Subaru Engine Whining Noise Diagnostic + Drive Belts and Idler Pulley Replacement

Subaru Engine Whining Noise Diagnosis -- Drive Belts and Accessory Idler Pulley Replacement. The loud whining noise is coming from the front of the engine and is very loud especially when the engine is cold. I will show how to find the source of noise step by step and fix the problem. The vehicle in this video is Subaru with EJ 2.5l SOHC engine.
*Disclaimer
SkyCar, is not responsible for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Information given in this video does not guarantee the desired outcome. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of the tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not SkyCar.
#subaru #engine #noise

[@62Cristoforo]

Thanks for identifying the cause of the whining/‘hizzing’ sound. Pedestrians are starting to turn and look as I’m coming down the street.

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful for you.

[@KNR6292]

LOL youre funny

[@danturla2801]

I went to mechanic, one is specialised in engine one is specialised in transmission they couldn’t see my problem. When I watch this video it’s the same problem of my Subaru Outback 2001. Now I can check and buy the parts. Thanks for sharing.

[@joepapozo3017]

I went to mechanic, he couldn’t figured out where noise was coming from. I went home frustrated and came across this video. I figured it out and fixed the problem myself. Thanks for sharing!

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@samcarter6110]

Thank you. Saved me a huge bill and stopped the noise. Had the exact same sound issue and it turned out to be that bottom pulley. Was able to salvage and clean mine to new and save a few extra dollars as well. Great video

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful for you.

[@62Cristoforo]

I did this exact procedure yesterday on my ‘05 Forester. Even with the offset box wrench you still need to use two hands to get the tool on to the hex head flat.

[@frezhtastic]

Wow, who would have thought that the solution is that easy! I took of the idler pully - completely dirty and squeeky, gave it a clean and now everything runs quiet as new, only the little whisper from my turbo 🙂 Thanks a lot!

[@skycar2508]

Thanks! Excellent!

[@richardboyd4477]

I think this is my problem thank you for sharing a great video with no talking and straight to the point ❤️🙏

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@woosherdooser357]

Haha, agree with you bro, it's the exact same sound but will need to check first before confirming it. But anyways what this dude did looked pretty promising that it would be my impreza problem..

[@robertmurray2005]

Just used this video to replace the idler pulley. When I heard the noise in the video it matched exactly. It cost me about $50 for the pulley and another $12 for a new belt (thought I might as well install a new one). Took me about 2 hours but that's only because I broke a tensioner bolt in the process and had to run out to Home Cheapo.

[@skycar2508]

I’m glad you fixed it.

[@WarpedToeNail]

Thank you for this video. Fyi to anyone thinking of doing this, don't let it go too far, it seized up on me completely and left me on the side of the road as I didn't wanna risk any harm to other components.

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! You’re absolutely right.

[@GracUntoYou]

Thank you so much for this information, I was at a lost on my Forrester and was already fearing the worst, the same noise as this one, thought is was the power steering an or the av clutch, but thank you for your time and work, much appreciated and respect, God bless.

[@skycar2508]

Thank you, I was thinking about an ac compressor at first, but luckily the problem was simpler.

[@Americansikkunt]

I just replaced my PSF, and it didn’t fix the squeak/squeal. I’m hoping it’s the bottom belt!

[@marcovdabeast]

This is such an amazing video great job straight to the point

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@ceearrex9098]

I failed to get to my tension/idler pulley early enough and when it locked up it shredded the belt to ribbons and melted most of the pulley. Good thing I wasn't on the highway then. Performed the same things you did and noticed a reduction in whirring/whining sound. Great job. I think more Garage Warriors and drivers in general should be educated on simple maintenance like this.

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! Yes, it can damage a lot of things if it’s not changed in time. Even timing belt cover or components can be damaged.

[@APinTheAK]

Ppsshhhh, your belt shredded? Be glad it didn’t eat some valves lol.

[@2bvud]

@@APinTheAK HAHAHA. No kidding.

[@ceearrex9098]

@@APinTheAK Totally! I am grateful for YT videos for the DIY mechanics like myself. I would hate to have to take my car in to get serviced. There would be "many more things" they would want to fix on my poor old Subie.

