Squeak underneath car when in reverse

2002 SUBARU FORESTER
132,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • AWD • MANUAL
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SAMANTHAOZ
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put it into reverse and it squeaks rhythmically upon moving, with one little pop/tap/knock when speeding up or slowing down a bit, but not when the car is still. Sound comes from under passenger seat undercarriage. It continues when put into first, but quickly goes away. My mechanic is booked until August and he had a listen he thought it was dust in the brakes (not coming from tire location though) or the rear drive-train. I will have it looked at in August, but in the meantime, was planning a fourteen day vacation drive 1,800 miles max all told. Now this full time single mom is worried I will get stranded all five of us (two kids, two dogs and myself!).
Jul 19, 2017 at 5:08 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

It sounds like you have a drive axle on the passenger's side that needs to be replaced. Here is a guide to show you what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Here are some diagrams (below) of how the job is done on your car.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 20, 2017 at 10:41 AM
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SAMANTHAOZ
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Thanks for the reply Ken... I do feel that the sound is further back than the halfshaft and is closer to the center of the drive train. Do you think it might be a U joint?
Jul 21, 2017 at 8:06 AM
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SAMANTHAOZ
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Seems I'm hearing a steady "hum" from the drive train, but hard to tell with all the road noise and those darn wind catching Subaru side mirrors. I should explain I've only owned the car for a couple of months!
Jul 21, 2017 at 8:08 AM
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STRAILER
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Noises for us are difficult because we cannot hear them over the internet unless you do a video of the noise which many people have done. the noise could be an axle bearing as well. We will need to pinpoint the origin of the noise to properly diagnose it.

Cheers, Ken

Jul 21, 2017 at 10:23 AM
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SAMANTHAOZ
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Gods help me, now it's rattling when I take my foot off the clutch after downshifting ONLY into 4th gear. I sure hope it's only a U joint or bushing and nothing inside the transmission...
Jul 23, 2017 at 3:07 PM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like it is sounds in the transmission or a bracket that is loose somewhere on the engine or transmission. I would jack the car up

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

and check underneath about where the noise is coming from. Move some stuff around and use a flashlight.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

Jul 24, 2017 at 3:29 PM