Subaru 1400

1996 Subaru 1400 Drive Train / Driveline Making Noise Happens sometimes Always

Sounds like rushing fluid, can not tell where it is coming from. Does not always seem to be rpm related, try to use a stethascop but can't pin it down. Thought it might be power steering, not sure. Can be at idle, kind os squeels, sounds like a squeel, or fluid rushing.

There are a number of things that come to mind.Pinpointing is a different matter from this side of the screen.You say you used a stethascope but you don't mention where the squeel or fluid sound seem to originate.Squeeling sounds along with a fluid type sound would naturally have me inspecting where fluids are present.The power steering pump and the water pump could be prime suspects here.A faulty shaft bearing or normal wear and tear can cause these types of situations.The A/C,if so equipped could be another possibilty.The electric fan motor and altenator,while fluids are not involved with these components,can cause the squeeling but the fluid sound is little far fetched but possible.A little more information as to the general location may help me try to get a better picture.
Good Luck,
Paul

Thanks. Seems to be more of a squeal. Not the AC, have put the stetascope on the tranny, near the water pump, alternator and power steering. Hard to tell, although the tranny seems to have a smooth sound inside, hope it's not the problem. Making the noise more now, than before, weird thing is that rpm doesn't always change the sound. It's hard to describe, always seems to stop when I pop the hood to look. I did notice once that when I was parked and it made noise, I turned the wheel and it stoped, but then it came back and moving the wheel didn't make a difference. Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks.

I forgot to mention the belt tentioning pulley if so equiped and the belt tension itself.Another way that may help to determineis to remove the serpentine belt.Turn each of the pulleys by hand.Both the alternator and tensioner should spin with little to no resistance.If either one seems to have a 'catch' in it,this could be the problem.The two pumps will have some resistance due to the fluids but turn them and fill for any catch or grab.If nothing is detected,with the belt out of the way,start the vehicle briefly and listen for the squeeling sound.If its still present with none of these components opperating,you may have an internal problem.
Good Luck,
Paul