Ford Focus making a funny noise, Help please...

[andyjo1982]

Afternoon all

Firstly, let me start by saying I know sod all about cars. Ok, my Focus is making a weird noise, sort of a high pitch whining noise. Its fine when the cars stationary, but between about 1000 and 3500-4000 revs, its quite a high pitch whine. It sounds as if its coming from the fan belt area I think. Its fine if I've been on a long journey, like 45 mins or more...

Just asking if anyone kind enough to give me an idea what might be wrong and what it may take to fix please?

Thanks in advance...

[80sboy]

It may be your auxiliary belt slipping?

[littleredrooster]

Belt tensioner bearings buggered. Cheap(ish) fix. May as well replace belt at the same time.

<thinking aloud> Or it could be the power steering pump howling its head off. Check the power steering fluid level. Ka's famously do this just before steering rack failure.</thinking aloud>

[P I Staker]

As above.

Or the alternator.

[andyjo1982]

Cheers guys, I checked my power steering fluid today, and it was below the min, so topped that up. Its due for a service in the next few weeks, so i'm expecting it to be picked up, just preparing myself.

Thanks again...