legacycentral bbs

Hi guys,

I am a mechanic myself, formerly for Nissan currently for Honda/GM. I own a 94 legacy wagon, non-turbo. I can hear, at speeds between around 40 to 45mph a "chiff-chiff-chiff-chiff" noise continuously. I cannot duplicate the noise on a lift by merely running the wheels up to speed, however I don't think it is a wind noise. I suspected the black cover over the A-pillar on the driver's side, but after removing it and looking around for anything else that might be flapping in the breeze the noise was still there. It does not seem brake related because I can drag my brakes as it occurs and no change is heard. Changes in direction do not influence it, i.e. I don't think it is the CV joint, however I guess it could be the inner joint on that side. The wheel bearing is tight and does not make noise when spun freely in the air. It is also smooth. As far as I can see there are no pad imprints on the rotor.

So, I am coming to the Legacy experts to see if this is a common issue or if anyone else here has experienced this.

Thanks ahead of time for any help!

check you halfshaft, make sure the boot isn't blown with grease everywhere

It's not.

Does it change pitch/frequency with vehicle speed or engine rpm?

Legacy777 wrote:Does it change pitch/frequency with vehicle speed or engine rpm?

It seems entirely dependent on vehicle speed. If I downshift to third it has no impact on the noise.

hmm....have you run the car on jackstands or on a lift up to that speed to see if it's reproducable?

Are you 100 percent sure its not your tires? i remember a LONG time ago, my legacy had the same noise, because glass cut into the tire.

Legacy777 wrote:hmm....have you run the car on jackstands or on a lift up to that speed to see if it's reproducable?

Yeah, I did it on a lift and no dice.

ericem wrote:Are you 100 percent sure its not your tires? i remember a LONG time ago, my legacy had the same noise, because glass cut into the tire.

Hmmm, I wonder. As a matter of fact it hasn't made the noise the last few days. I wonder if whatever it was worked itself out (or in! )

Thanks for your thoughts guys, I guess it will remain an unsolved mystery, but at least the noise it gone, lol!

If it's getting cold where you are the speedo cable is capable of making that sound. As it gets worse/louder you may actually notice the speedometer needle wobble slightly. Had this happen in one of my legacys and I originally thought it was wind noise coming from the left hand side of the car.

NuwanD wrote:If it's getting cold where you are the speedo cable is capable of making that sound. As it gets worse/louder you may actually notice the speedometer needle wobble slightly. Had this happen in one of my legacys and I originally thought it was wind noise coming from the left hand side of the car.

Really? that explains what im hearing and my speedo bounces between 1cm yes, that is crazy! did you replace the speedo cable or lube it?

It wasn't on the rally car... ie: i lived with it as it only occurred when it was very cold. Goes away when the heater is on for a decent amount of time or when it's not so cold out.

Some have lubed the speedo cable with lubricant in a syringe or replaced entirely.

Mine did that as well when it was really cold.....I just lived with it.