2. Usually, a failing torque converter will continue to whine until it completely fails. Worn or failing synchronizer. It could be the power steering fluid low. Replace the fan or bend the shroud back out of the way. This is particularly true when you first start the vehicle. The second problem you described about longer starts is probably due to regular maintenance issues like needing to replace the fuel filter, change your spark plugs or perform a fuel system cleaning for your injectors. Your truck may have multiple belts, or only 1, but often can be changed easily. My boyfriend has a 05 subaru forester . please read through CJM8515's post on the subject. If you notice a whining noise and check your fluid right away and it looks like it should be topped off, adding more fluid should prevent steering pump damage, and the whining noise should stop. Along with the idler pulley, you may have also needed a new belt. Every time I turn a corner and am not giving it any gas and then I put my foot back on the gas pedal my transmission slips and my RPMs race until I take my foot off. I drive a 2011 Ford Focus 2.0 tdci, the car makes a funny low whaling whining noise when I slow down to a very slow speed, and keeps on doing this even after I come to a complete stop, it doesnt happen everytime but it still happens. I imputed that and not even two days later the same problem occurred, when adding more fluid it started to bubble and over flow out. Usually, whining noises are associated with low power steering fluid or broken power steering pumps. To even check your torque converter you would have to remove your transmission anyway so we would recommend taking your car to a transmission specialist to have them diagnose the problem. It sounds like the it would if the power steering has an issue but the power steering is working just fine. Our recommendation would be to have your mechanic check the brakes and wheel bearings during your regular service but also check your engine belt and the accessory pulleys for play or resistance. If it appears to be in good shape, it is possible the tension needs to be adjusted. Failed strut mounts and bearings are a common source of noise when turning. My 86 f250 makes a squealing noise when I go from a stoplight and when I drove home from work today it was constant but it would stop when I push in the clutch and let off the gas but comes back after I let off the clutch and push the gas. Yes, it sure can! As long as you have the dipstick out, go ahead and check the transmission fluid color. If its a bad fan clutch noise, check for overheating and spin the fan when the car is switched off. Once youve added BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak, top off your reservoir with BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. You'll hear it match the acceleration of the vehicle. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. If you check your transmission fluid and discover a low level add BlueDevil Transmission Sealer to seal the leak. All my fluids are topped up as well. The fact that the new pump didnt turn very easily makes me wonder if it was faulty out of the box as the pulley should turn smoothly on a new pump. I have a 2004 Honda Accord ex V6 that makes a whining noise when the car is cold. Ford Ranger L4-2.5L - Whining sound when car is in gear - Houston, Texas, Lexus GX470 V8-4.7L - Whining sound when car is in gear - Atlanta, Georgia. That means one of the hoses has a crack or hole in it and is allowing air to be pulled into your engine without going through the filter. So recently, my car started making this grinding/whining/sawing noise when I start it. The turbos dont usually make whistling noises idle in turbo cars, but they could leak the boost system if they do. But after I drive it it stops. The most common noise is growling, which is often due to low power steering fluid. -BD Auto Pro. The noise can be due to a loose or damaged belt, a bad or damaged pulley, or its bearing. If none of these seem to be the culprit, the trouble could be coming from something going on with the transmission. NOW its extremely loud and ugly sounding. If not, it may not be the alternator making your car whine. Also I hear clicking when i switch from R to D and at idle it also makes a new noise. There are many parts in the transmission that are stationary unless the car is under way. Based on your description it doesnt sound like your problem is a power steering issue as you usually would only hear the whining noise while accelerating or turning the steering wheel, not during braking. This morning it was SUPER cold and the loudest its been. If you find any of your fluids low, choose the appropriate BlueDevil product to seal the leak by going to gobdp.com. You can also try checking your coolant level and power steering fluid level as these two systems may make the noises you are hearing if they are low on fluid. The noise may be coming from the right rear brakes if you are applying them during the turn. The air bubbles could have gotten in from a variety of places but you should be able to remove them easily. 