Car: 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited, 110k miles Symptoms: Rumbling noise that increases/decreased EXACTLY with speed. I have a 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited that has developed a rumbling sound and a very slight vibration which *seems* to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. It starts at a very low speed, right from 0 MPH and increases in frequency EXACTLY with the overall speed of the vehicle. It is *NOT* affected by either left or right turns. It gets quite loud around 60MPH and then the vibrations cancel somewhat at 70-75. I've had the car up to 100MPH and the only thing that happens is that the frequency increases just as the speed increases. I cannot feel any vibration through the steering [/topics-steering/] wheel. It seems to be coming from the back of the vehicle. Again, no difference *at all* in turns of either direction. It has nothing to do with the RPM of the engine or the load on the driveline - if you put the car into Neutral at 60MPH the noise stays exactly the same. At full throttle, the noise stays exactly the same. It is loud enough to be annoying and heard throughout the cabin but now that it has reached its "peak" it doesn't seem to be getting any louder or quieter. It's just always there, starting from 0.01 MPH as a low grumbling and then it finally becomes a buzzing/humming/"ringing" noise at higher speeds. HELP! I keep hoping it's a rubber bushing or isolator somewhere that has come loose or disintegrated.

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Subaru Outback 2.5I Limited: Car: 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i…

Car: 2008 Subaru Outback...

Car: 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited, 110k miles
Symptoms: Rumbling noise that increases/decreased EXACTLY with speed.
I have a 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited that has developed a rumbling sound and a very slight vibration which *seems* to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. It starts at a very low speed, right from 0 MPH and increases in frequency EXACTLY with the overall speed of the vehicle. It is *NOT* affected by either left or right turns. It gets quite loud around 60MPH and then the vibrations cancel somewhat at 70-75. I've had the car up to 100MPH and the only thing that happens is that the frequency increases just as the speed increases.
I cannot feel any vibration through the steering wheel. It seems to be coming from the back of the vehicle. Again, no difference *at all* in turns of either direction. It has nothing to do with the RPM of the engine or the load on the driveline - if you put the car into Neutral at 60MPH the noise stays exactly the same. At full throttle, the noise stays exactly the same. It is loud enough to be annoying and heard throughout the cabin but now that it has reached its "peak" it doesn't seem to be getting any louder or quieter. It's just always there, starting from 0.01 MPH as a low grumbling and then it finally becomes a buzzing/humming/"ringing" noise at higher speeds.
HELP! I keep hoping it's a rubber bushing or isolator somewhere that has come loose or disintegrated.

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Answered in 4 hours by:

7/11/2014

Subaru Mechanic: tamaz, Subaru Master Technician replied 8 years ago

tamaz, Subaru Master Technician

Category: Subaru

Satisfied Customers: 3,204

Experience: Subaru Master Certified,ASE Master technician ,30 years experience

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tamaz : Hi,thanks for your question.This really sounds like a rear wheel bearing which are very common on these vehicles.Because the tires were chopped/cupped the noise is similar.Because the noise doesn't change on turns just means the wheel is not loose yet,thanks ,I'll await your reply

Customer:

Yes after some investigation I think it's a wheel bearing also. One of the rear ones most likely - that's where the resonances sound the strongest. We're contacting our dealer to see if they will offer us a replacement, I've seen that Subaru had issues with them on some models in the past.

tamaz, Subaru Master Technician

Category: Subaru

Satisfied Customers: 3,204

Experience: Subaru Master Certified,ASE Master technician ,30 years experience

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