[@jasoncheung8167]

the person holding the camera got skills too

[@DaddyTenzo]

Same exact issue here. Glug glug glug once warm idle sounds like shit anything below 1k rpms sound like shit. Finally popped the hood today and figured out the noise was from the belt. Thanks for the tutorial my G

[@Rockyo1]

Thankyou for the video 👍🏻

[@skycar2508]

No problem 👍

[@mbanation3217]

Great job

[@skycar2508]

Thanks!

[@antze]

Aaaaaand this was exactly my problem as well (-07 Hawkeye). Feared it was alot worse but heh, 20 bucks worth of parts

[@kjtan9913]

Subscribed!

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@jasonxhx7854]

Excellent

[@skycar2508]

Thanks!

[@jasonxhx7854]

​@@skycar2508 so 8 days ago I watched this. Today I followed it step by step. Mine was slightly different problem but MAN did you outline everything well. Good stuff

[@andradee5103]

I have an issue with my pump it's stiff all the time but when I cover the return line with my finger for a bit than put the hose back in it works for about a couple of minuets than It stiffens again any ideas?

[@skycar2508]

I guess you mean power steering pump. If so, start with basics. Check if drive belt has good tension and not slipping. Make sure power steering fluid(ATF for Subaru) is at correct level. When engine is running, look inside of the fluid reservoir to check for air bubbles. I used to have this problem. I fixed it by replacing two short hoses on the return line, one before fluid reservoir, and one after. Also, I replaced o ring where the suction hose is attached to the pump. This is in case the system has air in it. If that’s not your case I would suspect the steering pump. Since it doesn’t build enough pressure, the power steering is not working properly.

[@J0ECOX]

I think this narrowed my annoying supercharger noise down lol since I replaced the ps pump. On another note, would a bad timing tensioner cause a faux piston slap noise on cold starts until warm or I guess, until its pressurized?

[@skycar2508]

I’ve heard that a weak hydraulic timing tensioner can cause this type of noise on cold starts. It’s usually replaced with timing belt.

[@Lvxurie]

did this narrow down your annoying supercharger noise? please i have the same issue and am thinking is PS related..

[@jordnot]

I had a whine that sounded just like a failing pulley bearing, ended up digging to the timing belt pulleys and replacing / harmonic balancer, turned out to be a rattling exhaust shield doing the high pitch whine

[@gunman4u234]

If you dont mind me asking was it like a loose screw or rust I just bought a car and looking for simple issues that could be an easy fix

[@jordnot]

@@gunman4u234 I would guess some rusty old screw, or sometthing holding the shield together. Took the car to a shop after being unable to find the issue myself and didn't get the opportunity to speak directly to the mechanic sadly

[@skycar2508]

Rattling exhaust is very common for Subaru. Since the heat shield is mounted directly to exhaust, the rust and heat make it loose overtime. I hear it when I rev up engine more than 3k rpm. It makes high pitch noise with rattling, so the engine doesn’t sound clean. Some simple fixes I know is to use metal hose clamps and tighten the shields together. The other fix is to insert some steel wool between exhaust and shield so it doesn’t have any movement.

[@TossProto]

Did this whine when in neutral as well? I have the same issue but apparently its my transmission

[@skycar2508]

Yes, it whines in neutral as well. If noise goes away when you select neutral, it’s probably transmission issue.

[@AG8000]

👍👍👍

[@skycar2508]

Thanks 👍

[@monicakeehn3052]

I just finished doing this but I don't have a torque wrench. Is it that big of a deal?

[@skycar2508]

Just make sure you tightened all bolts and nuts good enough, so they don’t get loose.

[@Macca2004]

So my uncle just got a forester and its making a super loud whining sound when revving before you changed the parts was it quite loud when you revved it?

[@skycar2508]

Yes, it was annoyingly loud(whining sound). But the power steering pump is also common to make similar noise. Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid reservoir.

[@Macca2004]

@@skycar2508 nice one mate appreciate it

[@Macca2004]

@@skycar2508 is there any chance I would able to send a video and you could tell me what you think?

[@skycar2508]

There’s an email address in the channel description.