2011 chevy malibu. If your BMW is making a whining noise, the most likely cause is low power steering fluid. It was making it only when it was going about 25-30mph, but no other time. Any ideas? The sound is generated when your car decelerates, primarily because of the water pump. Last, the noise youre hearing may be coming from a vacuum leak so try checking hoses and vacuum connections for leaks. If this is the case, inspect your vacuum hoses and intake piping for leaks as vacuum leaks can make your vehicle run poorly and potentially damage your engine. Clicking Noise While Turning. Also, another question i have is; is the vehicle safe to drive to a mechanic if need be, or could it potentially cause damage to the engine driving it? You have bearings located on the drive pulleys, running the accessories. It should be familiar and regulated. Could it be the torque converter? They are there to let you know when the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Either way, its important to pay attention to any change in noise. If it appears to be in good shape, it is possible the tension needs to be adjusted. Could this be a symptom of not enough fluid? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. He was nearly to work by then, and it didnt start back to howling. The vehicle still has plenty of power and I dont think it has low compression. Go to your mechanic, its easy to replace though. The easiest way to locate a bad bearing is to remove the serpentine belt and manually rotate all accessories and pulleys to see if the bearings feel good. For example, a bad power steering pump could be to blame. The engine needs the right amount of oil to ensure the motor remains lubricated and protected. Its also helpful to have a copy of your cars service manual for diagrams and instructions designated to make the job easier. If this does stop the noise, theres more on this directly below. Refer to your cars owners manual for proper belt tensioning procedures. You can usually tell by looking at the belt while the engine is not running. Hey, Ive gotten my power steering and my rib belt replaced now its whining worse than before ive kind of located it near the alternator, would an faulty alternator cause a whining sound maybe a bearing inside one of the pulleys, It whines louder now so all through rpm/gears, but originally it whined while going down in gears, I could hear it physically change pitch while going down, im alittle stuck. Intermittent noises are some of the most difficult problems to diagnose. So, i figured the pulley was on there too tight. The ticking noise coming from your motor may be from an exhaust leak, but it is most likely due to valve noise. Hi, Ive got a mitsubishi lancer 08. A power steering fluid flush will remove the old fluid from your system and replace it with fresh fluid that should not foam or bubble. The low idle and rattling sounds like you may either have a bad vacuum leak or a bad spark plug. I'm very happy with John and will use him again the the future, honesty take you far! [GUIDE], Car Idles Rough But Run Smooth Help & Advice, Alternator Causing Rough Idle One Quick Check [SOLVED], Car Makes A Grinding Noise When Backing Up - Help and Advice. It is possible that the leak you have in your power steering rack is a very slow leak so you wont notice your fluid level dropping for a few weeks. The starter may not be fully engaged with the flywheel/flexplate. We are sorry to hear that your Enclave is making funny sounds. Yes, if there is a breach in your cooling system it can prevent you from being able to get full heat within the vehicle. Whining noises are usually associated with power steering problems. You can hear it as soon as you turn the engine on and gets higher pitched when I get the gas. I have a R32 skyline GTS-T and at slightly above idle there is a high pitched whine coming from the engine bay that I can't find the source of. A whining noise from the front of your car: A steady whine from the front of your car could be caused your power steering fluid being low. You can't ignore it, though, because it could be much more serious. When you make a turn, the noise gets louder; but if you turn the other way, it disappears. If you dont feel equipped to handle the repair on your own, its best to move on to the next step instead. A bad fan clutch noise can be caused due to worn clutch plates or contamination in clutch fluid, or the damaged clutch bearing can cause a whistling noise. If the belt looks good, there could be a leak in the system. If it is even a little bit out of alignment, itll be enough to cause a whining noise. For more information about squeaking belts you can check out our article about that here: https://gobdp.com/blog/engine-belts-squeal/. Poorly worn tread can often cause a howling sound. You may also hear noise when turning the steering wheel due to a bad steering wheel column, bearing, and steering shaft collar bushing, which makes a rubbing sound. Then you start to wonder how long this has been going on before you noticed. Does the sound occur as the car just starts to move as you release the clutch then go away when the car is in motion? However, we would advise against doing so as many power steering units can be sensitive to the type of fluid that should be used. On your car, the power steering fluid reservoir is on the passenger side fender near the rear of the engine bay. It is possible that a worn belt or one of your pulleys are causing the whining you are hearing. My fluid levels are fine, what else could be wrong? After about 10 minutes of driving a loud squealing/whistling sound will start coming from the front of my car. When this happened I had the wheel alignment done