Whining Noise

Post by **luketrash** » 18 May 2007, 15:54

Mine sounded like someone whistling.

It was the serpentine belt tensioner. I had my own thread about it in fall of 2006, because I never saw this thread.

This is the video I made to document the sound, and how it was RPM specific:

I pulled the belt tensioner and cleaned the bearings and repacked them with grease, which helped, but the noise returned.

I tried using a non OEM tensioner from the parts store, and though it looked up as the right part, it rubbed on the timing cover and burned a hole in my timing cover.

So, I hit FCP Groton up for an OEM tensioner pulley and I'm still doing fine with it.

So, if this is your noise, try this fix.

I isolated the noise using a mechanic's stethoscope... I figured it was the PS pump or the timing belt at first. Hard to pinpoint.

waynej · Post by **waynej** » 19 May 2007, 10:06

I recently purchased a 93 854 that had zero maintenance for 5 years. It sounded just like in Luke's movie above. Replaced both belts and all tensioners and idlers and noise is gone! My wife's 87 245 has a whine from the auto trans when cold.

zenmervolt · Post by **zenmervolt** » 19 May 2007, 17:59

I've noticed it too with a '98 S70 T5. It's definitely a whine and it's definitely not lifters.

I've noticed that as soon as the transmission shifts into second the noise is gone and that it typically goes away after a little while. I'm fairly certain that it's nothing more than a bit of gear whine from the transaxle when the fluid is still cold.

PaulV70 · Post by **PaulV70** » 18 Sep 2008, 05:59

Hi all,

I know this is an old thread again now, but I have just found it and have had the exact same problem for a few years - every time I start it up. I have a 1998 V70 AWD 20V. The symptons are identical to those described, but it doesn't sound like the video, but rather more of a moan coming from mine.

Does it just go on for years, or does something break in the end?

Was it the air pump? Is it necessary to fix?

Many thanks for any replies.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 28 Feb 2017, 16:29

I know this is an old thread, but I figured I'd add in that I'm having this issue as well.
I just replaced my serpentine belt and tensioner today (new belt, used OE tenisoner from the JY) and it made no difference. I've noticed more and more lately that my car makes this whining/moaning noise, especially on cold starts. Not every start, but if the car has been sitting a couple hours, it will do it. The sound goes with the revs, and usually lasts for the first maybe 1/4 mile I drive, then it never comes back. It seems to be worse in cold weather, but it did it today and it's 75 degrees.
It's very annoying and a bit unsettling, and I'd like to figure out what it is exactly. I tested my air pump by jumping the relay, and the sound is similar, but I don't see that it could be going with the revs. I guarantee you that it isn't lifters. My lifters can be noisy, but it's not very often and it doesn't worry me since I know exactly what it is and why it's happening. This whining/moaning is unrelated... and it bothers me much more since I don't know where it's coming from.
It sounds like it's near the belt area, but I can't be 100% sure. I removed the timing belt cover and it didn't sound like it was back there.

Post by **scot850** » 28 Feb 2017, 16:41

If you suspect the SRS pump then disconnect it behind the LH headlight and try running without it. It will probably through a code, but it will eliminate it from the possibilities. The pump only runs for a sort time after start up and then shuts off. The issue with them is the valve that sits above the turbo fails in the open position and allows condensation to run down into the pump and eventually they seize. I replaced the valve and and drilled an 1/8" hole in the bottom of the pump to prevent moisture build up. Either that or do the diode delete if you are somewhere that doesn't need that feature.

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 28 Feb 2017, 16:58

scot850 wrote:If you suspect the SRS pump then disconnect it behind the LH headlight and try running without it. It will probably through a code, but it will eliminate it from the possibilities. The pump only runs for a sort time after start up and then shuts off. The issue with them is the valve that sits above the turbo fails in the open position and allows condensation to run down into the pump and eventually they seize. I replaced the valve and and drilled an 1/8" hole in the bottom of the pump to prevent moisture build up. Either that or do the diode delete if you are somewhere that doesn't need that feature.

Neil.

Yeah, I don't think I could get away with doing the bypass in the ECU. North Carolina is a little picky with emission inspections. It really sucks.
I might check out that valve. I'll try unplugging it tomorrow, though. Couldn't hurt to eliminate the pump completely from the possibilities.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 01 Mar 2017, 13:13

I've narrowed it down to the belt area after listening around earlier today. I'm thinking it's either the power steering pump or idler pulley. The alternator is possible as well, but my mechanic's stethoscope didn't pick up much whining from the alternator. As I was listening to the whine with the engine probably around 1,500-2,000 RPM, it sounded loudest near the belts. Nothing near the back of the engine, nothing near the driver's side. Definitely serpentine belt area, not as far back as the timing belt. It's nice to have a mechanical throttle to diagnose things like this!
The SAS pump sounded fine when I jumped the relay last night and after listening to it when I started the car today, it's not an issue. I actually couldn't hear it at all with the stethoscope, but I think that's just because it already ran for a few seconds.
I'll be ordering an idler soon, and I will update this thread if that solves my car's whining.

1998v70xcbill · Post by **1998v70xcbill** » 02 Mar 2017, 13:50

Read post quickly. My 1998 v70xc whins when cold for a short while. It is the oil themostat (being cold) that sends oil to oil cooler. Once oil warms up noise goes away. Drove me nuts, thinking it was a bearing. Happens more in cold weather.

Post by **abscate** » 02 Mar 2017, 14:12

I recall this oil thermostat being noted as a moaning sound previously - well done 1998v70xcbill!!

MVS - getting to the bottom of 14 year old threads with verve and élan