Topic: Strange sound from 2005 Impreza RS wagon

[evilhomer]

Hello.
My 2005 Impreza RS wagon (5 speed manual, 9000KM) started making an annoying noise from the engine area.

It sounds like clicking or clinking.
It is like a small metal nail shaken in a metal can.
It lasts for 2 or 3 seconds and stops for 1 or 2 seconds, and repeats.

It happens when I tap lightly the gas pedal for a brisk acceleration.
But it also happens even when I am just cruising  if I am on an uphill area.
As soon as I ease off the gas pedal or floor the gas pedal, the sound disappears.
It can happen in any gear.

Funny thing is that it doesn't happen consistently.
It seems I don't hear it much one day, but I hear it a lot another day.

There is another thing that I want to mention even though I am not sure if this is anything to do with this problem.
The thing is that sometimes I hear a very similar but a louder noise while I am changing the gear.
It happens if I don't put enough gas while lifting the clutch.
I started believing that this clicking noise from the engine area gets worse once I make this louder but similar noise while shifting the gear on a particular drive.

I will appreciate any comment.
I will definitely see the dealer but I want to be prepared before seeing them by learning from you  guys.
Thanks.

[AVToller]

From your description, it could be the heat shield, but that is just a guess.

[HeliDriver]

It's kind of silly to try to diagnose funny noises over the internet, but I'm going to put my 2 cents on a leaky exhaust manifold.

[barrie1]

There is also the possibility of the throwout bearing on the clutch forks. A weak spring might do that as well. The loose heat sheild is a strong possibility as well. They should find it on a hoist at the next service.