Knocking/Rattling Mystery Noise in 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon

[RubyBliss]

Knocking noise coming from engine. First noticed an issue after road trip from Oregon to Vegas. Upon return home, the car called stalled at a red light. Car restarted and ran but now has a soft audible knock. Car just reached 101k. Change oil and filter every 3000k or 3 months with synthetic. Had external pulleys and tension belt replaced within the last 20k. New oil, checked it for metal shards. None were found using a magnet. Replaced fuel filter and spark plugs hoping it was just from crappy California gas. No change. Research suggests a timing belt assembly issue. Looking for others thoughts before I take it into for a diagnosis.

See video below:
YouTube - 2002 Subaru WRX Engine Noise

[zax]

You're due for a timing belt replacement anyhow. It sounds mechanical, so it could be a timing belt idler pulley (supposedly a weak point on the 2.0L)

A lot of people may try to scare you and immediately jump to the conclusion that it's a "spun bearing," but let's not jump to conclusions...

[mudferret]

Youtube clips are tough to diagnose, everything sounds like rod knock. As above, it does potentially sound timing belt related. The timing belt covers are easy enough to remove for a quick inspection; check it out ASAP, a broken timing belt can result in some nasty $$$

[RubyBliss]

I know it depends on the area, but what do you think a timing belt replacement would cost in the NW? Or let me rephrase that, what SHOULD it cost?

I want to make sure we get an honest quote when we do take it in. I've read many posts that suggest not only the timing belt be replaced, but the pulleys, tensioner and water pump while they are in there. I'm not familiar enough with this engine to know what all should be done. I don't want to to skimp on something because we're tight on money, but if it doesn't have to be done now they why do it? I'm trying to figure out the cost benefits of cheap to expensive fixes, versus the long run cost.

[zax]

check it out ASAP, a broken timing belt can result in some nasty $$$

+1. A head full of bent valves is no joke!

[Trainrex]

Ummm...

[SD_GR]

Do you have oil pressure? The erratic nature of the noise does not suggest a timing belt tensioner in my opinion. It sounds bottom-endy. Take the car to a Subaru specialist and hesitate to have the timing belt done unless they can verify that the source of the noise if from the front cover.

[zax]

^^^

but I'm also hands down the friendliest member of the board.

[Trainrex]

^^^

You don't agree?

[RubyBliss]

Yes, there is oil pressure. No rise in temperature. The engine light is not on and never did come on. There was nothing to indicate any sort of problem until the stall at the red light and then the ensuing noise.

[zax]

You don't agree?

[Trainrex]

[RayfieldsWRX]

AdminsRtehBullies.

[Trainrex]

AdminsRtehBullies.

Definitely!

[RubyBliss]

I'm new to posting on a forum, but does this happen a lot...threads get hijacked because two people have a disagreement? I just was looking for honest advice about my car.