Whining/whistling noise

[balders118]

So after a 3.5 hour drive to the midlands my puma has started making this whining noise. After about 2000rpm, both in gear and out of gear it makes a steady whine/whistle that doesn't change in pitch or volume with an increase in revs.

Any ideas? Similar kind of noise to loose aux belt, but not the same characteristic squeal when setting off.

TIA

[ROOODBOY]

Wheel bearing?

[poing]

Does it change with speed? Drive up to 60mph on quiet piece of road and put it in neutral and if the sound changes as the car slows then it's most likely a wheel bearing. It might change when going around corners in one particular direction as well.

The best way to check (and what I always do if I suspect a wheel bearing) is to jack up each wheel and with one hand on the top and one on the bottom try and rock it to see if there is any play. I've had one where there was no play but in every other case there was movement.

[ROOODBOY]

Yeah, I changed one on a friends Seat Ibiza this weekend.

No play at all but the drone at 35mph drowned out all other noise including the engine at 5000rpm!

I've heard that this is not uncommon on cars that have been standing for a while without moving.

[esvcg]

power steering pump? is the power steering fluid level too low?

[Jimmyarm]

Need to know if it only happens when moving as above

If it happens when stationary could be alternator/tensioner bearings have worn.

[TameRacingDriver]

balders118 said:

So after a 3.5 hour drive to the midlands my puma has started making this whining noise.

Was your other half in the car at the time?

[balders118]

The OH was in the car, but I learnt to tune out that whine years ago.

It does it when the car is stationary, so it's not a wheel bearing. Alternator/Tensioner bearings is a good shout, thanks.

[poing]

Does it make any difference if you press the clutch? Trying to eliminate a noisy clutch bearing.

Belts are easier and cheaper to test though and from certain shops you can get a spray to make them go quite, I have some in the garage and it's great for diagnosis.

Just googled it and found it (I originally got it at an agricultural machinery place) http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/Lubrica...

[littlebasher]

TameRacingDriver said:

Was your other half in the car at the time?

Indeed

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Jimmyarm]

balders118 said:

The OH was in the car, but I learnt to tune out that whine years ago.

It does it when the car is stationary, so it's not a wheel bearing. Alternator/Tensioner bearings is a good shout, thanks.

Without wishing to teach granny to suck eggs, the easiest way to test this is the take the belt off and start the engine

If the noise goes, switch off and check for play/roughness in the alternator/tensioner etc.

Release bearing noise should 'change' when pressing and releasing the clutch (Ford ones do tend to be noisy ime).