Old Outback, new noises. Need help pinning it down. (With Audio)

[u/phozaazohp]

Reposting this again with audio and more info. You might need headphones/full volume to hear everything.

2000 Outback Limited Sedan, 4cyl auto. Just under 200k miles.

The car passed inspection just yesterday. I asked the mechanic to check out the noise, and they said they didn't hear anything obviously wrong, though they admitted that they didn't do a lot of road testing since they were quite busy.

This just started overnight. While under acceleration, the noise comes from somewhere in front.

I let off the gas at 16, 26, and 38 seconds in. Here, the sound comes from center console/shift knob.

It sounds quite loud through the microphone, but from the driver's seat it's not terribly loud and it doesn't get that much louder with speed/load. I can also feel the vibration at times when resting my hand on the shift knob.

Other than the noise, it drives the same as it always has. Accelerates, brakes, shifts gears, turns all normally. Temps are fine.

All fluids are at good levels, engine oil was just changed with inspection. Transmission fluid was drained/replaced recently due to getting the pan resealed. Had a weird episode where it slipped and banged into gear, then got a flashing AT Oil Temp light. Turned out to be low on fluid, so I got it topped up and it's been driving normally since. This was about a thousand miles ago.

From the previous post, someone suggested the driveshaft. I shimmied under the car and didn't see any obvious signs of rubbing, also nudged the ujoint at the transmission output and couldn't feel any play or see anything obviously wrong. CV axles both look ok, so maybe a wheel bearing? But i feel like that wouldn't explain the vibration at the shift knob when I let off the gas.

I'm honestly stumped at this point and the mechanics not noticing anything is reassuring on one hand, but not helpful on the other. Any guesses?

[u/shockwarior]

Hey! Guy that suggested driveshaft issue here. Hard to be certain but this does kinda sound like a wheel bearing that is VERY worn. Definitely take it with a grain of salt. The part about being able to feel it on the shift knob has me doubting myself a bit here. Im interested to say the least.

[u/shockwarior → u/shockwarior]

If you have access to a jack, pick up each corner individually, and grab the wheel at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and see if there is play. If it is a wheel bearing, this noisy, good chances there is play present. If there's no play, could still be a bearing. Id suggest having a tech lift it up, turn off abs, and spin the wheels to ~50mph to isolate the noise. A stethoscope is very helpful here.

[u/phozaazohp → u/shockwarior]

just checked each tire, no play on any of them. i'll have to call and schedule a diagnostic-specific appointment. but thanks for all your help so far

[u/Adventurous-Form521]

It may be something on the top side of your trans. All of your mounts look good? Motor and trans?

[u/phozaazohp → u/Adventurous-Form521]

a while ago, a different shop told me the right front motor mount was busted. this was about 8 months ago. when i was underneath, i looked at the trans mount and couldn't see anything obviously wrong.

edit: to clarify, the trans mount looks fine, and at least one of the motor mounts is in question.

[u/Adventurous-Form521 → u/phozaazohp]

There is a chance that another mount has gone, and the engine is shaking your trans. The shaking trans would shake your knob, and the noise would be coming from parts of the trans hitting is housings. Theoretically, of course.

[u/phozaazohp → u/Adventurous-Form521]

that could be plausible. i'll take it in again and have the mechanic inspect there to maybe rule it out. thanks!

[u/Adventurous-Form521 → u/phozaazohp]

No problem, I hope you get it figured out!