I just moved to the twin cities from Illinois. About a month ago my 04 WRX wagon (90k miles, 5mt) started having a whining sound when it hit highway speeds. The whine initially happened in 4th and 5th gear, in neutral, and when clutch is in. The pitch of the whine is totally dependent on speed, not throttle load, gear, or swerving. I took it to my trusty mechanic, he drove it and diagnosed it has output drive bearing failure. I still think it could be wheel bearing or differential, but he was pretty confident. The problem is I had to leave before he could work on it. He said I could probably just replace those bearings if I did it soon enough. Since the drive up (this weekend), the whining sound has gotten worse. You can hear it at all speeds now, not just the top end. I hope I didn't toast the tranny on the drive up. So I need advise on who to go to here in the cities. It would be great if the mechanic diagnose the problem and do this kind of transmission work if it is really the output bearings. Am thrilled to be here, to hit the ice and snow in my subie. But scared at prospect of not having a trusty mechanic for my beloved car. Given the move, I don't have a lot of extra $$$ right now, but would be willing to pay more for someone who is trustworthy and competent. Thanks!
Yea, that bearing on the output shaft is a pretty common issue with Impreza 5MTs. I've seen 3 with that same problem. Keep your driving to a minimum, otherwise it will take the rest of the tranny with it. The bearing can be replaced without removal of the tranny, but it is PITA. Best of luck! ~Dan
Liar, Pita is a flatbread http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pita Haha I heard a rear diff go out and it sounded like what you've described But I also heard it on a center differential going out
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