HELP ! Just bought 95 Brighton humming noise

[los1950]

Hello Everybody. My name is Carlos. Just bought a Legacy Brighton with 130k. Great condition, except, a humming/grinding noise.

Here are the symptoms. The noise only appears when I am driving and accelarating (when coasting in gear the noise goes away).

It seems to only come from the front. I checked the axle boots and they are new, the axles seem pretty new also. What could this be? Wheel bearings? Axle bearings? (is there a difference)

I did notice that the steering linkage boots are worn and cracked, but the grind seems to be from the drivetrain.

At higher speed its not as noticeable as lower speeds.

I appreciate your help and diagnosis.

Thanks everyone. Carlos

[jg09]

Sounds like a problem with clearance in the front differential. Have the front diff checked out and see if there's any metal to metal contact happening anywhere. Your symptoms are pointing towared that.

[los1950]

Great. Sounds like good advice. This can only be done at a subaru mechanic?

I did notice that the engine is higher in the engine bay than my previous 1.8 impreza. Could that have anything to do with it?

Is the diferential issue serious and possibly expensive?

Carlos

[Grafton]

my brotherin law has an impreza with a 1.8 and it loko like it sits lower than my 2.2 i think its just the way the intake is though that makes it look like that

[Huffer]

The hood on the Legacies actually sits closer to the engine than the Imprezas. This is why some GC strut braces (front) will not fit Legacies. Underhood clearance is an issue.