XC60 HELP..! - Whirring/Wining noise when car starts

[Shah]

Hi Guys,

Need advice. I have a 2012 XC60 AWD SELUX.

Last week i noticed a Whirring noise when the car starts. This stays usually constant even when i throttle up. It also lasts an extra 2-3 seconds when the engine goes off. In indle, i can hear it very loudly.

Cannot locate exactly where its coming from and its a cross between a whirring and wining noise. As mention if i start the engine in idle i can hear it and it is loud and when im driving i can still hear it in the background. It does not get louder when i hit the accelerator and when i turn the engine off it can last a few second more.

Any thoughts..?

Took to local garage who said may be alternator but not sure. I thought may be a belt or may be some bearings on something that goes round!

Thanks for advice.

[Spike56]

My S60 makes a 'purring' sound when the climate control system is switched on. Goes off after the CCS is switched off again...…..It's an odd sound. Not like a bearing going bad and not quite a low rumble.

I just make the radio a little louder!

[Shah]

This is when the CC is off.

It comes as soon as the ignition is switched on and continues until it's switched off.

Sounds like either a bearing not doing it's job on a pulley/wheel or a belt squeel!

[benr7310]

Alternator front bearing

Get a long screwdriver/other long object and put one end on the alternator when running and your ear to the other. Then test on another pulley to confirm it was definitely alternator.

[Shah]

Originally Posted by benr7310

Alternator front bearing

Get a long screwdriver/other long object and put one end on the alternator when running and your ear to the other. Then test on another pulley to confirm it was definitely alternator.

Would i also need to book a GP appointment as well ..! I am assuming you wanting me to hear the vibrations!

Thanks for the advice - Will have a look tomorrow.

Keep the ideas coming!

[benr7310]

Yeah you can hear for definite which bearing is shot - it acts as a stethoscope.

Sounds like you're having the same problem I had though, which was alternator front bearing. You'd either need a new alternator (£300ish plus labour) or a refurb shop to take it apart and replace the bearing.

[Shah]

Originally Posted by benr7310

Yeah you can hear for definite which bearing is shot - it acts as a stethoscope.

Sounds like you're having the same problem I had though, which was alternator front bearing. You'd either need a new alternator (£300ish plus labour) or a refurb shop to take it apart and replace the bearing.

Wow...that's exactly what the mechanic said. Are you mark my mechanic by any chance!

I lifted hood and could not locate it. The sound is a little less but still there...he quoted above. Funny alternator works fine.

[Jensencars]

Alternator will probably work (charge) fine until the point the bearings seize up then there’s trouble !!!!!

[benr7310]

Originally Posted by Shah

Wow...that's exactly what the mechanic said. Are you mark my mechanic by any chance!

I lifted hood and could not locate it. The sound is a little less but still there...he quoted above. Funny alternator works fine.

Haha no. Just been working on cars for years & did my alternator when it went around may 2018.

It'll charge fine but when the bearing eventually seizes then you'll have big problems.

Personally I went with a new alternator rather than a refurbing mine as it was easier for me to do.

Try and find an alternator refurb shop near you and ask them for a quote.