Flywheel Rattle?

[arleewa]

I thought I was the only one!!! Good to know I am not alone. I have the exact same symptoms; rattling in neutral at lower RPMs. The rattle does NOT occur at idle, only when the RPM's are dropping and I am in neutral.

I have not tried pushing in the clutch pedal to stop the noise though. I will see if that works.

Anyway I'm at least confident it's not that big of a deal now, more of a nuisance than anything else.

[2013BRZ]

Have had this problem since I got my BRZ in July. Now, at around 9000k and after my first manual tranny gear oil change, I occasionally notice this rattle continuously at idle.

Depressing the clutch gets rid of the sound, confirming that this is related to the tranny in some way. The sound will continue when I let off the clutch. After I get the car moving, I only hear this during deceleration in neutral, around 30MPH.

[Sigh-on-Rice]

Originally Posted by 2013BRZ

Have had this problem since I got my BRZ in July. Now, at around 9000k and after my first manual tranny gear oil change, I occasionally notice this rattle continuously at idle.

Depressing the clutch gets rid of the sound, confirming that this is related to the tranny in some way. The sound will continue when I let off the clutch. After I get the car moving, I only hear this during deceleration in neutral, around 30MPH.

Are you saying that if you idle for 5 minutes, the noise continues for 5 minutes?

[2013BRZ]

Originally Posted by Sigh-on-Rice

Are you saying that if you idle for 5 minutes, the noise continues for 5 minutes?

That's correct. The sound is very subtle at idle though. I'm thinking its the same sound that Lee358 posted the video of - which I occasionally hear when I'm coasting with the clutch out - because it stops as soon as I engage the clutch.

I mentioned it so a tech at my local Subaru dealer, he thought it could be a thrust bearing rattle, and didn't acknowledge that it was normal or common. Unfortunately I couldn't replicate the sound on a road test, I'll be back though.

[psk]

Originally Posted by 2013BRZ

That's correct. The sound is very subtle at idle though. I'm thinking its the same sound that Lee358 posted the video of - which I occasionally hear when I'm coasting with the clutch out - because it stops as soon as I engage the clutch.

I mentioned it so a tech at my local Subaru dealer, he thought it could be a thrust bearing rattle, and didn't acknowledge that it was normal or common. Unfortunately I couldn't replicate the sound on a road test, I'll be back though.

yup, this issue isn't something that you can replicate. it just sort of happens. due to this the techs at the toyota dealership couldn't confirm the issue. sucks...

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by 2013BRZ

I mentioned it so a tech at my local Subaru dealer, he thought it could be a thrust bearing rattle, and didn't acknowledge that it was normal or common. Unfortunately I couldn't replicate the sound on a road test, I'll be back though.

No need to replicate it, I think.

Mine does this, too.

It is a complex machine with lots of moving parts. They make noises. This is entirely normal and to be expected. It is not a problem.

Enjoy your fine car.

[Mr. Clean]

I've got a clacking/rattling sound coming from what seems to be my transmission. Car has 3200 miles on it:

It did not happen when new.

It only happens when the car is cold (ambient temp in Oly is 39 for whatever that's worth)

I've only heard it at idle (probably due to road noise)

you push in the clutch and it goes away

My Subaru dealer did some work and it's back the next day.

t's definitely a noise that makes me think "WTF is that?" and I'm not new to Subaru's, this is my 8th. None of the others (WRX, STi, Legacy) made this noise ever. Some were new, some were used.



But I'm guess by the info here, drive it and just chill. Correct?

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clean

I've got a clacking/rattling sound coming from what seems to be my transmission. My Subaru dealer did some work and it's back the next day.

Yes, it’s increasingly common for a manufacturer to authorize dealers to work on their cars to offer fixes for things that do not need fixing. It amazes me the money the manufacturers are willing to spend to allay the fears and concerns of customers when the only thing that REALLY needs fixing is the customers’ UNDERSTANDING.

it's definitely a noise that makes me think "WTF is that?" and I'm not new to Subaru's, this is my 8th. None of the others (WRX, STi, Legacy) made this noise ever. Some were new, some were used.

I understand. That’s interesting and prompts me to try to recall all the other cars in which I’ve heard this sort of noise. For the life of me, I can’t remember now. But, many of them did have this rattle, if only intermittently.

I learned to accept it as normal. Certainly, nothing ever came of it.

Our BRZ is unquestionably the noisiest car I’ve ever owned. The sound insulation is one area where Subaru saved weight, and I suspect that this exacerbates the problem, amplifying noises that are comparatively muted and might go unnoticed in other cars.

I view the high pressure fuel pump noises in the same light; they are not a PROBLEM and do not portend any trouble down the road. The thing just makes noises as a part of its design and operation. That’s it, nothing more. One poor fellow had his pump replaced, only to have his car burn to the ground a few blocks away upon driving off from the dealership. Not me, fella. Nobody is getting their grubby paws on MY fuel pump.

