Hello all,

I have a completely stock engine on my o3 sedan wrx. It has 50,300 miles on it at this point. I went for a drive today and noticed a "swishing" sound that I would hear from time to time. I'd say I heard it every 5-10 minutes.

Today was the first time that I've heard it. The temperature is 53 degrees. Rainy/foggy weather here in Sacto, CA. I had driven the car for about ten minutes before parking it for an hour and a half. It was after I parked it and restarted it that I started hearing this noise?

I would say that it sounds somewhat like a poor man's blow off valve. I couldn't find a pattern i.e,. accelerate decelerate as to when it would come on. Anyway, I thought I'd throw this out to everyone for any suggestions/advice as to what may be causing this? Thanks again!

 

what do you mean by swishing sound?

 

Hello,

The sound is like a quick puff of air. sort of like a blow off valve. The car was parked outside a carport for about two weeks. Hope this helps. thnx

 

I would say check all the hoses and fittings. Also, maybe have a friend rev the engine while you listen near the engine to see if you can locate the noise.

 

The swishing sound has turned into a squeal when the I turn on the fan. Never hear it when it's not on. So I'm pretty sure now that it's a belt issue. Thanks for the responses!

 

Time to change the belt then.....and while you're doing that, you might as well change the pulley

 

Hi all,

As my auto shop teacher always said, "keep it simple". Cause of the noise was a dirty belt. Readjusted tension and cleaned belt. No more noise. Thanks for all the feedback!