My car just started making this squealing/screaming/whistling noise.

BSULLI4

MEMBER
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC

It occassionally happens when idling, but usually it occurs while driving. When I am pressing the gas pedal, there is NO sound. But as soon as I let off the gas, coasting, the whistling is there, and LOUD. Sometimes, it will stop when I am coasting below 10mph. Any ideas?

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Check air intake tubes and connections. Look for splits/cracks/tears check belts and pulleys. Get someone to work rpms while you listen watch. Use long tube to ear to isolate noise.

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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 9:42 PM

BSULLI4

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Ok, where are the air intake tubes? Near the air filter (on the right side of engine block)? The sound is coming from the left side. And the sound is definitely above 90dB, not a fan of sticking my ear in there to locate!

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Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 3:35 PM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Any luck yet? You can use a long tube like vac wand so ear is safe.

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Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 6:36 PM

BSULLI4

MEMBER
8 POSTS

OK, one more update of info. The sound is definitely coming from the BACK LEFT side of the engine (when standing in front of the car). I can't pinpoint the noise. About 2 weeks after the noise started, my check engine light came on: Cylinder 1 misfire. Is there a chance that the sound and the misfire are related?

I changed the spark plug out, but still get the misfire. Could the fuel injector make such a noise?

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Thursday, January 19th, 2012 AT 3:56 PM

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

Check the front brake pads. They my be bad causing this noise. This could be a belt noise. Check for lose belts. You can buy a can of belt dressing spray them down and road test to see if the noise changes.