99 Astro Whistles when i accelerate

[Sdsand32885]

I just bought an Astro like 5 days ago for work and now its making a whistling noise when i accelerate. It goes away almost immediately but i dont know what it is and dont know much about cars. Can someone tell me what it could be.

[old_master]

Welcome to the forum!

Noises can be difficult to identify, and to pinpoint their origin. Where does it sound like it's coming from? A worn serpentine belt tensioner allowing the belt to slip can cause a whistle or squeal noise... something to check.

[Sdsand32885]

I did pop the hood yet and check but it does sound like its coming from under there somewhere....im so stupid when i comes to cars. Could it possibily be a vacuum leak? A few people said the the whistling noice shouldnt really cause any problems its just more annoying than anything...would you agree?

[old_master]

A vacuum leak could cause a whistle noise. If it is a vacuum leak causing the noise, it would be best to have it repaired as soon as possible. Vacuum leaks will cause a decrease in fuel mileage, and possibly damage the engine by injesting dirt. A vacuum leak will also cause the engine to run lean, which over time can damage the engine.

[Sdsand32885]

What all could it be? If it is the serp belt is that hard to replace?

[old_master]

Depends what the problem is. Replacing the serp belt and/or tensioner involves removing the air inlet system, (air filter housing etc) and upper fan shroud, (7 bolts) for easy access to the tensioner.

[Sdsand32885]

Ok so hopefully its not something thats really expensive and easy to fix

[Sdsand32885]

Hmm thats weird...i havent been driving my van cause it was whistling and when i started it up today to let a friend hear the noise, it wasnt whistling anymore hmmm...but it did kinda sound like air was bein pushed out somewhere underneath the hood so maybe it is a vacuum leak somewhere

[safblue98]

Had a similar noise after I had the Serpentine belt replaced. Figured it was inherent in the belt. Sound slowly disappeared over time, like 2 years as the belt wore in. Hope that helps.

[mbmcgin1]

sounds like your catalytic converter needs to be replaced if your hearing a rushing whistling sound, if so your losing gas milage and power, and if its a 99 and more than likely never been replaced, then you've got nothing to lose.

[Sdsand32885]

is that expensive?

[rgmc]

4 to 5 hundred;