Can anyone identify this noise?

[Toystory2]

My 2007 SR5 4wd has been making a random high pitched winding-like noise. It’s usually shortly after start up on cold morning. I’ve also noticed while driving and cruising into a sharp curve.


I uploaded a short video of it this morning.

Shared album - Keith Giles - Google Photos


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[AuSeeker]

The sound I think I hear could be from a few things, alternator bearing, tensioner bearing and or idler bearing, or maybe power steering pump but it would usually only make unusual noise when turning the steering.

A sound at start up while idling and a similar sound while turning at speed usually wouldn't be the same source, unless it was bounced back to you by something in the curve, like a wall/barrier, etc.

That all being said, you should be able to pinpoint the noise at startup by carefully using a mechanic's stethoscope, which can be gotten at your local auto parts store for $10+/-, and everyone who does some of their own automotive work should have one in their tool box.

 

[Toystory2]

The sound I think I hear could be from a few things, alternator bearing, tensioner bearing and or idler bearing, or maybe power steering pump but it would usually only make unusual noise when turning the steering.

A sound at start up while idling and a similar sound while turning at speed usually wouldn't be the same source, unless it was bounced back to you by something in the curve, like a wall/barrier, etc.

That all being said, you should be able to pinpoint the noise at startup by carefully using a mechanic's stethoscope, which can be gotten at your local auto parts store for $10+/-, and everyone who does some of their own automotive work should have one in their tool box.

Thanks! The reason I think it’s the same source is that the sounds are identical. It’s very distinct. Also it will do it randomly in the morning when driving slowly through my sons school drop off line. [emoji23]

I’ll definitely check out the stethoscope.


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[Chad30]

Tough one from video audio but my guess would be power steering pump based on the initial cold start up and it being intermittent as well as turning the wheel. Fluid may be going bad or low.

I’m sure you checked already but if your fluid level is good, how old is the fluid? If you have the time try flushing with new fluid. If not, try just freshening it up a bit and see what happens. Just use one of those fluid extractors and pull as much fluid out without going below the minimum line, fill with new atf, Run it cycle it and do it again a couple times , maybe after getting home from work etc. quick easy way to freshen it up a bit until you have time to fully flush it. Of course if the fluid happens to be nasty looking, do the flush asap.

If this isn’t the cause, Worst case scenario is you freshen up your power steering fluid and just a couple minutes of your time a few times

I have a feeling it is tho!

 

[Toystory2]

Tough one from video audio but my guess would be power steering pump based on the initial cold start up and it being intermittent as well as turning the wheel. Fluid may be going bad or low.

I’m sure you checked already but if your fluid level is good, how old is the fluid? If you have the time try flushing with new fluid. If not, try just freshening it up a bit and see what happens. Just use one of those fluid extractors and pull as much fluid out without going below the minimum line, fill with new atf, Run it cycle it and do it again a couple times , maybe after getting home from work etc. quick easy way to freshen it up a bit until you have time to fully flush it. Of course if the fluid happens to be nasty looking, do the flush asap.

If this isn’t the cause, Worst case scenario is you freshen up your power steering fluid and just a couple minutes of your time a few times

I have a feeling it is tho!

Appreciate the reply. Power steering issue does make sense since it tends to generate the noise while turning sharply (but not always). I’ve only had the rig 4 months so unsure of how old the ps fluid is. It appeared to have a honey color when I checked a couple months back. Wouldn’t hurt to flush it tho. I’ll read up on that. Anything else to look for that would point to a ps issue? I mean it seems to turn fine like normal, just makes a noise.


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[AuSeeker]

Appreciate the reply. Power steering issue does make sense since it tends to generate the noise while turning sharply (but not always). I’ve only had the rig 4 months so unsure of how old the ps fluid is. It appeared to have a honey color when I checked a couple months back. Wouldn’t hurt to flush it tho. I’ll read up on that. Anything else to look for that would point to a ps issue? I mean it seems to turn fine like normal, just makes a noise.


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If your power steering fluid looks like honey...I'm thinking a previous owner may have put the wrong fluid in the pump, on our T4Rs the power steering uses ATF, if you look on the cap and or your owner's manual it clearly states to use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering, not sure what affect using power steering fluid instead would have on the pump...but it could be an issue causing the pump to make noise, but maybe not, only pin pointing where the noise is coming from is going to find the issue.

 

[Chad30]

Yes like he mentioned it should be red in color but it is debatable that normal power steering fluid is ok. ATF definitely keeps system cleaner tho. Also, if there’s air pockets in the system , this could cause the pump to make noises. In other words the pump could still be working fine but when the air pockets hit the pump it can make intermittent noises. Like if your fluid was really low and you make a hard turn like you mentioned and reservoir drops below a certain point and allows air to creep in system. Generally bearings etc tends to make noise consistently when they start to go so if I had to take a wild guess, things are pointing at the power steering pump.
Also make sure it’s bled properly.

On your next cold start if it’s making the noise , quickly turn the steering wheel back and forth etc to see if the noise changes at all ie. Get louder or changes tones etc. if messing with the steering wheel has effect on the noise it’s the power steering pump for sure. If it is and you remedy the fluid and or air issue ASAP you can save the pump from damage.

 

[Toystory2]

If your power steering fluid looks like honey...I'm thinking a previous owner may have put the wrong fluid in the pump, on our T4Rs the power steering uses ATF, if you look on the cap and or your owner's manual it clearly states to use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering, not sure what affect using power steering fluid instead would have on the pump...but it could be an issue causing the pump to make noise, but maybe not, only pin pointing where the noise is coming from is going to find the issue.

I will definitely double check that fluid. Even if that’s not the issue, I want to change to ATF. I wasn’t aware until last night that our rigs use ATF as PS fluid. Thank you.


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[Toystory2]

Yes like he mentioned it should be red in color but it is debatable that normal power steering fluid is ok. ATF definitely keeps system cleaner tho. Also, if there’s air pockets in the system , this could cause the pump to make noises. In other words the pump could still be working fine but when the air pockets hit the pump it can make intermittent noises. Like if your fluid was really low and you make a hard turn like you mentioned and reservoir drops below a certain point and allows air to creep in system. Generally bearings etc tends to make noise consistently when they start to go so if I had to take a wild guess, things are pointing at the power steering pump.
Also make sure it’s bled properly.

On your next cold start if it’s making the noise , quickly turn the steering wheel back and forth etc to see if the noise changes at all ie. Get louder or changes tones etc. if messing with the steering wheel has effect on the noise it’s the power steering pump for sure. If it is and you remedy the fluid and or air issue ASAP you can save the pump from damage.

Sounds like I need to do a flush on the PS anyway with it potentially not having the right fluid. That’s a great idea about turning the wheel to see if the noise changes. Good theory on the pump too. Appreciate the advice!


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[AuSeeker]

I will definitely double check that fluid. Even if that’s not the issue, I want to change to ATF. I wasn’t aware until last night that our rigs use ATF as PS fluid. Thank you.


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Be sure to use the correct ATF, either Dexron II or Dexron III, it also states on the filler cap the type to use if you forget.

Also when you check the level to make sure it correct there's a "Cold" and a "Hot"(after the vehicle has been driven at least at 50 MPH for 20 minutes) level indicator on the little dipstick.