Whining noise

TRUONG VU

MEMBER
2007 DODGE CARAVAN
2.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

My van starts normally, engine runs okay at normal sound until warming up around 15 minutes or driving until it get warm. Then it starts to make loud whining sound. I put it in park gear, it still whine. In park, when accelerate pedal press, sound louder, the higher speed the louder. Belt and alternator just replaced 2 years ago. Can you tell me what to check? Would it be the water pump, steering wheel reservoir or something else? Thanks

1 Reply

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey TRUONG VU,

Could you please upload a video of the whine you are experiencing?

Do you have access to a stethoscope?

If so a good way to trace the noise is to check each component on the belt drive with the stethoscope and compare to see which is loudest. Place the tip of the stethoscope on or as close to as you can to a non rotating part of the alternator, power steering pump and tensioner etc. You have to be very careful here to avoid catching anything in the rotating belt drive.

With it having been 2 years since the alternator replacement it could potentially still be a bad alternator or belt.

I would advise a good first step would be to visually check condition of the belt.

I would remove the belt, inspect it for damage and glazing. If the ribs of the belt are shiny it could just be a worn belt. Inspecting for any fluid leaks around the belt drive is also a good idea as any coolant/oil that gets onto the belt can contaminate it and cause it to slip.

Also ensure the tensioner moves freely, smoothly and the spring tension is strong.
The tensioner also has a pulley which if the bearings are worn could cause your noise.
Spinning the pulley on the tensioner by hand you should be able to feel/hear the roughness.

I have attached the instructions for removal and installation of the belt below.

Any further questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards, Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)