Whining Noise From The Engine

[ant.7]

hi all

 

my 2.0hdi 52 plate c5 has developed a whining noise, it started of intermitent but is now constant.

it sounds like a siren, (my daughter thinks so anyway)

 

its beginning to annoy me now after about 2 months.

 

anyone got any ideas? could it the turbo?

 

any help is as always much appreciated

 

tony

[paul.h]

Is the noise there when the car is not moving but the engine is being revved - just to help eliminate things like wheel and gearbox bearings ? Have you looked under the bonnet for air leaks on all the hoses ?

[Guest woodywoodpecker]

hi all

 

my 2.0hdi 52 plate c5 has developed a whining noise, it started of intermitent but is now constant.

it sounds like a siren, (my daughter thinks so anyway)

 

its beginning to annoy me now after about 2 months.

 

anyone got any ideas? could it the turbo?

 

any help is as always much appreciated

 

tony

 

Tony

need more info first m8 does it do it while the car is stationary with the engine running? if so it is a bearing making the noise could be alternator, power steering pump, or idler tension bearing on alternator belt, you need to remove the alternator belt and start the engine to see if the noise has gone also if its doing with just the engine running push the clutch in to see if it stops if it does its the thrust bearing on the clutch, let us know when the car makes the noise, driving along or stationary.

[ant.7]

Tony

need more info first m8 does it do it while the car is stationary with the engine running? if so it is a bearing making the noise could be alternator, power steering pump, or idler tension bearing on alternator belt, you need to remove the alternator belt and start the engine to see if the noise has gone also if its doing with just the engine running push the clutch in to see if it stops if it does its the thrust bearing on the clutch, let us know when the car makes the noise, driving along or stationary.

 

HI

 

the noise is definately while its running, worse when its cold. i will do as you suggest and get back to you.

 

cheers

tony

[ant.7]

HI GUYS

 

after investigation this noise sounds only happens when the car is moving, and goes away when you press the clutch pedal.

sounds like a thrust bearing then?

 

how much is this likely to cost me?

 

thanks for the advice

 

tony

[paul.h]

Replacing the clutch release bearing is usually done at the same time as a new clutch since the gearbox has to be removed so you could ring round for a quote for clutch replacement but is likely to be a few hundred with the parts. However, I would have thought this bearing would still be noisy with the car not moving and the engine running/being revved but if it was an internal gearbox bearing then that would be different. I have replaced gearbox bearings on Saabs at high mileage (150k) and they whine and the volume increases as the speed is increased - the bearing shells have been pitted and the case hardening worn away. In this case, disengaging the clutch releases the load on the gearbox and the noise reduces. If you have had to replace a washing machine drum bearing then the noise on a high spin speed is similar.

 

How many miles has the car done ?

[ant.7]

Replacing the clutch release bearing is usually done at the same time as a new clutch since the gearbox has to be removed so you could ring round for a quote for clutch replacement but is likely to be a few hundred with the parts. However, I would have thought this bearing would still be noisy with the car not moving and the engine running/being revved but if it was an internal gearbox bearing then that would be different. I have replaced gearbox bearings on Saabs at high mileage (150k) and they whine and the volume increases as the speed is increased - the bearing shells have been pitted and the case hardening worn away. In this case, disengaging the clutch releases the load on the gearbox and the noise reduces. If you have had to replace a washing machine drum bearing then the noise on a high spin speed is similar.

 

How many miles has the car done ?

 

on further investigation the noise always appears whilst the car is moving. the clutch pedal pressing doesnt make that much difference. it gets better as the car gets warmer.

the car has done 104000 miles

 

thanks

 

tony

[paul.h]

Unless the gearbox oil level is low, 104k miles may not be enough for a gearbox bearing to have worn.

 

A worn wheel bearing is also a possibility, does the noise change when going round a left or right bend ? On a bend more weight is put on the outside of the car relative to the bend and a worn bearing on that side of the car would usually be a bit louder.

 

Have you had a good listen under the bonnet with the engine running, pulley bearings on the auxiliary and timing belts and water pump may whine when worn but the noise level should be related to engine speed and not road speed.

[tata1]

It is a water pump.

[Johndouglas]

It is a water pump.

 

If you're sure it's the water pump it would be as well not to use the car any longer. If the water pump decides it's had enough, the cambelt will either break or come off. Either way, the engine will suffer sufficent damage to make it uneconomical to repair. You're looking at a replacement cambelt, new water pump and a check on the pulleys.