Q: Whining noise near motor with acceleration and deceleration of RPM, power steering fluid level is normal.

asked by on April 10, 2017

After a road trip I heard the whining noise. Changed the alternator and checked power steering fluid level which was at a normal operating level. Still hear the whining noise, kinda sounds like a pissed off cat. The noise is directly correlated with the RPM of the engine when it accelerates and decelerates.

My car has 165000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Loved the sound description! In most cases, this type of noise is caused by a loose serpentine belt or worn out pulley on one of the accessories it powers. You might want to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car is making a noise inspection so they can pinpoint the source of the upset kitty noise and recommend the right repairs.

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

Engine smoking from underneath.
Well the first thing I would suspect is the engine overheated. I would check the engine oil and coolant to make sure there is sufficient amount of each. I would then check the engine codes for a fault that can...
Trouble starting and accelerating
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2002 Hyundai Elantra. There are several possibilities here that require further research. First off, it sounds like your transmission is in "limp" mode, which causes it to start off in 2nd gear...
Drive Shaft out of balance. Negative effect
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Ford Explorer. The vibrating (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-shaking-or-vibrating-inspection) drive shaft can cause premature bearing failure in the rear end and the transmission tail shaft. You should take it to a driveshaft shop or have it serviced...
Bad muffler sound that gets better after a few miles
If the engine was sputtering and then when the exhaust starts to come off it makes the engine run better, then there is either a plugged muffler or a plugged catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement). To check this, put the exhaust back...
Burning wire smell coming from the alternator
The howling sound you are hearing is most likely your alternator failing. When it starts to make this kind of sound, this is a sign of the bearings inside beginning to fail (hence the whining noise) or the diodes inside...
Checking new alternator.
You should have a mobile mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you so you do not have to worry about getting stranded on the road with a dead system. Have the engine light on inspected. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-light-is-on-inspection) by the mechanic...
Rotten egg smell, all lights on dash board are on BUT the check engine light is off.
Simultaneous illumination of "all" warning lights on the dash while driving, when there is no underlying fault, indicates an electrical failure. That failure would have to be diagnosed in a warning light diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/warning-light-is-on-inspection). With regard to the check engine...
Replacement for thermostat repair cost is $608.05. Seems very high.
Hi there. Replacing the thermostat housing on a 2008 Mini Cooper requires removal of multiple components and can take quite some time to complete the job correctly. Add the excessive labor to complete this job to the cost of replacement...
I have misfires and cylinder 7 is not firing properly. Also the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced or sensors where is that locate
Misfiring can cause unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter where it will light off in the converter, overheating it and melting the catalyst. Therefore, it is recommended that misfiring be repaired promptly. Causes of misfiring range from ignition to...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
With With some subtle updates, improvements, and increases in size, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler maintains the model’s familiar and rugged look and feel. While the style of the Wrangler may not have changed much, though, its function has definitely been...
Understanding Jeep Oil Change Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Jeep Oil Change Indicator lets you know when and what service your car needs.
Top Automotive News & Stories: October 1-7
BMW i5 images leak, an ultra-lux Jeep, hydrogen-fueled Colorado ZH2, Fisker's electric future, record plug-in sales, NHTSA Road to Zero, and more.