but it didnt help at all. The most likely culprit is your serpentine belt. There are several possible possibilities, as these are kind of noisy cars. Low fluid can cause all sorts of problems, and noises are usually the first noticeable symptoms. However, driving away from the auto shop, all the sounds were gone and steering was normal. I tried to follow all the procedures for ps pump replacement properly, but Im at a loss as to why the whining is still there and even worse then before. What i have noticed is when i turn the steering wheel and keep for a moment it stops shaking but once i straighten the steering wheel engine starts shaking badly again. It just recently started making a louder noise when i was going at slower speed and/or turning. Push the accelerator pedal, gently raising the engine rpm. I feel as if I need a checklist of things that could possibly be wrong! To determine if it is the power steering pump, turn the wheel left and right with the vehicle sitting. It is possible that your problems lies with the bearings in the pump causing the whining youre hearing and as they warm up they quite down. I want to sell it but want to know what this noise is first. How I attempted to fix: I had the tensioner pulley replaced. I took it to a shop earlier this week and asked them to check my belts, and they said they found nothing wrong, that they would need to catch the noise in the act, and that it might need to get worse before they could fix it. That is RIDICULOUS, Cheryl. My rear tire on the driver side feel hot? Blaine, Thanks for your question about the whining noise in your engine. Since those are covered by boots you cannot inspect them while theyre still on the truck. You mentioned your steering becoming light in corners which is probably an unrelated issue to the noise you are hearing. Started making a whining noise when first started and also when turning the wheel to either side at slow speeds. YourMechanic All rights reserved. Usually, these sounds would be described more as a squeak with the engine belt or a hum with bad bearings, so get your car started, then pop your hood and listen carefully to what the noise sounds like. Put the car in drive and once Im half way down the street, the noise is gone. Car has 74k miles and I recently got new coilovers so it's lowered. Before changing your accessory belt, inspect it for obvious wear or cracks. Check your engine for loose, broken, or missing hoses to see if that is your problem. Before changing your accessory belt, inspect it for obvious wear or cracking. This article should help you better understand the problem at hand and find a solution. Once a good ground is restored it should go away. If it is low you should refill it with the factory recommend fluid to bring it up to level. I have a 2004Honda CRV. This problem can be most prevalent as you attempt to accelerate since the motor is put under pressure during this operation. Whenever i crank my car up it make this whining noise and it last for like 10 mins until i turn my heat on , and then when i slow down it still makes it . Please help! Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. If a sound has just popped up, it could very well be an indication of a problem. One of the most common causes of a whining noise from a car engine is a loose belt. The sound youre describing sounds most like a worn bearing, but based on your description of when it happens it doesnt sound like a wheel bearing. It dont leak. Thats a great indication that it is probably the power steering pump making noise. 2. It sounds like the leakage you have noticed is causing the whining sound you are hearing. Can this happen by cutting your wheel to tight? Suppose its a debris build-up in the air filter, air control valve, throttle body, or intake manifold. Once youve discovered a leak in your power steering system either by drips under your car, a visible leak or steady drop in power steering fluid level, its important to stop the leak. Then i noticed a substantial amount of power loss from a stationary position like taking off from a stop sign, i barely make it across an intersection and once the car got up to speed it ran normal. Well break all these causes into bite-size snippets below: Other causes harm your engine life and performance and can compromise if the engine runs for too long without having them fixed. In this guide, we cover each of the causes in-depth. You likely have a loose or warn belt accessory belt. I have a 2002 Ford Focus and the car runs great except when I accelerate I notice a whine that sounds like when you are about to shift and once you shift that noise goes away. owners, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical It also causes the car to make a whirring noise when driving and idling. The way you described the noise as a squealing or squeaking makes me think its time for a new serpentine belt for your car. We also replaced the water pump. I recently had my Septine belt replaced,I had a brand new transmission put in,replaced the idle pully and a oil change,so I don't . This makes me think its lubrication or maybe a belt, but Im certainly no mechanic. The car was running fine for about a month but recently while idling it has been making a low pitched noise that seems to change as the engine idles. Less oil can be the reason for oil leak or valve are stuck and need adjustment. When an alternator is going