How to Solve the Ticking Noise in Subaru Forester?
3 Answers
Solutions for the ticking noise in Subaru Forester are as follows: 1. The noise caused by unstable engine idling. Engine vibrations can be transmitted to the cabin, causing pedal resonance. First, check the engine's operating condition after the air conditioning is turned on. 2. Excessive carbon deposits in various components, fuel system malfunctions, poor ignition system performance, and electronic control system faults can all affect the normal operation of the engine. Focus on inspecting components such as throttle body carbon deposits, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and ignition coils. 3. Aging rubber bushings losing elasticity. Rubber bushings play a buffering role during acceleration, deceleration, or when encountering bumps while driving. Once the rubber bushings are damaged, it can affect vehicle stability and produce abnormal noises as road conditions change.
When driving my Forester, I encountered a ticking noise near the dashboard that sounded like small pebbles hitting glass. I thoroughly checked the glove compartment for loose items and sure enough, a coin was stuck in a gap. Another time, the cargo cover in the trunk wasn't securely latched, causing it to rattle over bumps. The most troublesome was the aging sunroof seal, which was especially noticeable during rain – replacing it with a new one finally brought silence. These kinds of abnormal noises are mostly caused by loose plastic parts or interior trim. You can locate the source by pressing on the dashboard seams yourself, and a bit of foam double-sided tape usually does the trick.
Having worked on several Foresters, I've noticed that when the belt tensioner ages, it produces a metallic rattling sound. This noise is loudest during cold starts and becomes more pronounced when the air conditioning is on. Open the hood and press the alternator belt with your finger—if there's more than half a centimeter of play, it's time for a replacement. Also, check the idler pulley by placing a stethoscope against its housing; a damaged bearing will produce a rhythmic clicking sound. In older cars, broken wire harness clips can slap against the chassis, creating a similar noise—zip ties can provide a quick fix.