Strange engine whine

[95_indiblue_sho]

OK, there is a new sound coming from my car. I just noticed a somewhat loud whining sound coming from what I think is the engine bay. The whine varies directly with the engine speed and with the tranny shifts. It gets quieter when the engine RPM goes down. I really hope it's not the transmission. The fluid is fine so I'm open to suggestions.

I wanna know what it is cause it kinda scares me.

 

[SW SHO]

Check your fan. Mine's doing the same thing.

 

[AutoSHO]

Check your power steering fluid level.

 

[91 Plus]

its your supercharger

 

[wood_e]

91 Plus:
its your supercharger

Of course, because all SHOs have them

 

[95_indiblue_sho]

I wish I had a soopacharger

Checked the fluid, it was low and took away some of the steering hum but the original whine is still there.

I'll see about the fan tomorrow maybe.

Thanx for the replies

 

[projectSHO89]

Not the fan. It is electrical and does not vary in speed with the engine.

Open the hood and listen for the source of the noise. Pay particular attention to the PS pump, water pump, AC compressor, and idler pulleys.

Since adding PS fluid was needed, I'd venture that the noise is likely coming from air in the PS pump. Run a SEARCH on "power steering purge" in this forum for instructions.

Steve

 

[SHOEET 1]

My tranny finally retired after 140,000 wonderful miles. About a week before the destruction I was getting a sound like you described. It sounded like it was coming from the engine and everytime I let off the gas the sound would eventually go away.

Is your trans slipping or not shifting well?

 

[SHOEET 1]

My tranny finally retired after 140,000 wonderful miles. About a week before the destruction I was getting a sound like you described. It sounded like it was coming from the engine and everytime I let off the gas the sound would eventually go away.

Is your trans slipping or not shifting well?

 

[N3FOL]

The whine that was described in this post sounds like what I had experienced about two years ago. I was able to diagnose the problem which appeared to be coming from one of my idler pulleys that went bad. I bought an exact replacement from our local Ford dealer and everything was nice and quiet after that. Hope my input helps you to narrow down the problem. Good Luck.

 

[AutoSHO]

If you want to narrow it down, remove your serpentine belt and start the car up. If the noise is still present, obviously you will have to look elsewhere. If the noise is gone, inspect all the idler pullies and accessories for play or worn bearings.

Do not drive the car with teh accessory belt off, or run it for a long period of time, as the water pump and alternator will not be spinning. It is just a quick test to help narrow the source of your noise.