2005 XL whining like electric car.

[3echo9]

I have a 2005 with 38k miles. The car has developed a whine who's pitch follows the RPM's of the motor. I recall, before this started, an electrical burning smell and the electrical system spazzed (technical term). Was wondering if alternator fried but it seems to be working. Are there any troublesome bearings along the serpentine belt attachments?

[maxwedge]

Yes, remove the belt and see if noise goes away, for starters.

[dbudnik]

I had the same problem. I ended up changing both the alternator and the idler pulley. I started with the idler pulley, but when I spun the alternator I could tell that there was an issue with its rear bearing. WIth both items changed sounds like new with 61K miles.