Subaru Liberty: Lineartronic CVT TR690 Input Bearing Whine

The Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT, internal designation TR690 or TR580 in smaller-displacement variants) introduced on BR Liberty and Outback 2.0i and some 2.5i models from around 2010 onwards develops a bearing whine from the input shaft bearing assembly. The bearing — which supports the primary pulley input shaft — is undersized relative to the loads placed on it and wears progressively. The whine presents as a high-pitched drone that varies with vehicle speed rather than engine speed, distinguishing it from accessory belt or engine noise. As wear progresses the whine becomes louder and continuous. Full CVT replacement is the typical remedy as the unit is not widely rebuilt in NZ, making this a very costly failure.

• High-pitched whine or drone that increases with road speed not engine revs
• Whine present in all drive modes including when coasting
• Noise increases progressively over months
• Whine may reduce temporarily after CVT fluid change but returns
• In advanced cases, vibration felt through the floor under acceleration

1. 1

   Road test at 60-100 km/h with engine at low revs — maintain speed and lift off to separate road speed from engine RPM.

2. 2

   The bearing whine varies with speed not revs.

3. 3

   Put transmission in Neutral and coast — if noise persists at road speed it is transmission-side.

4. 4

   Listen with windows down at varying speeds.

5. 5

   Check CVT fluid condition via dipstick — dark or metallic fluid indicates internal wear.

6. 6

   Ask for CVT fluid service history.

$3,200 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Have you noticed any whining noise that changes with speed rather than engine revs?”
• “When was the CVT fluid last changed?”
• “Has the CVT ever been serviced or inspected for bearing noise?”
• “Has any dealer or workshop mentioned CVT noise during a service?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.