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Hi all,

Ive got a high pitch squeal coming from under the hood while starting.
It sounds like a turbo spinning up.
I think its coming from the starter motor and only makes the noise when the car is starting.
Should I let this develop and then replace - or is there something I can do now?

Its a 1998 RX Liberty Wagon 2.5l non turbo.

Any assistance is much appreciated.

Sounds like your alternator/power steering belts need tightening, they usually squeal like a stuck pig on start up if they are too loose.

If it is the starter make sure you get the right one as auto and manual are different, anything out of an Impreza or Forester will also fit, turbo or n/a

Thanks for the reply. Im familiar with belt noises and am certain its not the belt. This noise sounds like a turbo spinning up. Its only while starting and when I put my head under the bonnet, it sounds like its coming from the starter motor.

My 98 Outback starter made a whine, turned out the bronze bush on the gear end of the starter shaft had chewed out. Replaced bush, all quiet now.
Had to machine a bigger bush, as the alloy housing had also been damaged.
It was letting the teeth go out of alignment, hence the whine.