What is the buzz-rattle coming from the front right side of your 1999 Subaru Forester when you drive over 35 mph?

Answer 1

Wow, that is a head scratcher. Almost has to be something interfering with the tire, wheel, brake rotor, or the axle. There is a large plastic skid pan under the engine that, if it were damaged in just the right way, would make the sound that you are describing. I think its time to either jack the front end up so that you can spin the wheel and look and listen for something that coud rub on the rotating pieces or take it to a garage and have them do it. My guess is that its going to be something relatively benign, but you just never know. Please let us know how it turns out. I'd have to have more information. Does the sound seem to be coming from the engine compartment, the road, or under the dash? Does the pitch of the noise change as speed changes? if you move the steering wheel left and right, does the noise change? If you touch the brake pedal does the noise change? If you go faster than 35, say 70, does the noise disappear? By "buzz-rattle", does it sound like a loose exhaust shield, if you've ever heard one of those? Noise the same in full throttle or when you're coasting?