Huntington Beach Auto Repair

A new whining sound from the engine bay can be annoying at first and then hard to ignore. You might hear it when you start the car, when you turn the steering wheel, or when engine speed climbs past a certain point. It usually means a belt, pulley, pump, or bearing is starting to wear out even if the car still drives normally. How Drivers Describe a Whining Noise From the driver’s seat, whining noises usually fall into a few patterns. Some sound like a steady high note that rises and falls with rpm, others come in only at certain speeds or when you switch accessories on. You may notice it most in parking garages, drive-through lanes, or next to walls where sound reflects back at you. Common Sources of Whining Under the Hood The most common culprits include: Serpentine belts that are glazed, loose, or slipping on pulleys Idler and tensioner pulleys with worn bearings Power steering pumps that are low on fluid or internally worn Alternator ... read more