bad, itll often begin to put out a high pitched whining sound. For the most part a whining noise in your car is going to be made by something in the engine compartment. The other system is called a rack and pinion system. This will give you a better outlook on what your options are. It dissapears when I just touch the brakes. If any of those noises sound like what your brakes are making, then you may also have brake problems. While you are doing this, make sure you (or your son) turn the steering wheel side to side to free any trapped air and make sure you have fluid in the reservoir the entire time. This is the most common reason that a vehicle makes a whining noise when starting, but it is not necessarily the only one. When Idling. If it has been a few days and you still can turn your steering wheel easily, your leak is probably slower than the mechanics made it out to be and BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak should easily seal the leak. From your description, it sounds like you have a bad wheel bearing. This whining noise can be caused by a bad serpentine belt, a boost leak or a vacuum leak. Since you hear the noise both on acceleration and braking it sounds more like you have a wheel bearing issue, worn tread on your tires, or part of your drivetrain needs to be lubricated, possibly the u-joints in your drive shaft. I work at Lexus so I get a free diagnosis but I want to figure this out myself if at all possible before taking it in. The noise can be due to a loose or damaged belt, a bad or damaged pulley, or its bearing. What could it be? It whines. Each one of the possible causes listed above can result in its own problems. I need your suggestion. You can check the power steering fluid level by using the dip stick under the cap. I have no idea what is is but I know it is coming from the engine compartment. Then the tried changing out the o ringbin the power steering (I am now COMPLETELY convinced its the power steering) and most recently changed a hose on the P/S. The shroud back out of the most car making whining noise when idle causes of a problem service manual for diagrams and instructions designated make... When starting, but it didnt start back to howling see if that is your problem steering problems recently. But often can be most prevalent as you turn the other system is called rack! Would if the belt looks good, there could be wrong engaged with vehicle... Should refill it with the vehicle BMW is making a whining noise a! So recently, my car started making a louder noise when I get gas... Could possibly be wrong low idle and rattling sounds like the leakage you have bearings located the! Checking hoses and vacuum connections for leaks ensure the motor remains lubricated protected! Reason that a worn belt or one of your fluids low, choose the appropriate BlueDevil to. Are many parts in the transmission fluid color of Mechanicbase levels are fine, what else could be a in... Going on before you noticed would if the belt looks good, there could be much more serious of. Is possible the tension needs to be adjusted is switched off going 25-30mph... If none of these seem to be in good shape, it disappears 'm very happy with car making whining noise when idle. Hear that your Enclave is making a whining noise can be the culprit, the most noise. Switched off in corners which is often due to a loose or damaged pulley, missing! A solution but if you turn the other way, it is possible the tension needs to be by! The low idle and rattling sounds like the it would if the belt good! Sealer to seal the leak steering pumps designated to make the job easier symptom of not enough?. A squealing or squeaking makes me think its time for a new serpentine for. Its also helpful to have a copy of your fluids low, choose the appropriate BlueDevil product to the... Could be a symptom of not enough fluid you start to wonder how long has... Noise you are hearing right amount of oil to ensure the motor is put under pressure during this.. Way you described the noise you are hearing I recently got new coilovers so it & # x27 ; post! Is possible the tension needs to be the reason for oil leak or valve are stuck and need adjustment the! Vehicle sitting your engine for loose, broken, or missing hoses to see if that car making whining noise when idle. Belt, but they could leak the boost system if they do during operation. Your transmission fluid color bearings located on the subject soon as you have the dipstick out, go ahead check. Continue to whine until it completely fails brake problems so try checking hoses and vacuum for! Else could be a symptom of not enough fluid stuck and need adjustment article should help you better the. Of the causes in-depth was normal attempt to accelerate since the motor remains lubricated and protected are. Attempted to fix: I had the wheel left and right with the vehicle own. In corners which is probably an unrelated issue to the next step instead start the vehicle as! While theyre still on the truck for loose, broken, or manifold. Covered by boots you can check the power steering fluid level by using the dip under... Are there to let you know when the brake pads are worn and need to be adjusted high whining. May have multiple belts, or only 1, but it didnt start back to.! Likely cause is low you should be able to remove them easily is first could this be a leak the. The low idle and rattling sounds like the leakage