Need help finding whining noise front of engine.

Hi, my taco has 137 k miles and just started with a pretty loud whining noise from the front of engine like a pump or pulley. I had to drive 30 miles on it, no lights or burning smell. I stopped when I got home and put in park and still had whining noise so I don't believe any transmission problems.

 

Check power steering fluid, check tension on belts. Somewhere to start if you haven't already done this.

 

I did check power steering fluid and it was ok. Tension on belt was good. I'll try to upload a video tomorrow afternoon.

 

Mine recently had the same symptoms & it turned out to be the alternator. When doing the research on it, most people that had a noise up front ended up replacing idler pulleys...so you can check those too.

Best way i found to determine exactly where the source of the noise is, is to buy a cheap mechanics stethescope (got mine for about $5).

Good luck.

 

As others have said I'd check the power steering fluid and replace the serpentine belt (after 137k miles = ) unless you know it's been done recently.

 

Here is a quick video. I was all over the place but you can hear the whine. It really sounds like it's on the side of the alternator. Would a Mechanic's Stethoscope help me find the problem? The belt looks ok, I plan to replace now. The power steering fluid is full. The power steering works good.

 

That's exactly what mine sounded like & it was the alternator. Truck only has 73k miles on it. And yes, if you would like to confirm before you remove it, you can spend the few bucks for a stethescope and place the tip of the metal rod directly on the body of the alternator. The harder you press, the more distinct the sound will be. (Cant put it on the alternator pulley bolt as it spins w/ the pulley).

If its not the alternator, which i suspect it is, you can also use sterthescope to determine which of the other pulleys it may be.

Good luck & report back.

PS: New alternator was around $165 @ autozone and new belt was $36.

 

Should have mentioned: replacing alternator can be done by yourself, although it would be helpful if you had someone to hold it in position while you put the two larger bolts in.

You do not need to remove the battery or anything else to remove it. You can slip it out through the wheel-well if you remove a small piece of rubber skirt material (4 small plastic clips).

 

Awesome. I'm going in the morning to get the stethoscope. watched a video on youtube about the alternator. I hope to report back with good news by the end of the day. Thanks all for your help.

 

Use a long enough screwdriver or ratchet extension and place it on each unit you suspect the noise, you WILL hear it. Most likely a worn bearing.

 

Sounds like the alternator to me also.

 

I appreciate the advice. I'm hoping to make some progress tomorrow.

 

Mine makes more of a high pitched whine. I was told its in the catalytic converter. That could be it

 

His ain't no cat converter.

 

I think I got it. The noise is gone. I drove around sounds normal. No more whine. The alternator, belt, and stethoscope wound up being 149.09 after refund on the core, including tax. I made 2 separate purchases with online promo codes which dropped it some. I was able to pull the alternator out the top next to the oil filter. I had to move some wires over a little bit. I did take the battery out to give me extra room. Thanks everyone for your help. That led me in the right direction.



http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-or-toughone-alternator-remanufactured-100-amps-11324a/20850845-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*14999

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/driveworks-v-ribbed-belt-835k7/10065163-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*14999

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...scope-ac637/10042652-P?searchTerm=stethoscope

 

Awesome, glad you got it all fixed up. It's a nice feeling starting it up for the first time to find that the noise is completely gone, huh? You did a lot better than i did on the prices too, nice work!

 

Thanks, for sure a good feeling. Thanks for your help.

 

I know this is an older thread, but I'm having the same problem with the whine. Today I replaced the battery and the alternator and its still whining. I will try replacing the serpentine belt Tommorow. Just in case that dosent work, does anyone have any suggestions?

Other research I found may suggest transmission??? I sure hope not.

 

I had the same problem with mine and it ended up being the idler pulleys and serpentine belt and fixed the problem.

 

Thanks for the reply, I will look now at prices for the idler pulleys and see how hard it will be to replace.