Help Describe/Identify Perceived Unusual Engine Sound (Subaru Forester 2013)

kiitos on 04/06/2019 - 23:01
Last edited 05/06/2019 - 10:24 by 1 other user

I have a 2013 Subaru Forester. In the last few months I have been thinking the engine or transmission or something is sounding different to usual. However, I'm not entirely sure and I'm not even sure how to describe it.

I haven't been very observant about fuel consumption and other clues over the years.

  • Currently I'm getting around 11l/100km in mostly Sydney driving. I think that has increased over the years from around 9l/100km, but not sure.
  • When I'm driving around 60km on a flat or slight incline, or idling, the engine is at around 1100 rpm, which seems low to me?
  • When I am on the highway, it sounds like the engine - or maybe the transmission? - is "boomier" than usual. It seems louder and higher pitched than I thought it used to be.

With the higher pitch/boomier sound, I thought it might be that it's overrevving, but the tacho doesn't indicate that. I thought it might be that the CVT is favouring a higher gear ratio hence the low revs, but it doesn't seem to labour as I would have expected it to.

It's due for a service this month. I have been going to the dealer and intended to go elsewhere now that the warranty has passed, but think maybe I should go to the dealer and try to explain this. Of course, I'm concerned I won't be able to describe or replicate the "problem", and that they'll either not do anything or tell me it needs an expensive fix that it doesn't.

Sorry this is all so sketchy, but any advice as to what this could be and what I should look at?

Automotive

Comments

  • vince088 on 04/06/2019 - 23:10

    CVTs are known for being very loud on higher speed driving

    also CVTs don't really have real "gear ratios" like traditional transmission

  • GangGang on 04/06/2019 - 23:17
    +1

    Could a eco button be pressed to reduce fuel consumption?

    I know the outlander has it and when activated. It revs really low when driving.

    • kiitos on 09/06/2019 - 00:02

      That makes sense, yes, I drive it in Intelligent mode, which I think is meant to be better for fuel consumption. Thanks!

  • Chewiebacca on 05/06/2019 - 01:17
    +2

    any advice as to what this could be and what I should look at?

    You should look at taking it to a mechanic

  • apsilon on 05/06/2019 - 06:03
    +3

    Fuel economy sounds normal to me (have an 06 Forester). Subarus weak points are poor fuel economy and oil use. Characteristics of the boxer engine they use I guess. Add to that you have a CVT which I believe are even worse for fuel economy and you're figures sounds about right IMO.

    No way we can give any real diagnosis on the noises without hearing them so ask the mechanic when you have it serviced.

    • kiitos on 09/06/2019 - 00:03

      Thanks, yep will do.

  • John Dough on 05/06/2019 - 08:27

    If you take it to a Subaru dealer, they work on/fix/drive these cars all day every day.
    They will pick up if there is anything unusual or wrong going on.
    Watch out for dealers making things up as well to upsell - if you have a local trusty mechanic or family member or friend who knows cars, run the diagnosos by them and see if it's legit.
    From what you describe, there's probably not much to worry about. Did you replace tyres recently? Different tyres can change a vehicle significantly re: road noise.

    Edit: And as far as low rpm at 60, Subaru's (and most modern vehicles) just love being in the highest gear possible. This is to save fuel, so 1100 rpm at 60 is not unusual on a flat road. Try pop it in sports mode and it will hold a lower gear longer before changing up, but probably use more fuel (this is debatable and varies a lot depending on your driving style and what you are doing).

    Cheers and good luck !

    • kiitos on 09/06/2019 - 00:07

      Thanks for that. Tyres were replaced in Jan 2017, but I'm not sure if the sound is new or it's always been there and I'm just aware of it now.

  • Bid Sniper on 05/06/2019 - 08:46

    I only have MT on my subys, for me if the transmission noise is louder, means gear oil needs to be changed.

    I'd look at changing the gearbox and gear diff oil as well as standard service. See how it goes

    • kiitos on 09/06/2019 - 00:07

      OK, thanks!

  • sweefu on 05/06/2019 - 09:07

    My forester has a similar problem - became louder than normal when driving.

    It turned out to be wheel bearings on mine.

    • kiitos on 09/06/2019 - 00:08

      Yikes, how old was it when that happened? And what sort of cost was it to replace them?

      • apsilon on 09/06/2019 - 08:12

        How many km have you done? I've never had to do one in my 06 but I guess it really hasn't done that many km for it's age. Anyway, I think the '13 would be one of the ones where the whole hub is replaced so $150 - $200 in parts plus labour if you can't DIY.

  • ShortyX on 05/06/2019 - 09:31

    Can we please have a MSPaint diagram to describe the noise?

  • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2019 - 10:59
    +1

    Is it is going brup instead of brap, you probably need more fluid.

    If it the vrooms have not enough ooms in it, that's definitely a trip to the mechanic.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2019 - 11:28

    check your air filter intake pipe separation from air filter box or inlet manifold that gives that braun braup sound

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