[@dominikmalysa2135]

Do you recall there being a strong smell with this issue as well?

[@skycar2508]

No, no strong smell. However, it’s possible if pulley is locked completely. It’s made of plastic and can melt.

[@Nsajibjsnsdreamerztz]

Gud

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@siegegoggles]

What car year and model is this? And what was the brand and part number for the new pully you installed? I have the same squealing issues.

[@skycar2508]

This is 05 Forester non-turbo 2.5 engine. I used Subaru original part # 73131FC000. According to Subaru’s website it fits on 95-08 Subaru engines.

[@siegegoggles]

@@skycar2508 I tried searing the respective part for my Forester 2010, but it seems even the "Subaru Parts" sites don't have this pulley available for the 2010 model. Now I'm lost.

[@skycar2508]

It looks like Subaru doesn’t sell them. You can try looking for some aftermarket replacement.

[@skycar2508]

Just noticed, if your engine has plastic intake manifold, it may not have idler pulley, and the noise is probably caused by something else. If you have metal intake manifold, the pulley is the same as I used on my car. But, check it on your engine.

[@joepapozo3017]

What size wrench 🔧 did you use to unscrew the idler pulley?

[@skycar2508]

It’s 12mm wrench on the idler pulley.

[@joepapozo3017]

@@skycar2508 thanks

[@Shinobidevilfruiteater]

Where did you find one angled like that​@@skycar2508

[@LTBlightthebeam]

Do you have a part number for this pulley?

[@skycar2508]

Yes, part # 73131FC000.

[@LeonardoNunez-gc8vv]

What is the name of the pulley located left of the alternator?

[@skycar2508]

Steering pump pulley.

[@HS-sr9ww]

Hi MY subaru does make whining noise when i accelerate, if i am not accelerate it doesnt make whining sounds, does this symptom due to belt and pulley ? , when i drive it sounds like electrical noise sounds like whining . Thanks in advanced

[@skycar2508]

Hi, put your transmission in neutral and accelerate. If noise is gone, it’s coming from the transmission. If there’s still noise, you can follow instructions in this video. If noise is still present after removing drive belts, it could be coming from the timing belt pulleys.

[@HS-sr9ww]

@@skycar2508 I will try tmr and see how it goes! thanks!

[@HS-sr9ww]

@@skycar2508 i put the trans in neutral, accelerated it several times and i found that the electrical noise from alternator area, does this mean, timing belt pully and bet ? right ?

[@skycar2508]

It’s hard to tell by just listening. The best test is to remove the alternator and AC belts and run the engine without them. If the noise is still present, it’s most likely coming from timing area.

[@HS-sr9ww]

@@skycar2508 right cheers, i don''t think i can handle to fix by myself so i booked a garage nextweek, cheers for making this video. sometimes people think this noise from Transmission but yeah belt, pulley wheel bearing those are the main issues making annoying noise

[@PruzoDesire]

what can happen if those breaks ?

[@skycar2508]

It depends on how it fails. If it breaks into pieces, the flying debris can damage the radiator or the radiator fans and other parts in front of the engine. At minimum the AC will not be working. In my case, the noise was very annoying, so I didn’t wait it to fail completely.

[@cole580]

What if this noise only happens when you accelerate in gear. I’m assuming that would be transmission and not idler pulley or belt?

[@skycar2508]

Most likely it’s a transmission issue. If you put the transmission in neutral and accelerate, no noise means not engine problem.

[@cole580]

Yah, only happens when I put it in drive and accelerate. Doesn’t do it in park or neutral.

[@skycar2508]

Not good, maybe low on fluid

[@freshprince2875]

Mine makes that noise only in drive reverse but not natural and idk why

[@skycar2508]

That means the noise is not an engine problem. The noise is probably coming from the transmission.

[@Shinobidevilfruiteater]

Where do i get that curved wrench

[@skycar2508]

Any auto parts store should have it.

[@wojciechzakrzewski3709]

4:40 that is the power steering pump pulley

[@skycar2508]

Yes, right.

[@dantonliam]

Just take the alternator out. Way more room to work

[@skycar2508]

Thanks for the advice!