Electrical whine???

[paulfischer]

Noticed the other day that I hear a whine coming from front of car. (Alternator side) Dont really hear it at idle, but when you accelerate, you can hear. Kinda faint, like a motor winding. If that makes any sense. You can hear it change its pitch as you give it gas or let up on the gas.
Will be checking wires, to see they are close to the alternator, or damaged. Any other thoughts??
The alternator was replaced about a year ago.

Thanks

[MarkNYC]

I had a similar problem and brought it to dealer for service. AFter two tries, they finally fixed the whine, which turned out to be the idler pulley. Not a big deal to repair.

[paulfischer]

I'm actually going to be replacing the belt and pulley tomarrow. So we shall see!!!!

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by paulfischer

I'm actually going to be replacing the belt and pulley tomarrow. So we shall see!!!!

Alternator howl or whine is real common on these. Mines been doing it for years. Sometimes it is a prelude to failure, sometimes not. See if it increases in intensity when you turn on the lights and the rear defrost. If so, that's what you hear. The sound intensifies with load on the alt.

[paulfischer]

It comes and goes, definetly not constant. I'm sure its prob the alternator.
Just wanted to get a some other ideas as to what it might be.

Paul

[jeffcoslacker]

Put a broomstick on the alternator while it's running and listen to the other end up to your ear. If it's the alt, it will be real obvious by doing this.

[cadgear]

My PS pump does a kind of whine when cold off and on for about a minute, then goes away. Doesn't sound like a bearing, but its something to think about.

[gwjturner]

I also had this issue on our 91 3.1L. It turned out to be the water pump. I would definitly check both the idler and the water pump.

[Corndog Man]

My '99 did the same thing for about six months. The alterator finally died and was replaced. No more whine. It could be anything on that side though. Mine was almost a whistle sound.

[paulfischer]

the water pump was replaced about 2 yrs ago.
and the alternator was done a year ago.
I'm changing the belt and idler pulley tomarrow.
I'm leaning toward the alternator.. will do the broom test tomarrow as well.

[jeffcoslacker]

Spin the alt pulley when you have the belt off. Should feel smooth and "damped" somewhat. If it feels dry or gravely, that could be it. Spin 'em all while you're at it. Maybe start it for a minute with the belt off, make sure it isn't something else.

[cadgear]

Aye, start the car with the belt off for a moment or two. If you think about it, all the accessories use bearings which can fail and the same belt drives all of them. Probe around a bit with a broomhandle or a long screwdriver to your ear.