Q: High pitched whistle sound

asked by on February 03, 2017

My car makes a high pitched whistle sound from I believe the passenger rear side on cold days at 30mph and 45mph. I have determined it is not the engine related because there is no sound while shifting in neutral and pressing the gas pedal. I have also noticed a change in pitch while driving over a bump. The sound desipates dramatically after a half hour of driving. Thanks, Robert

My car has 152000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sounds like you may be having an issue with your suspension or brakes on the passenger rear side of the vehicle. I would recommend a brakes and suspension inspection be performed on your vehicle by a qualified professional to determine the exact cause of the noise. If the noise does turn out to be suspension or brake related, I would strongly recommend to have the faulty parts replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the other components of the suspension and brake system. Consider YourMechanic for your brakes and suspension inspection as it can be done from your home or office.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Check Engine light on
The powertrain control module (PCM) takes inputs from dozens of sensors. It then uses this information to control outputs such as fuel delivery and emissions equipment. If the PCM detects a problem anywhere in the system it will illuminate the...
My Enclave has 160 K miles on it and It's time for a new serpentine belt.The car has a thumping sound when I drive it.i turned the
The fact that this sound disappears suggests that it could be potentially a loose motor mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) depending on how severe the thumping sound is. If the serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement) has not yet been replaced with 160,000 miles on it,...
My 2004 Chevy Cavalier is stuck in reverse but the stick still moves, what's wrong?
You most likely have a shift cable that came disconnected from the transmission or shifter lever due to a bad shift cable end bushing. Some cables you can install a new bushing and others you have to replace the cable...
One rear wheel warmer than the other, making scraping squeaking noise, started to vibrate when going faster
Hey there. It sounds like the hub may not have been pressed all the way into the bearing on installation. It's an easy mistake to make. Pressing in the hub takes a tremendous amount of force so it's sometimes hard...
Timing belt failure - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
Hi there - no, it would have been impossible for a mechanic to know a timing belt failure was imminent. Given your mileage, the timing belt has been changed at least once already. When that was done, the service center...
Check vsc system
Hi There, The VSC light relates to the Vehicle Stability Control system which is your car's traction control system. The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This...
2001 Monte Carlo 3.4L overheating. Does not blow warm air.
Hello. We will be happy to assist you. After the radiator was replaced the coolant system should have been pressure tested to make sure there are no more leaks present. If there are no more leaks present the coolant system...
2003 Mercedes C240 will not start
At 210 thousand miles, it really could be just about anything. If the alternator wasn't charging and you drove the car until the battery voltage went so low that it cut off, there are probably a zillion codes stored in...
2012 chevy sonic thermostat repair cost
Hi There, When the thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) is stuck open, this can cause problems with the engine never reaching the proper operating temperature as you may know. While the thermostat remains stuck open, this allows coolant to pass through the motor...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus GX 460
It It may be hard to believe, but luxury and adventure can go hand in hand – especially with the 2012 Lexus GX 460. From its luxurious interior with a variety of features to its high-quality build, off-road prowess and...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lexus GS
A A decade after it debuted, the 2012 Lexus GS still hasn’t found a strong foothold in the sport-sedan market. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a closer look. It’s much more affordable than competitors like the BMW 3...
How to Buy a Lexus
When buying a Lexus, consider your budget and which model you want. You should also run a vehicle history report and take a test drive before buying.