As one recent poster humorously quipped, "Why does my FRS sound like a typewriter?" (The thread is here in this forum.)

And it DOES! It’s hilarious. Open the hood and it sounds like I opened the door to the typing pool with all the admins busily working away clickety-clickety…

It is what it is, as they like to say today, and what it is … is noisy as it busily goes about doing its job.

But I'm guess by the info here, drive it and just chill. Correct?

That’s what I’m doing. I may yet encounter a real problem, but I’m at a bit over 3100 miles and everything is fine. Keeping my fingers crossed…

Enjoy your fine car. I love mine.

[2013BRZ]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Enjoy your fine car. I love mine.

You have a good outlook and offer good advice. It's hard not enjoy this beautiful machine, despite the odd noises and quirks. I'm beginning to appreciate the oddities as character. I complain of nothing detrimental to the cars overall value in my opinion. In any case, if the noises are not normal and the OEM issues a correction, I would like my car serviced.

I'm beginning to realize I'm pretty picky when it comes to my car, honestly because this is my first car I've paid for on my own, and my expectation going into the purchase was high. I can imagine that all these cars exhibit the symptoms I complain of, but owners aren't noticing them as problems, or even hearing them at all over the radio, talking, road/wind noise.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by 2013BRZ

You have a good outlook and offer good advice.

I think so, too. Thank you for noticing.

I'm beginning to appreciate the oddities as character.

That’s the spirit!

In any case, if the noises are not normal and the OEM issues a correction, I would like my car serviced.

Of course, and I agree. However, my approach is to avoid permitting any dealership personnel to touch my car, unless the problem encountered likely affects long-term value, durability, reliability, drivability, or safety.

My experiences with “repairs” over the past 50 years has not been positive, on balance. They occasionally get it right without damaging something else, but not often enough. My goal when purchasing a new car, the only thing I’ve ever purchased save for two beaters decades ago, my goal is NEVER to return to the dealer network service departments. I’ve been remarkably successful. (Fingers crossed. ; )

I'm beginning to realize I'm pretty picky when it comes to my car, honestly because this is my first car I've paid for on my own, and my expectation going into the purchase was high.

Of course, absolutely right, as well you should be. I don’t think you younger folks getting your first new cars are “picky” at all. You are justifiably CONCERNED, as you SHOULD be in my view.

What I’m trying to help with is: understanding what is significant, a legitimate problem, vs. what is normal operation and not to be concerned with. The latter is where a surprising number of new owners go astray. Your concern for the well-being of your wonderful new car is entirely VALID; you simply need to learn what is actually a problem vs. what are normal operating noises.

My criteria is simple, but not always easily met: I expect all things to work as well as the design and materials permit.

Take the “cricket” noises from the high pressure fuel pump: they’re normal and meet my definition above. There’s not a chance that I’m letting anyone touch it, not so long as it continues to perform perfectly, if somewhat noisily. The noises that so many posters are worried about are not ABNORMAL, they do NOT reflect problems, nor do they PORTEND problems in the future.

New owners simply need EDUCATION, their cars are fine.

One can buy quieter cars, luxury cars, where a premium is placed upon “silent running.” That’s cool. They’re going to be heavier, though, and that’s not what most sports cars are about.

When a designer focuses on minimal weight, a lot of heavy sound deadening gets removed, and lots of components are not particularly engineered to run quietly. Quietness would likely run counter to the more important design goals, not to mention costing more and possibly adding complexity and weight.

The BRZ was designed to be a lightweight, affordable, and fun sports car. The result is a car that may seem somewhat “primitive” by comparison with other cars.

So many of the concerns I read of here on the forums are simply misguided -- not wrong. The posters are worried when they needn’t be. It’s unfortunate because it’s interfering with their enjoyment of a wonderful car.

I have noted as well, amongst the younger folks, a remarkable and UNWARRANTED faith in the dealer personnel. These less experienced folks are EAGER to hand their cars over to the repair shop. Your faith and confidence is wildly misplaced!

We older, more experienced folks … know better. We are LOATHE to hand our cars over to the dealer personnel.

Despite “hating” the grown-ups, today's youth have been conditioned to have boundless faith that the grown-ups were put on this earth to take good care of them. This is a TERRIBLE notion! Nothing could be further from the truth.

Think PREDATOR --> PREY.

Dealer repair personnel will touch OUR cars ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, only after exhausting every other remedy.

Now, were one to find these noises aesthetically objectionable, that’s another matter. That’s personal preference, and no one can dispute that; who would dispute my preference for vanilla ice cream vs. chocolate?

In the case of aesthetics, one must decide whether the annoyance is sufficient to warrant replacing the car with one that meets your standards and preferences.

By the way, my response here is not targeting you specifically, 2013BRZ, it’s intended for a wider audience, although I hope that you, too, find some wisdom and reassurance in my view and my words.

