Whining noise from engine bay

[Robert H]

I have a loud whining noise come from the front of the engine bay. It doesn’t make a noise when the belt is on, so I suspect it’s one of the items the belt moves but not sure how to figure out which. The noise level goes up and down with acceleration wither stationary or moving. I’ve had friends tell me its really load on the highway too. How do I determine with part is cause the noise? Or is there a likely culprit? I put a new belt on today and same thing.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[rzr6-4]

I would take the belt back off and give each of the pulleys a wiggle and see if you can feel any movement.

Water pump
Alternator
AC compressor
Idler pulley
Power steering (unless yours is electric. If it's the 2005 from your bio then it won't be so you will need to check it.)

Also, make sure your idler is in line with everything else. I've seen them bend over time and even without the bearing going bad they would throw things out of alignment.

 

[RamDiver]

I have a loud whining noise come from the front of the engine bay. It doesn’t make a noise when the belt is on, so I suspect it’s one of the items the belt moves but not sure how to figure out which. The noise level goes up and down with acceleration wither stationary or moving. I’ve had friends tell me its really load on the highway too. How do I determine with part is cause the noise? Or is there a likely culprit? I put a new belt on today and same thing.

Thanks,
Robert

That is one mystery that is most easily solved with a mechanic's stethoscope.

I've also used a large plastic pop bottle with the bottom cutoff and taped onto a 1" dowel. I was at a friend's place and didn't have my stethoscope.

The noise will be horrendously loud when you touch the idler pulley or chassis of the device with the defective bearing race.

This will be the best $8.49 you've ever spent.

Mechanics Stethoscope

Amazing deals on this Mechanics Stethoscope at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

.

 

[markabby]

did you run over any liberals lately that might be causing the whining?

if you use the advice given above, just be careful of moving parts! And hope it's not the water pump. sounds like a bad bearing. on one of the components

 

[HemiLonestar]

Check the idler pullies first, then see if it's the alt bearing singing.