Strange whining noise - possible alternator or AC compressor?

[JackCLK280]

Hi, my car has started making a weird noise. It does it almost everytime I start the car. It lasts for around 30 seconds and stops. Then reappears every 3-4 minutes. I don't notice it when driving, just when idling.

I'm really hoping it's just a pulley???

I'm trying to upload a video but its telling me it's too big (I wish).

Thanks,

Jack

On another note, I have the option to buy a 5.5 CLK500. Are they worth it? It's a cabriolet, 85,000 and £7000. Only part service history.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Upload the video to YouTube and then link it to your thread

 

[LostKiwi]

To check pulleys etc drop off the serpentine belt (take a photo of its route first!) then spin each pulley by hand. If the idler or tensioner are noisy replace them.
The alternator should spin smoothly. There will be resistance when turning power steering or air con but they should feel smooth when turned by hand.
One other thing to check is the power steering fluid level. Low level can introduce air into the system which will make the pump whine.

 

[rifiki]

Change them, I had the idler pulley let go with no warning. the shredded belt wrapped it's self round the crankshaft between pulley and engine block causing more problems. Use only OEM parts. you be surprised how small the bearing is on idler pulley.

 

[JackCLK280]

Hi, thanks for the reply. When you say change them? Change what exactly?

Thanks,

Jack

Change them, I had the idler pulley let go with no warning. the shredded belt wrapped it's self round the crankshaft between pulley and engine block causing more problems. Use only OEM parts. you be surprised how small the bearing is on idler pulley.

 

[JackCLK280]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

This is the link to the sound.

 

[JackCLK280]

The noise seems to have evolved...

 

[JackCLK280]

Any ideas on the noise?

 

[JackCLK280]

Hello and welcome

Upload the video to YouTube and then link it to your thread

Thanks I have uploaded links now.

 

[JackCLK280]

Hi, my car has started making a weird noise. It does it almost everytime I start the car. It lasts for around 30 seconds and stops. Then reappears every 3-4 minutes.

Thanks,

 

[JackCLK280]

Hello? Anybody out there??

 

[LostKiwi]

Turn off the Aircon. Does the noise go away?

 

[Doug1234]

I had to go to Youtube and type the video title into search and look your video up, it will not play via the link posted for me.
Very odd sound and I listened to the video five or six times and to me it could possibly be starter motor staying engaged as when you switch engine off the sound winds down with the engine rpm.

 

[JackCLK280]

Turn off the Aircon. Does the noise go away?

Hi, ac on or off makes no difference.

 

[JackCLK280]

I had to go to Youtube and type the video title into search and look your video up, it will not play via the link posted for me.
Very odd sound and I listened to the video five or six times and to me it could possibly be starter motor staying engaged as when you switch engine off the sound winds down with the engine rpm.

Oh really? Sorry about that. I'll try the upload again.
The noise has returned to the original noise and only does it from cold.
I'll look a bit more into the starter motor. Thanks.

Jack

 

[Botus]

Hi, my car has started making a weird noise. It does it almost everytime I start the car. It lasts for around 30 seconds and stops. Then reappears every 3-4 minutes. I don't notice it when driving, just when idling.

low gas? mine made strange noises at times before I got a new AC condenser. I thought it was the torque converter. Oddly it was always there more if it used 1st gear (sport) and less so in 2nd.

It also didn't vanish if the AC was off ??? or if the PAS was or wasn't working hard. I played with bearings and idlers changing two but although a little worn it never helped. Completely gone since the condenser went it

 

[JackCLK280]

I think I have found the noise.

Does anyone know what this is and is it an easy fix/diy job?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[LostKiwi]

I think I have found the noise.

Does anyone know what this is and is it an easy fix/diy job?

Thanks,

Jack

Secondary air pump. It's part of the emissions system.
Not done one so no idea what kind of job it is but looking at its location can't see it being difficult.

 

[Botus]

I hadn't see a video before I wrote my earlier stuff...

that pump is really easy to get off, the pin bush housing (multiplug) was toast on mine A0115457128 also had a stuck solenoid on the switch over thingy for the inlet manifold's variable length inlet pipes. Took it off lubricated and exercised on a battery and it was OK again, it sits just below left of that pump.

Also worth carefully cleaning and lubing all the linages to that switch over bit at the front of the manifold while you have that fan off. (V8 is at the front of the engine, it might be at the back on a V6). They seize and the plastic rods on the vacuum actuators snap and its a new inlet manifold to replace it... (although there are some repair kits / bodge it things out there).

 

[Sunileeyo]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

This is the link to the sound.

I jist had my alternator changed as the old one was makig that noise, and it was the bearings within the alternator.

On another note I have change the idler and tensioner along with the serpentine belt and everytbing is fine now.

Also, my steering pump was low on fluid, this had caused noise to come from it, so have oredered a used one from ebay.

Will update if everything goes smoothly by next week.