Whining noise when turning and accelerate

[GP40GT]

I have an 02 GT that just turned 55k. I've noticed a whining noise in the engine(?) or front end(?) when I turn quickly & accelerate (hard). This only happens (that I am aware of) when I to make a left turn. It doesn't really do it as bad under normal acceleration...it's much worse when I'm hitting the accelerator hard.

The noise starts as soon as I turn the wheel and hit the gas. It continues to get higher pitched as I accelerate. When I take my foot off the gas, it sort of "winds down" as the car slows. I've read some other posts that describe similar problems, but none with an exact match. It sounds like the transmission to me. Or, maybe something in the steering. I'm going to take it to a mechanic in a couple of days. I'd like to offer some possible causes so I don't get taken to the cleaners. Any ideas??? I really want to sell the car. Hopefully, it's not something expensive.

[dwalmop]

transmission or wheel bearing from your description

[empathydude]

Powersteering fluid might b low, my 03 was almost empty and started making that noise till i filled it up.

[00BlackGTP]

Did you check the p/s fluid yet?
If the whining slows with the engine rpm than its probably the P/S pump.
Go with the quickest easiest fix first but....

Quoting richtazz in post #2423681
"if you can see through your rims, pull the car forward a few inches and look at the rotor. Can you see the outline of the pad? If so, then you have contaminated pads that need to be changed, regardless of wear. IF not, I'd suspect the hub bearing is starting to go."

could also be this, but it really sounds like PS pump whine.

[richtazz]

the "winding down" sound as you slow could indicate a torque converter starting to go. That's why you only hear it under hard acceleration. But the fact that it only happens while turning makes me think it's a power steering or hub bearing problem. Also check to see if your car is affected by the GM rack and pinion recall

[GP40GT]

It sounds like the majority is leaning towards the power steering pump. The fluid level is full.

I will also have them check the brakes & wheel bearings. I haven't received anything on a R&P recall. So, I'm assuming mine isn't included.

It does sound kind of like a bad torque converter. But since it only does it when turning left, maybe it's one of the above. It does not do it when turning to the right under the same conditions. I'm taking it in tomorrow. Stay tuned...

[kustomkid54]

OK, here starts the fights.
I'm 100% it's your PS.
Now you will here from everyone else.

[99 Grand Prix GT]

If it is the same noise that i am thinking about i would haft to say it is your Alternator .. My 1999 Gt started doing the same thing. We own our own mechainc shop so i put it on the lift rack and i put my car in 1st gear and gave it gas, the noise got louder as the RPM's got higher and the noise got even louder when i turned the wheel. I thought it was the Power steering pump to, so i changed it and the noise was still there.. Come to find out it was the alternator, and when you turn the wheel it puts more pressure on the drive belt causing more pressure on the alternator pulley, which makes the bearing inside the alternator whin.... I changed the alterantor & i have not whining..

(try this lift your hood and start you car. put your ear by the alternator and have someone be in side the car and slowley push the Accelerator..and see if you can hear anything comming from the alternator)

A GM dealer ship should be able to find were the noise is coming from.

[kustomkid54]

I have three Grand Prixs. 2 of them have the same troubles. Check the PS and you'll more then likely find it low. Fill it and the noise goes away.
I'm not saying it can't be the alternator, but I don't think so.

[00BlackGTP]

Kid, he said that the ps fluid was full.
Could still be ps pump making noise though, they dont have to be low on fluid.
Does the wheel seem any harder to turn, or shudder, when the noise is loud?
If the rack is getting tight it could be making the pump work harder causing it to whine.
The alt. bearing makes sense too though (never heard of that before but the theory holds water).

[Alyssanmarco]

So what was the final outcome? I'm wondering because I have a whining noise that gets louder with acceleration any turning the steering wheel. Different vehicle but could still be the same thing.

[Tech II]

Well, first you have to isolate the noise.....

With the car parked, and running, is there any noise? Is the noise there when you turn the steering wheel left and right? If there is a noise, remove the PS pump reservoir cover, and look for a milky fluid...if this is present, this is air......caused by low level and PS leak somewhere in system(pump, line, rack, etc.).....

If PS fluid is ok, and level is ok, and noise is there when parked, shut off engine and remove serp belt, and see if noise is gone......if it is, a rotating bearng could be the problem......compressor, alternator, water pump, Idler pulley, etc.......could even be a belt(that is usually a squealing sound).....

If the noise is NOT there with the car parked, engine running, and the Steering wheel is moved left and right, but is there when the car is moving, and gets louder with speed(usually tops off between 40-50mph), and gets even louder when the steering wheel is moved slightly one way, and diminishes, when moved slightly in the opposite direction, then your problem is not PS related, it is the front hub bearing.....you have to replace the the hole hub bearing assembly.......and you have to replace the correct one, or you will be doing it again on the other side...

[Alyssanmarco]

Tech II thanks for your reply. I had my boyfriend ( who actually was born in Worcester) check it after reading this and he had originally thought it was the tranny. But turns out PS was empty and is leaking out my new tie rod. Now I've got more issues. Get one thing after another!

[Tech II]

We "Worcester Boys" are everywhere!