During idle...I notice a strange sound...sort of squeak/whine that randomly goes on and off coming from the engine bay.

Initially I thought it was the fan, however, it seems like it's coming from one of the belts (almost like a sqeaky pulley however it has more of a continuous whine/buzz to it...not as high pitched)?

The first time I noticed it was right after I installed the BMC filter the other day. After hearing it, I thought that maybe the airbox was rubbing against a belt, so I pulled it back out and reinstalled it. The sound did go away, so I assumed that the problem was solved. However, today as I was getting out of the car with the engine on...listening to the loud exhaust, I heard it again.

Im pretty sure this has been going on for sometime as I rarely start the car and stand behind it listening for odd sounds.

Does anyone have any clue what this might be? Is this normal?

 

One of the things to watch is when the battery gets weak the draw on the alternator is huge. The belt will slip. Usally a good charge will cure that. Now, there have also been issues with the idlers and the tensioner. The only real way to tell is to remove the air box and listen to each pulley with a stethoscope.

 

I recently had similiar sound at idle, and it turned out being low power steering fuild.....

 

I was going to ask the same question as I have noticed that same sound. However, the sound only occurs on startup and it sounds like one of the belts squeaking/whining. After driving for a little bit however, the sound is gone. I have tried listening for the sound at idle after a drive, and it seems to be gone completely... until I start the ignition again. Maybe I'm being too sensitive?

Also, my car has developed a weird smell coming from the front driver-side wheel well. It smells almost like dry urine. It is only coming from that area. Anyone have any ideas what that smell could be? I thought at first it was the brake-pads, but not so sure anymore. Any help would be great!

PS: Ray, are you still thinking about doing the Upsolute?

Ryan

 

The pumps are naturally noisy.