Whirring/whining sound

94 S-10 Blazer, 174,000 miles

I noticed when i started my car that it makes a loud whining/whirring sound coming from what seems to be the alternator. I stopped by the advance auto parts earlier this evening and had them look under the hood and the guy said it is definitely something with the pulley in the alternator or power steering column...definitely something with the drive belt system.

I really don't think its that serious, it drives fine, have no problems other than the noise. No check gauges lights or anything like that.

Any suggestions?

Welcome to AF. Try checking your power steering fluid and radiator to see that your fluid levels are up to spec. If not add to spec and see if your noise goes away. If up to spec. you'll need to isolate where the noise is coming from. try removing your serpetine belt and start your motor to see if noise goes away. post back what you find.

i did check all the fluid levels and they are all up to spec. haven't had a chance to deal with the serpentine belt. i'm not really experienced when it comes to stuff like that. i don't want to take it to a shop.

the sound goes away at higher speeds, and after taking a closer hear, it sounds more like a knocking and whirring. but it only does it when i'm at low speeds or idling. that's why i don't think its really a big deal, just wondered if anyone knew maybe if it is trailing to any sort of problem.

Its very hard to say its a minor thing or a major thing untill you isolate the trouble. What your describing can be just about anything. A bad serpentine belt, bad pulley bearings, Water pump, Alternator bearing, or even Power Steering. The serpentine Belt Diagram should be located on the top of the Fan shroud. It will tell you how the belt is wound between the pulley's. If your that unsure of yourself. Then you should take to a GM Mechanic to ensure its done right the first time. Let us know what you find.