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Hi all, first post for me here, hope you can help. Had our 03 rv from new, got the deal with 5 year, unlimited km warranty. 5 speed, stock standard, has been a great car with no problems at all, untill now:???:
About 6 weeks ago I noticed what sounds like an exhaust leak, haven't got under to have good look yet. And last week heard a typical bearing related whine, first thought it was wheel related but when i put it in neutral while driving, the whine stops, can only hear it while in gear. And I can "feel" the noise with my hand on the gear lever.
Any thoughts on what the problems are, and, what odds a warranty fix as she is covered till october?

Cheers,
Rohan

canbaru wrote:Hi all, first post for me here, hope you can help. Had our 03 rv from new, got the deal with 5 year, unlimited km warranty. 5 speed, stock standard, has been a great car with no problems at all, untill now:???:
About 6 weeks ago I noticed what sounds like an exhaust leak, haven't got under to have good look yet. And last week heard a typical bearing related whine, first thought it was wheel related but when i put it in neutral while driving, the whine stops, can only hear it while in gear. And I can "feel" the noise with my hand on the gear lever.
Any thoughts on what the problems are, and, what odds a warranty fix as she is covered till october?

Cheers,
Rohan

I hate to say this mate, but I had an MY98 Impreza Sportwagon (older version of RV if you like) and it made this sound and 'feel'. Turned out it was the differential and the whole thing had to be replaced. Chances are it may be replaced, as we sold it, and when the new owner bought it from Subaru, it came with a 6 month warranty and Subaru replaced it. We didn't sell it because of that, just that the car was a couple years old, and we got a good deal on an RS Impreza. This wasn't diagnosed until the serivce after we traded it. But Subaru's are still good cars, and you should be able to get it replaced. Hope this helps.

Thanks aware, I suspected gearbox, but I have limited mechanical knowledge so am open to all advice. I know a bloke who knows a bloke who works in a diff shop here in canberra, might get him to inspect it before it goes to the dealer. Just clicked over 100k km last week, I would expect the average diff to last considerably longer? She hasn't had a hard life by any means, full service schedule bla bla bla... 5 months left on the warranty, glad it was for 5 years:mrgreen: I will keep you informed......

canbaru wrote:Just clicked over 100k km last week, I would expect the average diff to last considerably longer? She hasn't had a hard life by any means, full service schedule bla bla bla... 5 months left on the warranty, glad it was for 5 years:mrgreen: I will keep you informed......

Hey Canbaru,

Your right about it lasting longer... My L series is, AFAIK, on the original gearbox with no problems at 367xxxKM on the clock. This shouldn't have happened and I'd doubt if the dealer would have a problem with changing/fixing the problem. I'd be getting on to it asap.

Good luck with it.

Cheers

Bennie

canbaru wrote:Thanks aware, I suspected gearbox, but I have limited mechanical knowledge so am open to all advice. I know a bloke who knows a bloke who works in a diff shop here in canberra, might get him to inspect it before it goes to the dealer. Just clicked over 100k km last week, I would expect the average diff to last considerably longer? She hasn't had a hard life by any means, full service schedule bla bla bla... 5 months left on the warranty, glad it was for 5 years:mrgreen: I will keep you informed......

Yeah I used to live in Canberra when it happened as well. Mine happened at about 55,000 from memory (it was 6 ish years ago), and it had never been flogged. It should last longer, and it certainly doesn't make sense. Our original thought when it happened, was exactly like yours, we thought it may have been the gearbox. But get it checked out ASAP, especially while in warranty.

call me a n00b, but could it be the trust bearing?(if they even have them i dunno)

alex

Thrust bearing.

and yes of course it will have one (its a manual they kidna need one)

yep i was gonna suggest thrust bearing also if it only happens in neutral with foot off clutch

Thanks for replies. Only happens when in gear, pop it into neutral and it stops. I haven't driven it for a week, will take it for a good drive this arvo and run a few tests on it, high/low speed, clutch in/out, all gears/neutral. Will post results tonight. Going to dealer on monday.

Just took her for a good run, here's what I found. Can only hear the noise in 4th and 5th, starts at 70kmh, and is more pronounced under load. Put it in neutral and the noise stops. Pump your foot on and off the gas at 80kmh in 4th is when you really notice it. I'm still none the wiser