I'm scared

[jamal]

So, recently, my car's been making sort of a high-pitched metallic squealing whining type noise. It started out that it would only happen when the car was cold, and I could only hear it at slow speeds. Now I can hear it on the highway on throttle. It's pretty quiet at idle and driving down the street, but I can still hear it. It kind of sounds like it's coming from the back of the engine. I've figured out what it absolutely cannot be: Alternator, water pump, or timing belt tensioner. It probably doesn't have anything to do with the accessories, accessory belt, or timing belt, but I'll tighten up the acc belt a little tomorrow to be sure. Oil and ATF are fine.

I'm afraid it's a main bearing or seal or something, which I don't know jack about. I probably need to take it to a mechanic, but Santa Monica Subaru will jack me, and I don't know a good independant mechanic around here. I wish I was in Missoula, because Rico at Import Solutions is awesome and knows his shit.

Anyway, I know this is kind of a crappy thread, but I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the problem, or some people can at least throw out some thoughts on what the problem could be. Thanks.

[evolutionmovement]

Check the power steering pump or it could be the transmission input shaft bearing.

Steve

[jamal]

Hmmm... Transmission input shaft sounds bad. Well, I haven't completely ruled out the p/s pump, and the steering has felt kind of heavy.

$319 from 1stsubaru parts. Damn. And that's the cheapest I'll get off. Anyone every used a remanufactured or used p/s pump?

Upon further investigation, I'm pretty sure it's the p/s pump.