Engine Whine - Based on Engine Speed

[RainWind]

I have a 98 sunfire. Recently I went on a somewhat long trip, a few hundred miles. Right before I set out on my journey I got an oil change. I've noticed a small.. whine. Its somewhat high pitched and its not really loud, but loud enought that I can hear it with the windows up. I'm not really sure what it is, but it wasn't there before my oil change. Its high pitched, and sounds almost like an electric motor. I haven't yet had time to pop the hood and see if I can figure out exactly where the noise is coming from, and thought I'd post here for some suggestions. I haven't noticed any differences in the way my car runs. Accelerates the same, altho it seemed to take an extra couple seconds to get started this morning.

The whine gets louder the higher I rev my engine.

[snowscarla]

I have the same problem with my 99 sunfire GT i have no idea what it is where it comes from, everything else in the car is exaclty the same no acceleration problems, etc. but i get this whining noise. anyone know what i is?!!?

[GTP Dad]

Could be the alternator, ac compressor or the belt tensioner. Since it varies with speed it has to be one of these. You may want to make sure your belt is properly aligned on all pulleys. Alternators have a tendency to do this as to tensioner pulleys. You will need to listen closely to find the actual cause.

[matt09524]

Pay close attention to where this sound comes from. I agree with GTP... check the tensioner and alternator. But also listen to all your speakers. Have a friend sit in the drivers seat and rev the engine while you listen around. I have a friend whose car whines through his speakers and increases as he accelerates. It's not hard to induce an AC signal into your car stereo.

[RainWind]

Radio is unhooked and all my speakers are pretty much dead, its definitely coming from under the hood. AC compressor is sort of in the middle of being replaced, and I'm sure the noise wasn't coming from the compressor. I didn't think about the alternator though, I'll give that a check. It does sound almost like an electric motor whine. I'll give it a check in about 40 minutes when I get off work.

[snowscarla]

Well, I found out that my whining noise was infact a wheel bearing. well to be exact both my front wheel bearings. and i got it fixed yesterday too which was good. i had my boss take it for a test drive and he turned the wheel to the right and it made like a grinding noise. so he says....yup just what i thought it was. why i didnt notice it...i dont know. lol so rainwind! turn ur wheel and if it makes a louder noise its probably a wheel bearing. i'd get them checked out cause i found out what happens to the car when it seizes. (and that happens when ur driving) and it sounds scary. hope this helps ya.