[e92Rithy]

Hey everyone,

I started my car and after it finished warming up, I could hear a whining sound coming from the engine bay. It’s at around 1,500 rpm and gets progressively louder with the rpm. When I open the hood I can hear the noise coming from the alternator area but I just changed out the alternator less than 6 months ago. What do you guys think it could possibly be?

Here’s the link:

https://youtube.com/shorts/DD-NDK5D-L0?feature=share

Thanks again

[Serf27]

It only does the noise when warm?
When was the last oil change?

[crosbyblue]

I'm having the EXACT same issue. I tried replacing the belt & tensioner. I also ruled out the blower/compressor, it makes the whine irrespective of it being on or off. Not sure what to think anymore. It makes the sound either warm or on a cold start.

Let me know if you find a solution.

[Serf27]

I had a whining noise, when warm as above 1500 rpm.
It was the oil filter.

[crosbyblue]

Originally Posted by Serf27

I had a whining noise, when warm as above 1500 rpm.
It was the oil filter.

Interesting - I wonder why?

[EyeGuy]

I had a similar noise and it ended up being the ac compressor just below. My mechanic and I misdiagnosed the issue and replaced the tensioner pulleys and belt prior.
The noise persisted until the pulley on the ac compressor broke off mid drive and caused all types of carnage.

[Serf27]

Originally Posted by crosbyblue

Interesting - I wonder why?

I think it was a cheap filter and it was starting to twist in the housing.

Something about the pressurized oil going through the filter that caused it to make noise.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by Serf27

It only does the noise when warm?
When was the last oil change?

Pretty much since it does it as soon as my cold start finishes. The last time I did an oil change was yesterday morning.

[majesticterpzzz]

Maybe PCV

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by EyeGuy

I had a similar noise and it ended up being the ac compressor just below. My mechanic and I misdiagnosed the issue and replaced the tensioner pulleys and belt prior.
The noise persisted until the pulley on the ac compressor broke off mid drive and caused all types of carnage.

I should definitely put my car on the lift and check the pulley on the ax compressor now. Because yeah I definitely have recently changed all my pulleys and the belt.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by majesticterpzzz

Maybe PCV

Is that where the location of the pcv would be?

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by crosbyblue

I'm having the EXACT same issue. I tried replacing the belt & tensioner. I also ruled out the blower/compressor, it makes the whine irrespective of it being on or off. Not sure what to think anymore. It makes the sound either warm or on a cold start.

Let me know if you find a solution.

It’s so annoying. I’m going to check the ac compressor pulley.

[Serf27]

It sounds louder when you move away from the alternator.
The pcv is in the valve cover. I think you can open oil fill cap while it’s whining to see if the noise stops.
Did you put the oil filter in correctly and your filter cap has a cage?

When it starts whining, pull the belt off and see if it still whines.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by Serf27

It sounds louder when you move away from the alternator.
The pcv is in the valve cover. I think you can open oil fill cap while it’s whining to see if the noise stops.
Did you put the oil filter in correctly and your filter cap has a cage?

When it starts whining, pull the belt off and see if it still whines.

Yeah that isn't the case for me, it's at its loudest when I go near the alternator. I have already tried to open the oil fill cap and the noise still persisted. Also yes the filter is correct and the cap does have a cage. I will try to pull the belt and hopefully it's just the ac compressor pulley.

[crosbyblue]

I just pulled out my oil filter, it was completely crushed and twisted. Popped a new Mann filter in there and the sound is completely gone.

Could be worth a try OP, the filters are only $12.

[e92Rithy]

Update: turned out it really was the alternator for the third time.. the bearing just gave out in the pulley again. But it was also an autozone gold one. Worst mistake ever so please for anyone else, just go with a Bosch one. Hopefully this will last and not go out in 3 months just like the Duracr*p lol. 😃

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by crosbyblue

I just pulled out my oil filter, it was completely crushed and twisted. Popped a new Mann filter in there and the sound is completely gone.

Could be worth a try OP, the filters are only $12.

Yeah I changed my oil and saw that the filter wasn’t collapsed at all. So it wasn’t that. It was just my alternator (again) lol.