Hi all! I’m new to the forum game. My son has a 2011 Outback (2.5) with about 160k miles. It recently started making a noise and I stupidly thought it potentially sounded like a timing belt tensioner issue (saw a video with the same engine and similar sound). Well, I changed it (includingthe water pump), but the noise is still there…
I’m not getting any CEL or have any stored codes. The oil looks good, no metal (from what I can see). I’m not noticing any lack of power or decrease in fuel efficiency.
I’ve read about piston slap, but after the first go at self-diagnosing I really need help. I took a couple of quick videos (separate days), in hopes that someone experienced can give me some advice.
What do you think it is?
What do I do to validate or prove the diagnosis?
What next (fix or just run as is)?
Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!
Here’s a link to what it sounds like on a cold start:
Here is a later video, where it’s warm and quieter:
Thanks again!
