Strange whizzing noise 97GT

wlkjr · #1 10-20-2008, 05:55 AM

This morning about a half mile from work I noticed suddenly this high pitched whizzing noise coming from the engine. As the engine revs up, the noise gets louder. Sure it's not transmission as it does it in park.
I stopped at a store and came out and when I cranked up the lights did not come on automatically as it always does. Lights came on with the switch.
It sounds like maybe the bearings in the alternator but strange it caused the lights not to come on after cranking. I had the alternator rebuilt at 235,000 miles although it was still operating fine. My battery is also very old.
Anyone else had this happen?
I just checked the voltage with a digital VOM and the battery is charged to 12.5 and when running it reads 14.43 so I know the alternator is putting out. Guess it's time to rebuild and a new battery.

GTPSPEED · #2 10-20-2008, 06:14 AM

I have a small power steering pump leak, and I know when it gets low I get the same noise you speak of.

So I would check anything that is on the belt drives, but mine does the same once and a blue moon but when I add some P/S fluid it goes away.

tblake · #3 10-20-2008, 10:34 AM

[quote=GTPSPEED]I have a small power steering pump leak, and I know when it gets low I get the same noise you speak of[quote]

Oh man, is that a 2000 issue or something? Same deal here, its getting rather annoying to have to add fluid every month. I'm looking into getting a different pump. Plus my pump always seems to leak all over the side of my motor.

BNaylor · #4 10-20-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I just checked the voltage with a digital VOM and the battery is charged to 12.5 and when running it reads 14.43 so I know the alternator is putting out. Guess it's time to rebuild and a new battery.

The readings are good but that doesn't mean the alternator is not the source of the noise. Start with possible serpentine drive and accessory noise. Alternator is a good possibility for whistling or a whining sound in addition to the power steering pump. I've had the issue before. If your battery is good then remove the serpentine drive belt and fire it up. You should be able to run just on battery power for a few minutes.

wlkjr · #5 10-20-2008, 06:09 PM

I took the belt off and it runs quiet. Spinning the alternator pulley by hand makes a really loud noise. Taking it tomorrow to get it rebuilt again. Cost me about $60 last time, much cheaper than one at the auto parts store.

BNaylor · #6 10-21-2008, 08:43 AM

Sounds like a plan Wally. Let us know how it turns out.

wlkjr · #7 10-21-2008, 10:56 AM

Dropping it off at 2pm today for a rebuild......$68.00, less than half price for what AZ and Advance get for theirs. Will post results.

wlkjr · #8 10-22-2008, 03:48 PM

Got my new bearings only put in the alternator because all the other components were good. Cost just $45. Had a slight delay as the wife had a heart attack and had to have a stent put in yesterday evening, but all went well there.
Reinstalled the alternator and it runs quiet now. The tech told me the bearings were shot and about to disintegrate, so got that just in time.
Also noticed that the PS pump pulley has a loose feel. Not sure I'm up to putting one of those on. I know that will be a pain. Going to ride that one out as long as possible.
The low oil light came on the other day and I was almost 2 qts. low. This car has never used more than half a quart between changes and only have 3K since last change. Hope there is not a problem developing in that area.

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