Whining noise And slight vibration , changes with RPM

tropikchiken · Post by **tropikchiken** » 04 Jun 2020, 19:34

I have a 2004 xc70, in the last month or so I’ve noticed a sort of whining noise accompanied by a very slight vibration I can feel in my steering wheel.
This noise seems to change with the RPM of the car but is most noticeable below 2000rpm. Maybe at higher revs I just can’t hear it anymore over the road and engine noise.

It’s not really a problem but I want to make sure it’s not a symptom of something failing.

My first guess would be something related to the power steering, but before I go replacing belts and bearings, I wanted to check with you all and see if you have any ideas.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 05 Jun 2020, 01:13

if you suspect the steering pump, try removing the serpentine belt and see if it stops. process of elimination. Is your upper engine mount tight?

Post by **jonesg** » 05 Jun 2020, 04:01

You might try spraying the different pulleys with a water spritz bottle, like a windex sprayer.
My serpentine tensioner pulley made noise before it failed and took the belt with it.

Post by **vtl** » 05 Jun 2020, 09:03

Can be a failing torque converter.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 05 Jun 2020, 10:52

Years back on my 01 V70 I had a noise that seemed to sound like a power steering pump. I started changing the power steering fluid and the noise never got quieter. A couple of days later the alternator clutch assy grenaded and now I knew where the noise was coming from. Sure seemed like it was a power steering pump, but it wasn't.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jun 2020, 11:24

SwmBo E83 developed crickets in her PS; it took about 3 changes and time before the crickets croaked. It got a bit better each time.