Whining noise in engine bay

[iceblue]

Ok, I know panic always says its nearly impossible to diagnose noises over the interwebs, but hopefully someone can give some advice.

I have a sort of whining noise in the engine bay in the vicinity of the alternator, water pump, power steering pump. It's been there for a while but not too loud. Last week I changed the fanbelt and during the past week the noise has gotten significantly louder.

Is it possible it could be the water pump? The last time the water pump went, it made more of a knocking type noise though. This noise is more of a whining noise without any knocking. And it changes with rpm.

Any advice? Or tips on how to isolate the noise and find where it's coming from.

[mikec]

Use a long screwdriver as a stethascope(spelling) and check each component by placing the tip on it and holding the handle to your ear and you will be able to pin point which one is noisy! nore than likely your alternator!

[Scatman]

My money is on the alternator being shot...

Alternators tend to whine when taking load, and when their bushes/bearings are on their way out. My golf's alternator changes the tone of its whine (not really noticeable, but you can hear it when idleing) when the indicators are on Its always done this, my friends' one as well...

[panic-mechanic]

cambelt tensioner or Multi v-belt tensioner ?. Waterpump and alternator usually make rumbling noises..

[iceblue]

Thanks. I initially suspected the the alternator and v-belt tensioner but wasn't certain. Will check with the screwdriver tomorrow sometime. When I bought the belt the guy asked if I need the tensioner as well but I said I would get it again if necessary. Is there anyway to test the tensioner or should I just replace it, since it's quite cheap.

I don't think its the cambelt tensioner as it didnt sound like it was coming from that area and I think that was replaced when the motor was done.

[MK2 G60]

Remove the belts and run the car.
The feel each pully to see if it it rough or noisey.If that delievers nothing then refit one belt at a time and run engine.

[iceblue]

Did the screwdriver-to-the-ear thing today and it sounded much louder by the tensioner than anywhere else.

Will do as G60 suggested this coming Saturday. Thanks.

[SHAUN]

Did you check if your mother in-law aint maybe hiding under the bonnet?

[LYFGP0]

Did you check if your mother in-law aint maybe hiding under the bonnet?

I've got the same problem. Will maybe be buying an alternator from one of the forum members this week.
Whilst at Hatfield Braamfontein today, the mechanic told me that it's my power steering belt that's on it's way out

[iceblue]

Did you check if your mother in-law aint maybe hiding under the bonnet?

Nah, checked that already. She's still in the body bag in the boot.

[gman83]

had the same problem a couple of months ago, changed V belt, water pump, before finding out it was the cambelt tensioner. Changed the belt and tensioner and all's well...OEM is +-R500 from VW and R120 from Goldwagen

[16V Dub]

Got the same problem on a friends car, we changed tensioner with 1 from agents and whine is still there. It's definitely not the alternator or waterpump, ran the car with the belt out.
Do you'll think it could be the cambelt ?

[iceblue]

Ok so I'm driving home at around 8pm this evening and notice the dashboard lights seem duller than usual. Stop at a robot and after pulling away, about 50m down the road, I smell burn and see smoke in the rear view mirror. Swing into the first side road and check under the car, then pop the bonnet and see black debris on the alternator and smell burn. Look closer and see the belt for the alternator is jammed behind the tensioner and had been partially shredded. Eventually managed to move the tensioner and get the belt out, only to have the ball bearings from the tensioner fall to the ground.

I was planning to replace the tensioner this weekend, but I guess bad luck beat me to it. I just hope GW has stock tomorrow.

[223NakedNinjas]

Had the same problem with my G6. Alternator needed a refurbishment (New bearings, brushes) and now the sound is gone.

1976 Datsun Gx coupe (Dukes of Hazard style)
2009 BMW 320D
1996 Nissan Primera 2.0L SR20 (written off)

2012 Golf Mķ6 Highline:
Forge blow off valve
K&N induction
Stealth tuned (+EGR shut)
Decat + Powerflow backbox
WRX STI intercooler
Same baby turbo/compensator

[panic-mechanic]

Nice. I recon in 8 years he would have found a solution. Please have a look at the dates of posts that you reply to.