Need Help with Whining Noise from Engine

Z

zarheelz

New member
I have a '99 SR5 5-speed with 165k miles that has a whining noise from the engine since I bought it a few months ago. Last weekend, I removed the drive belts 1 by 1 and it doesn't stop until the alternator belt is removed. I replaced all the belts when I removed them and the noise is still there. Also, I had the alternator tested and replaced the brushes.

This video was taken before replacing the belts but still makes the same noise.

https://streamable.com/sljl0

Any ideas on what's causing the noise? Don't notice it affecting any engine performance, just very annoying when driving a slow speeds and especially with the windows down.
 
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Maybe alternator bearings? Do you have an OBDII Scan tool? You can check the voltage. It should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts.
 
wemslie97 said:
Maybe alternator bearings? Do you have an OBDII Scan tool? You can check the voltage. It should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts.
Click to expand...

Alternator was checked out by a specialty shop and it was reading the correct voltage. He looked it over and the only issue was worn brushes that he replaced.
 
am I the only one seeing the smoke/vapor coming up from the engine?

I know I tend to be a "shotgun" parts replacer, but if I already had the alternator out of the vehicle I'd probably just get a new one entirely.
 
flipty said:
am I the only one seeing the smoke/vapor coming up from the engine?

I know I tend to be a "shotgun" parts replacer, but if I already had the alternator out of the vehicle I'd probably just get a new one entirely.
Click to expand...

I had just changed out the coolant, oil, transmission fluid, differential, transfer case so there definitely was a little spillage that could be burning off in the video. Doesn't burn anything when I drive it.
 
zarheelz said:
I did run it without any belts and no whining noise. When I put back on the alternator belt, it started whining again.
Click to expand...

Then it's:

-loose or worn alt belt
-fan pulley bearing (a.k.a fake water pump)
-alternator

If it's really a metallic whine and not a belt squeak, it's probably not the belt.

A mechanic's stethoscope will tell you which of the other two it is.
 
TheDurk said:
Then it's:

-loose or worn alt belt
-fan pulley bearing (a.k.a fake water pump)
-alternator

If it's really a metallic whine and not a belt squeak, it's probably not the belt.

A mechanic's stethoscope will tell you which of the other two it is.
Click to expand...


I replaced all the drive belts when I removed them and the alternator did not make any whining noise when tested at the shop. Fan pulley bearing is something I haven't looked in to but sounds like the culprit. I'll look into that. Thanks!
 
Also, if you squirt some water on the inside of the alt belt and the noise goes away it's most likely the belt, if it gets worse it's the pulley. If there is no change, it could be another component altogether.
 
zarheelz said:
Thanks! Got the part and started the project but I can't get those 4 fan bolts off...I crank on them with the wrench and the pulley just spins so I can't get some good torque on them. I tried with a crescent wrench on one and the 12mm on the other and still stuck. I got them soaking in PB now but any other tips??
Click to expand...

Well, the trick is break them loose while the belt is still on. Then, on my 5speed, leave in gear with e-brake on. I don't know what slushbox people do. Don't use a crescent wrench (avoid those things on anything tight); use a box wrench (ideally six-side) and a cheater.
 
TheDurk said:
Well, the trick is break them loose while the belt is still on. Then, on my 5speed, leave in gear with e-brake on. I don't know what slushbox people do. Don't use a crescent wrench (avoid those things on anything tight); use a box wrench (ideally six-side) and a cheater.
Click to expand...

Even with the belts on, the pulley still spins when I put a box wrench on the bolt. Hoping the PB helps me out when I try after work today
 
Got the fan pulley replaced but the engine still has the whining sound...Oh well, may just need to get a louder stereo
 
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