Hey all,

Over the last couple of days I have noticed a whine that almost sounds like a transmission whine coming from the front of my engine. I know its not the tranny because of the location of the noise. It is definitely coming from one of my pulleys.

From what I've read online, it could be either my alternator going bad, or any one of my pulleys with a bad bearing. This noise doesn't sound like a bearing grind or whistle to me, although I do have a bad pulley bearing already. But this is a new noise. It sounds more like a whine and its loudest when I first start the car up. It seems to go away after the car runs for a while. I will hear it at the start of a trip and it will be gone at the end of the trip. The whine gets higher pitched as the RPMs increase. Also, the noise isn't present every day.

I'm also experiencing some headlight flickering and strange interior lighting fluctuations. My interior displays will flicker off then come back on every now and then. Could this have something to do with the Alternator too?

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Cody

 

A good alternator will emit a "whine" when putting out a high charge. First check your battery cable connections and make sure they are bright & tight. Check the alternator harness connection and make sure it is fully connected. Make sure the belt is tight and not slipping. Then, connect a portable voltmeter to your battery. It should read 13 1/2 -14 1/2 volts steady while the engine is running. If the readings fluctuate, you have a wiring problem or the alternator may be going south. Usually though, the alternator either works or it doesn't. Also, check the connections at the power distribution box under the hood. Feel each fuse and relay and make sure they aren't loose. Finally, you can take the alternator to your local parts store and they can check it for you.

 

Well, I haven't heard the noise in the last couple of days. I have, however, heard a typical bearing "hiss" and belt squeak, although very faint. These could be related to the whine I heard previously. Maybe the bearing was just really frozen up that day?

I just think its time for a new belt and new pulleys...