2003 WRX Grinding sound at deceleration, 2000-2500rpm

[supersubie]

Hey everyone,

I am new to the forum and wanted to register to figure out exactly what is wrong with my car. Hoping you guys can help.

Have a 2003 WRX with 99,000. The car has had the infamous 2nd gear deceleration sound, but it has never really bothered me. What has recently gotten me very worried is a distinct, loud metallic grinding sound that happens between 2500 to 2000 RPM. Once I get on the gas, the noise stops. This sound is only heard when I put my foot off the gas, in any gear. Further, it is a cyclical sound, i.e. the sound has a brief pause in between, but only for a split second.

I hope someone can shed some light on this problem. Currently can't afford fixing the bad boy, and thinking about selling it before it gives me major problems. It has been the best car I have ever owned, but with the way things sound, I am afraid the transmission might be on its last legs.

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

[EvoEatr]

Hey everyone,

I am new to the forum and wanted to register to figure out exactly what is wrong with my car. Hoping you guys can help.

Have a 2003 WRX with 99,000. The car has had the infamous 2nd gear deceleration sound, but it has never really bothered me. What has recently gotten me very worried is a distinct, loud metallic grinding sound that happens between 2500 to 2000 RPM. Once I get on the gas, the noise stops. This sound is only heard when I put my foot off the gas, in any gear. Further, it is a cyclical sound, i.e. the sound has a brief pause in between, but only for a split second.

I hope someone can shed some light on this problem. Currently can't afford fixing the bad boy, and thinking about selling it before it gives me major problems. It has been the best car I have ever owned, but with the way things sound, I am afraid the transmission might be on its last legs.



Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Sounds to me like it might be a pinion bearing noise...try this...while your cruising at 45 or whatever and hear the noise, take the car out of gear, do you still hear the noise, if not Ill put dimes to donuts thats most likely your noise...

[supersubie]

Sounds to me like it might be a pinion bearing noise...try this...while your cruising at 45 or whatever and hear the noise, take the car out of gear, do you still hear the noise, if not Ill put dimes to donuts thats most likely your noise...

Yea, the noise goes away as soon as I put the car in neutral or step on the gas. Based on what you are saying, is there a huge problem, is this going to break the bank?

[EvoEatr]

Yea, the noise goes away as soon as I put the car in neutral or step on the gas. Based on what you are saying, is there a huge problem, is this going to break the bank?

My best guess over the internet with the information you have provided is a bad pinion bearing... the transmission has to come out and the unit has to be split apart...its a pretty expensive job...