High pitched whine developed.

[Phil Croxley]

Can anyone suggest what this could be. I've developed a faint, but noticeable whine, high pitched and engine related as it increases with speed, even in neutral. It sounds like the drivers side. More noticeable when cold. Any ideas?
Thanks

[john.wigley]

Alternator? Distressed passenger?? J.

[Phil Croxley]

Originally Posted by john.wigley

Alternator? Distressed passenger?? J.

I've checked with the passengers and they're happy! I guess it could be the alternator, maybe I have to wait until it gets louder.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Phil Croxley

I guess it could be the alternator, maybe I have to wait until it gets louder.

Don't do that, get it checked along with all of the timing and auxiliary pulleys.
If one of them let's go, you stand a good chance of derailing a belt and trashing your engine.

If you think that sounds unlikely or dramatic, there are plenty of examples over the years just on this forum.

[Phil Croxley]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Don't do that, get it checked along with all of the timing and auxiliary pulleys.
If one of them let's go, you stand a good chance of derailing a belt and trashing your engine.

If you think that sounds unlikely or dramatic, there are plenty of examples over the years just on this forum.

It did have a new timing belt and I believe a recall job on the tensioner. It's only done 60k but I will get it checked.

[FredGraham]

Hi Phil,
Don't wish to depress you but have a read through this link.
https://drivinglife.net/car-making-w...-accelerating/

I had my car described as having turbo whine so it could even be that.

Best wishes

Fred

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Phil Croxley

It did have a new timing belt and I believe a recall job on the tensioner. It's only done 60k but I will get it checked.

The alternator pulley often isn't changed and the overall mileage of the car isn't really relevant as anything with 10+ years of constant use and heat cycles may need attention.

It could even be argued that low mileage, short trip usage is more harsh on the freewheel mechanism on an alternator pulley so always better to be certain with anything in that area.

The car can be started with the auxiliary belt off so if the noise disappears that narrows things down dramatically.

[k6chris]

One thing to check: Open bonnet with engine running and carefully unscrew the power steering resevoir cap. Are there bubbles being created? If so you have air getting into the power steering system. A few Volvos have had this. Fix was to replace the resevoir and feeder pipe. This created a similar noise on mine until fixed.

[Phil Croxley]

Thanks all for the suggestions, I'll check some of the things suggested and if I find nothing obvious I'll book it in with my trusted mechanic. I'll post again when I have an update.