Strange "whine" in 03' V6 Limited

[DanMan4142]

Hi All,

Just posting to see if someone might have any idea what might be causing the ever-worsening (over about the last year) whine coming from my 2003 V6 4R.

To me the noise sounds exactly like what I've heard come from power steering pumps in other vehicles in the past, but the odd thing is that steering input makes no difference whatsoever in the pitch of the sounds. I can turn the wheels, including all the way to the stops, and I never hear the sound of the power steering pump loading up or changing pitch. The sound rather is totally dependent on engine RPM, and becomes significantly louder as a rev the engine.

I'm a bit stumped, as I would think if this were a power steering issue then steering input would change the pitch or give me some kind of feedback.

Any ideas? Could it be the power steering after all, or possibly the water pump or something like that?

Thanks for the help!

-Daniel

 

[sonerick]

Could be an idler pulley or tensioner pulley bearing failing. Its a somewhat common problem, especially for those that do any water crossings.

Take the serpentine belt off and spin the pulleys by hand. Usually you can feel if one is bad. Replacements can be had from NAPA or RockAuto fairly cheaply.

 

[nevada]

Could be an idler pulley or tensioner pulley bearing failing. Its a somewhat common problem, especially for those that do any water crossings.

Take the serpentine belt off and spin the pulleys by hand. Usually you can feel if one is bad. Replacements can be had from NAPA or RockAuto fairly cheaply.

to add to this, I would remove the belt, and start the engine. it can safely run for a few minutes without the belt. but this will help you eliminate anything internal.
it is likely just a pulley/bearing.

 

[corradovrt]

could also be the trans whining if its not a pulley

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Hi All,

Just posting to see if someone might have any idea what might be causing the ever-worsening (over about the last year) whine coming from my 2003 V6 4R.

To me the noise sounds exactly like what I've heard come from power steering pumps in other vehicles in the past, but the odd thing is that steering input makes no difference whatsoever in the pitch of the sounds. I can turn the wheels, including all the way to the stops, and I never hear the sound of the power steering pump loading up or changing pitch. The sound rather is totally dependent on engine RPM, and becomes significantly louder as a rev the engine.

I'm a bit stumped, as I would think if this were a power steering issue then steering input would change the pitch or give me some kind of feedback.

Any ideas? Could it be the power steering after all, or possibly the water pump or something like that?

Thanks for the help!

-Daniel

pop the hood, check for supercharger.

 

[satanos6668280]

Def seems like an idler or tensioner pulley like sonerick said

 

[DanMan4142]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try pulling the belt and seeing if that takes care of the noise. Hopefully it's as simple as an idler pulley!

-Daniel

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Hi All,

Just posting to see if someone might have any idea what might be causing the ever-worsening (over about the last year) whine coming from my 2003 V6 4R.

To me the noise sounds exactly like what I've heard come from power steering pumps in other vehicles in the past, but the odd thing is that steering input makes no difference whatsoever in the pitch of the sounds. I can turn the wheels, including all the way to the stops, and I never hear the sound of the power steering pump loading up or changing pitch. The sound rather is totally dependent on engine RPM, and becomes significantly louder as a rev the engine.

I'm a bit stumped, as I would think if this were a power steering issue then steering input would change the pitch or give me some kind of feedback.

Any ideas? Could it be the power steering after all, or possibly the water pump or something like that?

Thanks for the help!

-Daniel

Somebody installed a supercharger while you weren't looking.. Or its a belt/the alternator.. check those.