Odd engine sound in 2nd gear off throttle @ 2000 RPM, 2011 wrx

[Rexosaurus]

Hey all. Im new to the site and finally bought a 2011 wrx a couple weeks ago. I have 650 miles on it and still driving it like a big baby until I get through the break in period.

I have been freaking out a little because I hear a strange sound when I back of the throttle and the engine is braking at around the 2000 rpm level. It only happens in second gear while the engine is braking. I'm not sure how to describe the sound, its not a grind or a knock but more of hiss or buzz type sound, but not really. Possibly a gear meshing type sound. It kind of reminds of what a school bus or ups type truck sounds like at low speeds. Sorry, wish I could describe it better.

My prior car was a speed3 and I know that the boxer engine sounds completely different, but does anyone else experience the aforementioned at 2000 rpm.

Thanks

[mangostick]

its the trans, not the engine.. and completely normal. Its the gears meshing.

[Anub1s]

Yep, normal operation.

For your own future reference, if the sounds coming from your car are existant in one gear, but not others under similar conditions, you can deduce that it's an issue with the trans, not the engine. Engine related problems will (usually) increase or decrease with RPM's. Just a friendly tip for the future.

[Rexosaurus]

I also did more research into it on the web and like you said it appears be normal. I just wasn't sure because the sound is distinctly louder at 2000 rpm than higher or lower rpm.

I appreciate the input.

[Ying]

Also could be heat shield buzzing at that frequency. I'm getting a lot of that at low RPMs lately.

[rage-wrx]

I have about the same sound.It gets worse when you go down a hill in 2nd.

[jd92677]

I have about the same sound.It gets worse when you go down a hill in 2nd.

And gets really bad with bushing upgrades

[rage-wrx]

[djclue8713]

Also could be heat shield buzzing at that frequency. I'm getting a lot of that at low RPMs lately.

You just saved me from creating a new thread in the near future. God that was driving me nuts. Man coming from my last car, this thing sure is a screamer!

[Ying]

You just saved me from creating a new thread in the near future. God that was driving me nuts. Man coming from my last car, this thing sure is a screamer!

Glad I could help. After a while, everything rattles and hums. heat shields, exhaust, dashboard, door panels... the list goes on forever.