occasion. To me, it sounded like it was just outside the passenger window, but I can't be sure cause it doesnt stay long. Would like to know if its related.

[Dropz]

Sounds like a vacuum leak.

[WheelieBin]

Would that be related to the head gaskets? I know they're on the way out (luckily from my research I'm guessing my car fits into the "Phase 2" category of that problem?) because you guys have highlighted oil and coolant leaks on my last two services.

Sorry if it's a stupid question, I'm non-mechanical Also, how big/problematic an issue is it?

I'm driving to Melbourne, and then around Tassie and back in June - I think I'll bring it in just before hand and say FIX EVERYTHING!!! and try and ignore the number on the bottom of the Invoice :S

[iisshhyy]

Subaru servicing, always a good idea to ignore the number on the bottom of the invoice

[Dropz]

Nah not the head gaskets. If you like I can have a look one weekend and see if I can find the noise?

Head gaskets are pretty expensive through a dealer or workshop, looking at near $2,000 for the both of them.

If you'd like give me a PM and I can give you a bit more info on them and possibly a cash job quote if you'd like?

[WheelieBin]

Done - thanks man

Gotta chase up the dude Hamish recommended to get the paintwork stuff sorted too - works been so flat out I haven't had a chance to call him, only email

I am going to ban myself from spending any money on the car for at least six months other than bare necessities once all this is sorted!!!

[Dropz]

Small paint touch up jobs I would recommend Dave at Impact Auto, is that who Hamish recommended?

[WheelieBin]

Yeah, he's the one.

Hamish gave me his mobile number, I just haven't had time to call at a civil time of day! I tracked down his website and shot him an email with some photos so he could get an idea, haven't heard back yet. Will try and find/make time to call him tomorrow.

[WheelieBin]

So Dave got back to me today. He reckons the spoiler will be too big a job, because it definitely needs to be stripped and re-sprayed, but taking it over to him at lunch time tomorrow to check out the rest of the touchups.

(This should be in another thread, but meh) Any other recommendations for places to take it for the spoiler?