Funny whirring noise..

[Helmet Vonthrob]

So SWIMBO's A160 has developed an engine speed related whine. Took it to my friendly garage and between us we got the belt off, noise still present so rules out, alternator, AC pump, Water Pump, idlers etc.

it's a definite weeeee noise (sorry but think of any other way to describe it) and it goes up in frequency with engine speed. My mechanic thinks it could be the cam chain tensioner or MIGHT be the oil strainer from the sump sucking??

Anyone any ideas or areas to look at?

He suggested 'leave it' and see if it gets worse but I'm loathe to if it is going to starve the engine (although there's no sign of that as the light goes out immediately)!

Any thoughts gratefully accepted.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Use a screw driver as a Stethoscope stay away fm ignition fan etc!

 

[BlackC55]

Is it an auto?

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Whirring.. ongoing.

No it's not an auto, we were under the car with a screwdriver stethoscope and determined it's not the alternator, AC pump, idler etc.

Anyone? anyone??

 

[mattkh]

Hi
What year and mileage.
Change the engine oil and see if it goes away. Also what oil have you got in it at the moment.

 

[wscheffer]

Is it towards the front or rear of the motor?

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Whirring.. the saga continues

I changed the oil & filter as a precaution, made no difference.

Car has covered 115K & is/has been run on 10w-40 Fuchs Semi-Synthetic

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

I think, it's towards the rear-ish.. which initially made me think it was alternator/idler/water pump

 

[mattkh]

I think, it's towards the rear-ish.. which initially made me think it was alternator/idler/water pump

Have you ruled out the rear wheel bearings??

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

By virtue of the car making the noise while on a set of axle stands - yes

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Anyone???... anyone??

 

[Uncle Benz]

Does it change at all if you hold the clutch pedal down??

 

[mattkh]

By virtue of the car making the noise while on a set of axle stands - yes

Hi
Was the car on four axle stands or
was it only on 2 at the front.

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Nope, seems to be from the timing chain end..

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Err. 4 axle stands....

 

[mattkh]

Hi
If it was on four axle stands, then that does not rule out the rear wheel bearings. This is because the rear wheels were not turning when the the engine was turning the front wheels.

 

[Helmet Vonthrob]

Sorry..... am I missing something..

The car was on 2 axle stands... the noise was still present at the FRONT of the car.. what would I rule out (or not) at the back with this test - other than the wheel bearings which I ruled out anyway as the noise comes from the front)???

 

[BlackC55]

Have a look at the tensioner. Take the belt off and see if there is any play in any of the pulleys.