High pitch constant squeal above 20 mph

UKMike · Post by **UKMike** » 23 Aug 2011, 15:37

Hi folk,

Strangest noise started today while driving along. A monotone, high pitched squeal in the front that cuts in at around 20 mph and drops away going down under 20 mph.

It doesn't increase / decrease with engine speed or gear, including coasting in neutral. Doesn't change with steering like a wheel bearing does. Not affected by braking, a/c on or off, blower fan on or off hot or cold.

I've read in another thread about a bearing in the alternator going bad and squealing but wouldn't that go all the time, even at idle?

The frustrating thing is I can't check it out when it's happening - I tried running beside the car with the hood up at 20 mph but that didn't work out so well!

Appreciate any insight

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 23 Aug 2011, 16:52

It should like a bad wheel bearing to me. Stinks that you could not run with the car, that would have worked out the best.

Volvoagain · Post by **Volvoagain** » 23 Aug 2011, 18:34

I had a similar noise, turned out to be a pulley in the timing belt area...caught it just in time.
It was very hard to detect and had me looking all over as it "projected" the sound
Would only happen around 20 miles an hour and went away after it would warm up....
something to consider...

UKMike · Post by **UKMike** » 24 Aug 2011, 00:11

FCPGroton wrote:It should like a bad wheel bearing to me. Stinks that you could not run with the car, that would have worked out the best.

Definitely not a wheel bearing - I've changed one a couple of months back: that's more of a low pitch groan that increases with speed. Also gets quieter when you turn the car into it, on a corner.

Cheers and thanks for the comment.

UKMike · Post by **UKMike** » 24 Aug 2011, 00:16

Volvoagain wrote:I had a similar noise, turned out to be a pulley in the timing belt area...caught it just in time.
It was very hard to detect and had me looking all over as it "projected" the sound
Would only happen around 20 miles an hour and went away after it would warm up....
something to consider...

Ok, I'd got the impression from other threads that the timing belt pulley could be heard at idle: you could get under the hood and listen for it. I'll have to reconsider the pulley as a suspect- pronto.

Many thanks