Can any of you help with 2 questions that I have.

Odd noise when cruising at 60:
When I’m at low revs doing 58-65mph I can hear an odd noise from the front right (possibly driveshaft?). It sounds similar to when you rub your finger around the rim of a wine glass, only a deeper and quieter tone. Has anyone noticed this with their 03 WRX? Any suggestions as to what it can be? It stops completely when I take my foot off the accelerator and I think it stops when I accelerate hard (or perhaps I just can’t hear it over the engine).

Which oil:
Also, this one seems to have been done to death, but which oil would you recommend for my car as the majority of the threads seem to be for the classics not 03 WRX. The car is in constant stop-start London traffic 5 days a week, and I’m unlikely to do a track day (until perhaps next year) – what would make most sense? (The car is in the garage tomorrow and I may as well change the oil whilst it’s there.)

Thanks

 

Sounds very much like a singing bearing. Does the sound change at all if you steer from side to side? If it does, it would indicate a hub bearing.

I would have to say that transmission of my MY03 WRX is also quite 'whiney', I kind of assumed that it is the nature of the beast, and haven't taken too much notice of the noises (esp. as we now have a 3 year warranty).

WRT the oil, most of the threads on here champion Castrol RS (10W-60). My assumption (maybe wrong!) was that the Sccoby engine hasn't really changed that much since the classic shape, so it would be a good choice in the MY03. That's certainly what I was planning on using.

P.S. did you sell your Kenwood CD changer, if not, I'm still interested.

Cheers, Derek.

 

Yes - mine does it too - lots do..... Its the bridgstone tyres humming on the road surface.

This came from Subaru (UK) as apparently lots of people thought it was wheel bearings but when they were changed it made no difference.

Double check your tyre pressures. This can make it worse.

 

Makes sense. I have to admit that I'd be pretty surprised if to find a Scooby with a duff bearing from new. I shall turn down the (pants) stereo on my way home and have a good listen!

 

Thanks for this. I'll check the tyre pressure tonight - was okay 2 weeks ago when I lasyt checked. Also, the noise wasn't noticable for the first 6-8 weeks and is definitely from the front right area. No idea what happens when steering as I only tend to notice it in traffic on the motorway, I'll test it tomorrow morning.

Still have the kenwood changer for sale, email me jmk12345@hotmail.com with your details and I'll give you a call.

 

Not your brake caliper binding on slightly is it? I had it on my 03WRX and it only came in at certain speeds. If I brushed the brake pedal it would stop.

 

as a (slight) aside, is the engine supposed to sound like a diesel when you first start up?

 

My dealer uses Castrol Magnatex, or something that sounds like that.

No whining noise on mine, have PPP fitted and you won't be able to hear the strange noise!

Dan

 

being ppp'd tomorrow - god, it's going to be a good weekend.

 

No, unless it is a diesel or has piston slap.

 

My 03 transmission is a little whiney especially at low speeds and using the engine to slow down,|I never noticed it on my MY00 it must be the nature of the beast.Anyone else noticed it?
Regards powerman......

 

My MY03 transmission is the same. I also had a synchro problem with 5th (which was sorted under warranty) but was told gear box whine came as standard.

 

jmk - my '03WRX makes the same kind of sound as well.

Will check tyre pressures tomorrow to see what they are running at...could be brake bind as I've had new brakes fitted recently that are still being bedded in...

Will let you know if I come up with any conclusions.