Hello, I have been trying to figure out what the noise coming from my 03 Impreza RS is. When my car is idling, but I shift into drive or reverse or even have the heater on, pretty much anything that puts some load on the motor, one of the pulleys starts whining. I have found that it also happens when I turn the wheels. It can only be heard when sitting still though, either the engine noise drowns it out or it doesn't whine while driving. It sounds like it is possibly coming from the alternator pulley? I don't really know. I have recorded the noise and posted it to youtube. I anyone could take a listen and give any idea of what it sounds like it would be greatly appreciated.

Subaru Impreza Engine Whining Noise - YouTube

 

does sound like a pulley. if it happens when turning wheels as well, id think a power steering pulley, OR pump is running dry. just my initial thoughts

 

Try running the engine firstly without the PS/ alternator belt on. If the noise disappears then at least you've narrowed it down to one of those. If noise still there then its crank pulley or AC compressor. You could then take this belt off to check noise goes away. Note: don't run engine for too long without belts. Another trick is to spray water behind each pulley. Lubricating the pulley like this should cause the noise to disappear for a short time when you spray there offending one.

 

+1 for the water trick. pulleys over time form a layer of "glaze" that sometimes makes noise or squeels. also if you have a stethoscope, thatll def help. poke around for bearing noise (right behind each pulley)