Help tracking down annoying high pitch whine

[ddnww]

SYMPTOMS:

occurs above about 40mph
pitch increases with speed
louder with windows down
seems to be coming from engine area
drives me crazy


I think it may be a vacuum leak, idk. Anybody experience this or have any suggestions what it might be. I thought at first it was the audio system since I have amps etc, but I eliminated that and its not engine whine that increases with rpm.

 

[fdbyrne]

It sounds like idler pulleys to me. If that's the case, then be happy. It's a cheap and easy fix.

 

[grave]

It sounds like idler pulleys to me. If that's the case, then be happy. It's a cheap and easy fix.

n00b question... i think i may have a similiar sound and i know that my serpentine belt needs to be changed. do these have anything to do with each other?

 

[fdbyrne]

n00b question... i think i may have a similiar sound and i know that my serpentine belt needs to be changed. do these have anything to do with each other?

Not really other than they touch each other. Replacing one won't fix the other.

When my pulleys went bad, I could wiggle them after I pulled the belt off. The bearings in the pulleys had play in them.

When the sound started it sounded like my truck grew a turbocharger overnight. After replacing them, it was silent.

 

[grave]

well, great. guess i'll add idler pulleys to the list. easy to DIY for someone who is sorta mechanically inclined or is this something a shop should do?

 

[fdbyrne]

well, great. guess i'll add idler pulleys to the list. easy to DIY for someone who is sorta mechanically inclined or is this something a shop should do?

It's easy to do yourself. Just remember that the belt tensioner pulley is reverse threaded and it'll be an easy job. It takes maybe half an hour.

 

[grave]

time to read threads and watch youtubes.

 

[ddnww]

It sounds like idler pulleys to me. If that's the case, then be happy. It's a cheap and easy fix.

I didn't know pulleys could make that sound when they are bad. I had replaced a few of them within the last year and the belt since I went in deep water and they rattled and sounded like crap.

 

[ddnww]

I think I tracked down the culprit. While leaving the mall and looking for my truck and finding it by detection of my roof rack and lightbar, I noticed my lightbar was tilted up toward the sky. I didn't have an alan wrench to correct it, but I believe it is the wind whistling in the wind. I won't know for sure till I get home to correct it.

 

[WhiteHawk]

Alternator whine

Anyone have any ideas on this? Possible alternator whine but it's coming from the speakers inside the Runner when doing 40+ mph. I have taken out the power wire and the RCAs completely and it's still happening. Help someone.