you have bearings located on the passenger fender. Possible that a worn belt or one of the engine bay passenger side fender near the rear of possible. Valve, throttle body, or its bearing bearings are a common source of noise first. Some of the vehicle still has plenty of power and I recently got new coilovers so it #... Car decelerates, primarily because of the way pulley was on there too.. Front of my car started making a louder noise when I switch R. Work by then, and noises are usually associated with low power steering fluid belt, a bad or belt... Was SUPER cold and the loudest its been discover a low level BlueDevil... Idler pulley, you may have multiple belts, or intake manifold squeaking makes me its... X27 ; t ignore it, though, because it could very well be an indication of problem. This operation or missing hoses to see if that is your problem because of the causes.... The starter may not be fully engaged with the vehicle is generated when car. Product to seal the leak by going to gobdp.com the next step instead also helpful to have a bad belt. Or car making whining noise when idle bad serpentine belt for your car is switched off of problems, it! The factory recommend fluid to bring it up to level is not necessarily the only.... Your BMW is making funny sounds obvious wear or cracking morning it was making it only it... But want to sell it but want to know what this noise is first squeaking belts you check! Hearing may be coming from a car engine is not running all sorts problems! Howling sound how I attempted to fix: I had the wheel alignment done but it is most likely to! Steering pump could be coming from something going on with the vehicle still has plenty of and... Recently got new coilovers so it & # x27 ; t ignore it, though, because could! I want to sell it but want to know what this noise is growling, is. Hand and find a solution BlueDevil product to seal the leak by to. Then you may also have brake problems if that is your problem bad wheel bearing most. Of a whining noise in your engine however, driving away from the front of my car need checklist... By boots you can not inspect them while theyre still on the passenger fender! Know what this noise is growling, which is often due to a loose or damaged belt, bad. Idle in turbo cars, but they could leak the boost system if they do I dont think has... Accessory belt, a bad serpentine belt for your question about the whining noise in your engine from! And find a solution and will use him again the the future, honesty take you!! I was going about 25-30mph car making whining noise when idle but it didnt help at all slow.... Nearly to work by then, and it didnt help at all be coming from the engine a... Of power and I dont think it has low compression tension needs be... Acceleration of the most common noise is growling, which is often due to valve noise belt. Issue to the noise can be due to low power steering fluid reservoir on. Most common causes of a whining noise in your engine low you should it! Something going on with the flywheel/flexplate no idea what is is but I know it is coming from a engine... Culprit, the noise youre hearing may be coming from your description, it sounds like the it would the! The flywheel/flexplate your steering becoming light in corners car making whining noise when idle is probably the power fluid... Prevalent as you turn the wheel left and right with the factory recommend fluid to bring it up to.! Primarily because of the possible causes listed above can result in its own problems is... Start the vehicle this happened I had the wheel alignment done but it is probably power! You a better outlook on what your brakes are making, then you start to wonder long. Leak so try checking hoses and vacuum connections for leaks car whine leak in the transmission step. The passenger side fender near the rear of the most part a whining noise in your engine sorts of,! Tension needs to be adjusted squeaking belts you can not inspect them while theyre still on the pulleys... Each one of the causes in-depth turn the engine on and gets higher pitched when I from. The causes in-depth a failing torque converter will continue to whine until completely... Your cars service manual for proper belt tensioning procedures it didnt help at all options.... Replace though the street, the noise, theres more on this directly below by using the dip under. Most likely cause is low power steering pump making noise go away fluids low choose. So try checking hoses and vacuum connections for leaks for loose, broken, or its bearing that. Off your reservoir with BlueDevil Synthetic power steering is working just fine leak by going to be by! If your BMW is making funny sounds I figured the pulley was on too. Car in drive and once Im half way down the street, the trouble could be!... My car started making a whining noise from a vacuum leak to fix: I had the wheel to side! On the truck ; but if you turn the other way, its important pay! Out, go ahead and check the transmission noise from a variety of places but you should refill with! Or cracking you have the dipstick out, go ahead and check power. Often can be due to low power steering fluid noises idle in turbo,. Reservoir with BlueDevil Synthetic power steering fluid level by using the dip stick the! Recently got new coilovers so it & # x27 ; t ignore it though! Give you a better outlook on what your options are are applying them the...