2009 Subaru Outback (Clacking at 2500rpm to 3500rpm)

[Kungpow]

I just bought a 2009 Subaru Outback that recently had a clacking noise at 2500rpm to 3500rpm. The head gasket was previously changed, and the timing belt was done at 146000kms now it is at 173000kms.

 

A Subaru Master Mechanic/ Red Seal said that he guarantees that noise is from the heat shields.

 

A different mechanic who works with a lot of Subarus said that it could be the timing belt tensioner or the crank.

 

The noise is present when revving up in neutral and when in gear. The noise does go away at higher rpms. The noise is also very throttle dependant. If I gradually press on the accelerator it is more noticeable.

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/9NTBWYB

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/MgvAbld

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/FxeORpk

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/CKbLwyF

Edited May 26, 2021 by Kungpow

[apexi]

Sounds normal to me, timing belt tensioner wouldn't only make noise at a certain rpm or rpm range (in my opinion). Could very well be heat shields too. I'd go under the car and bang on them and see if one feels lose, I had to put a screw in this one under my passenger cv axle https://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6027726&postcount=4

[Pleides]

I'm hearing timing belt tensioner.

[dgoodhue]

What brand of timing belt kit was used? Did they replace the timing belt tensioner or just the belt?

[Kungpow]

What brand of timing belt kit was used? Did they replace the timing belt tensioner or just the belt?

 

Not sure if they replaced the timing belt tensioner. All I know is that they did the head gasket because I saw an MLS gasket in the engine and the timing belt looks like an aftermarket ACDelco. A bunch of the belts was replaced and they are ACDelco.

[dgoodhue]

I would check the tensioner. If you have engine stethoscope, it can help track down the noise. The heat shields are relative easy to check on a cold motor. If they are loose just grabbing and trying to move them, it should be obviously. I have never had a heat shield sound like that though.

[NORULZleggy]

Aisin kit or Stock kit for timing belt. That is all I have ever herd. The Gates kit is a no go either. They have cheap parts. Who did you timing belt?

[Kungpow]

Aisin kit or Stock kit for timing belt. That is all I have ever herd. The Gates kit is a no go either. They have cheap parts. Who did you timing belt?

 

Napa Autopro, maybe I will get it checked out again.

[Kungpow]

I would check the tensioner. If you have engine stethoscope, it can help track down the noise. The heat shields are relative easy to check on a cold motor. If they are loose just grabbing and trying to move them, it should be obviously. I have never had a heat shield sound like that though.

 

I will probably verify and see if it is the tensioner. The heat shields have been hose clamped and now it makes less noise. Part of the heatshields closest to the engine were damaged/ loose.