Odd noise in 2-3k RPM range
 

Hey guys, just wanted to get your input on a noise I've been hearing from my car before I decide if it is worth bringing to the dealership or not. I will try to get an audio clip but it's kind of difficult because it only happens while in gear.

I got my car brand new in 2011 so I understand that our cars can sound like anything from a garbage disposal to an exotic, and our manual transmissions are very noisy, but this is a new noise to me.

I have a manual and I recently had the Injen CAI and Akebono BBK installed. Shortly after I started hearing what I can best describe as crickets while driving around 2-3k RPM. I cannot duplicate this sitting in my garage. The first time I heard the noise was at night so I honestly thought I was hearing crickets outside until I heard the same exact noise during the day. Now I have been able to replicate it on the streets. Car still pulls strong and I can't find anything loose in the engine bay. Could this just be a result of the intakes and is a sound I will have to live with, or is this something the dealer should check out?

Thanks for any feedback!

did you try moving the intake tubes around by hand to see if it's making noise? might be rubbing the ac line?

also raise your car and turn the wheels by hand to see if you can replicate the sound from the brakes?

process of elimination.

Good call. I have read about the A/C line possibly rubbing. And it does sound like it could be plastic tapping metal.