Getting a whistle sound when depressing the clutch (first cold morning start only)

[hisdigness]

Hey everyone,

Perhaps someone can figure this out or knows what's up. Every cold start (only first start in the morning) my car whistles at the clutch catch point until the car warms up. Once warm no more sound. At first I thought it was the throw out bearing, but the sound is only in the morning, and also only when the weather is colder than 60 degrees.

The car is a 2011 WRX Hatch with SPT CBE, Rear endlinks/swaybar. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Hooman

[Mikie13]

All honesty...without being able to hear the sound...we can't diagnose it. Make a vid and post it to give us an idea.

These cars make all sorts of noises at all sorts of times. Cold starts aren't the smoothest thing for any engine to handle in the grand scheme of things. So until it gets up to operating temps, it doesn't sound like anything to worry about.

[hisdigness]

Thanks for your response. I will take a vid once the weather cools down again.

In the mean time, is it best to let the car warm up before driving it? With my BMW, I was instructed to drive lightly until it warms up and not let it sit there and warm up. What is the proper warm up protocol for Subaru's?

[Mikie13]

So Cal eh? Doesn't sound like you will get cool weather anytime soon haha.

Just as any car, you don't want to go getting on the gas until it has a chance to cycle oil through the head and block. But with a turbo Surbaru...you especially want to make sure the oil gets a chance to get to operating temp generally before you start getting into boost.

[SamXp]

I also hear a slight whirring/squeaking noise when I press the clutch in the morning but only when I press it all the way to the floor. Has to be the throwout bearing!

[hisdigness]

Ok cool, ty for the info.

[hisdigness]

From what I understand, if it were the throwout bearing the sound would not go away.

[inf3cti0n]

Hello,

I just just coming in here to post this. How long before the sound goes away? I can let my car get to 1/4 up heat wise but it takes a good 5 minutes of OMGwhatiswrongwithmytranny baby driving before it goes away. I have to take it in to the dealer to get some side side skirt clips tommorrow. If they find anything I will update in here. I hope its nothing serious.

*09 wrx btw. Our Powertrains are the same so I guess what happens with me could apply to you as well.

[hisdigness]

Finally got a decent video with sound, let me know what you guys think please.

YouTube - ‪Cold start clutch whistle‬‏

[inf3cti0n]

that is the same exact noise I have. Hope its nothing serious.

[Sasquatch]

I know why it whistles ...





It doesn't know the words

Sorry, had to ... best of luck fixing the issue.

[economatic]

Mine has made a similar noise for as long as I can remember. It only makes the noise for a couple minutes when the car is cold and gets louder when the humidity is high.

I know others on NASIOC have reported the same issue but I don't think there was ever a solution. Honestly, I don't even worry about it anymore--just one of the many funny noises my Subaru makes.

[Stlgrndskeeper]

I get that same noise on cold starts from time to time also.

[Mikie13]

Wow its pretty prominent. Good vid.

I am personally however, not sure what that could be. It might just be some squeakiness of the clutch/flywheel assembly since it isn't up to operating temps yet. Subarus rev high at cold starts to begin with.

If there are no actual issues, despite other reports of it, I'd let it be. Or you could even show the vid to the Dealer...

[ElVerde]

Funny...i get the same noise on cold morning starts as well. The car has done it as far as I can remember.

I can't imagine it's a serious problem...so I haven't been worried about it. Keep us posted if you get any more information.