Whistling Noise From Engine Area

[jonjesk]

Hi All

Newbie here, I have just purchased a 2005 C5 1.8 petrol [only 40,000 genuine kms] but there is a whistling noise, when you start up from cold its very noticeable but seems to reduce as you warm up [but not go away] it is not affected by clutch operation, steering feels a little heavy but this could be normal as I have never driven one of these. I plan to check fan belt and bearings but just looking for some specific pointers. thanks 

[coastline taxis]

your on the right track. a qucker way may be to remove the fan belt and start the car to see if the noise disappears. if not start checking air/vacum pipes. please keep us informed though

[paul.h]

Do you have the air conditioning on since that can make a whistling noise where the pressure of the refrigerant drops in to the evaporator ?

[jonjesk]

update

thanks for the replies.

air conditioning not on but thanks for the heads up.

checked belt and bearings all seem ok

checked power steering fluid and it was low, finding the correct level to work to was not easy though. so I topped this up to the bottom of the basket, bled the system, cap loose, operate suspension, turned steering full lock left and right. initial signs are good improvement so I will monitor. thanks again.