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Low pitch whine noise slowing and acceleration

Tiny
JONNYHJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 CITROEN DS LINE
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 51,000 MILES
Car has full service etc, and is in great condition. Recently started to notice when slowing below about 20 MPH it makes a whine a little like old 4wds make when all 4 wheels are engaged. It seems to be mainly in 4th but its only noticeable when there is stress on the gears, like slowing in that gear or accelerating. It's not bad but it is getting a little louder. I don't know if its always done it or not but i'm now aware of it. Can't hear it all the time either. Like I say it's mainly at very low speeds, louder in 4th and possibly 5 (but obviously I don't slow in 5 often) once its accelerating past 30 I can't hear it either. Mostly the deceleration when it's noticeable. If it wasn't pointed out or you didn't know then you'd probably take no notice. It just reminds me of the slowing down noise in an old Landrover or something when in 4wd. Any advice would be great because it really shouldn't be the gear box given it has been well looked after and has low miles. And as far as I know the clutch wouldn't make that noise (i know when a clutch is going). So what else could it be? Thank you so much. Jon
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Thursday, June 10th, 2021 AT 7:28 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the noise is only in 4th then it could be gear whine. This normally happens as a gear gets a wear pattern and the noise you are hearing is the ringing from the metal grinding against another piece of metal.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/whirring-sound

The fact that you have to drive it in such a way to get it to act up, I would try to avoid making it happen as much as possible. This means shift gears before it starts and accelerate a little quicker so that it minimizes the noise.

Also, if there is little load on the gear they have a tendency to whine a little. So if the noise is getting louder then I suspect we are getting a wear pattern.

Can you get a recording of this noise and that will help us figure this out?

Also, does it go away at a certain speed and what about if you remove your foot from the accelerator?

Let's start with this and see what direction we go. Thanks
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Friday, June 11th, 2021 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
JONNYHJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi thanks for the reply! Very much appreciated.

I've discovered it's actually loudest at 52 MPH in 4th. This is what the recording is of. Makes no difference if hot or cold. Think though it does on and off make it in most gears between 42 and 52 but engine noise and road noise make it harder to hear.

It does make a whine at other speeds and gears but it seems to be random when and where etc. So it's easier just to say 4th at around 52 MPH.

It does get quieter when I take my foot of the accelerator I think. Not sure.

It's done such low mileage and has been responsibility driven since new. Surely it shouldn't be a gearbox issue. That really sucks.

It pulls well through each gear and does seem to go away the faster it gets and I'm realising now it isn't noticeable at lower speeds as I said. Its very hard to pinpoint it. But I'll avoid sitting at 52 in 4th and accelerate past it, or stick in 3rd until I can sort it.

Thanks again, hope the recording is clear enough.

Hope you can hear the background whine in the video.
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Saturday, June 12th, 2021 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I can make that out. It may sound unlikely but I think that is tire noise. It is not uncommon for tires to make that faint whining noise in all different speeds and gears.

If I am correct then I suspect it will get worse until the point it is doing it basically all the time.

I would suggest starting with checking the tires and see if there is any wear on them. Below is a chart that will help with this.

Then I would suggest rotating the tires and see if the noise moves to the rear of the vehicle.
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Saturday, June 12th, 2021 AT 7:05 PM

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