I can imagine that all these cars exhibit the symptoms I complain of, but owners aren't noticing them as problems

Correct. The ones who are older and wiser understand things that the younger members are only now learning. Unfortunately, until the younger, less experienced owners learn, their peace-of-mind is disturbed, and for a product so expensive, this can be uncomfortable.

Repair those things that NEED repair.

I hope everyone can learn to relax and enjoy this wonderful car.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Porsche

However, my approach is to avoid permitting any dealership personnel to touch my car, unless the problem encountered likely affects long-term value, durability, reliability, drivability, or safety.

My experiences with “repairs” over the past 50 years has not been positive, on balance. They occasionally get it right without damaging something else, but not often enough. My goal when purchasing a new car, the only thing I’ve ever purchased save for two beaters decades ago, my goal is NEVER to return to the dealer network service departments. I’ve been remarkably successful. (Fingers crossed. ; )


Of course, absolutely right, as well you should be. I don’t think you younger folks getting your first new cars are “picky” at all. You are justifiably CONCERNED, as you SHOULD be in my view.

What I’m trying to help with is: understanding what is significant, a legitimate problem, vs. what is normal operation and not to be concerned with. The latter is where a surprising number of new owners go astray. Your concern for the well-being of your wonderful new car is entirely VALID; you simply need to learn what is actually a problem vs. what are normal operating noises.

My criteria is simple, but not always easily met: I expect all things to work as well as the design and materials permit.

Take the “cricket” noises from the high pressure fuel pump: they’re normal and meet my definition above. There’s not a chance that I’m letting anyone touch it, not so long as it continues to perform perfectly, if somewhat noisily. The noises that so many posters are worried about are not ABNORMAL, they do NOT reflect problems, nor do they PORTEND problems in the future.

New owners simply need EDUCATION, their cars are fine.

One can buy quieter cars, luxury cars, where a premium is placed upon “silent running.” That’s cool. They’re going to be heavier, though, and that’s not what most sports cars are about.

When a designer focuses on minimal weight, a lot of heavy sound deadening gets removed, and lots of components are not particularly engineered to run quietly. Quietness would likely run counter to the more important design goals, not to mention costing more and possibly adding complexity and weight.

The BRZ was designed to be a lightweight, affordable, and fun sports car. The result is a car that may seem somewhat “primitive” by comparison with other cars.

So many of the concerns I read of here on the forums are simply misguided -- not wrong. The posters are worried when they needn’t be. It’s unfortunate because it’s interfering with their enjoyment of a wonderful car.

I have noted as well, amongst the younger folks, a remarkable and UNWARRANTED faith in the dealer personnel. These less experienced folks are EAGER to hand their cars over to the repair shop. Your faith and confidence is wildly misplaced!

We older, more experienced folks … know better. We are LOATHE to hand our cars over to the dealer personnel.

Despite “hating” the grown-ups, today's youth have been conditioned to have boundless faith that the grown-ups were put on this earth to take good care of them. This is a TERRIBLE notion! Nothing could be further from the truth.

Think PREDATOR --> PREY.

Dealer repair personnel will touch OUR cars ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, only after exhausting every other remedy.

Now, were one to find these noises aesthetically objectionable, that’s another matter. That’s personal preference, and no one can dispute that; who would dispute my preference for vanilla ice cream vs. chocolate?

In the case of aesthetics, one must decide whether the annoyance is sufficient to warrant replacing the car with one that meets your standards and preferences.

By the way, my response here is not targeting you specifically, 2013BRZ, it’s intended for a wider audience, although I hope that you, too, find some wisdom and reassurance in my view and my words.



Correct. The ones who are older and wiser understand things that the younger members are only now learning. Unfortunately, until the younger, less experienced owners learn, their peace-of-mind is disturbed, and for a product so expensive, this can be uncomfortable.

Repair those things that NEED repair.

I hope everyone can learn to relax and enjoy this wonderful car.

I couldn't have said it better myself, and you have the exact same view I have.

[axelo]

Amen

[steve87j]

I feel like these noises are going to escalate into problems. Though if they don't that's fine. Bit still I'm suprised nobody cam find easy fixes for a temperature chirp. Or now a random rattle. We need some egnineers to examine this car. Ill buy a 3rd party pump to fix chirps if Toby wants to be stupid. If its a little problem its a little fix in suprised this is happening from Toyota. After owning Honda and Nissan very suprised.

[b$m1th91]

The ticking(clicking) noise you are hearing is indeed the DI working. The Fr-s has both port and direct injection. The noise you are hearing is the device that switches the type of injection being used. As for the rattle heard when drifting until pushing the clutch in, seems to be the flywheel. As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, light weight flywheels do this and this car has one. The idle dipping could be a couple of things. It could be the problem that certain owners are seeing before the CEL comes on. It could also be normal because the ECU is constantly reading data from various sensors to adjust the timing of the engine and when the spark goes off. It sometimes will dip because it is changing that timing based on fuel map measurements and thus for a bit causes idle drop.