Zeppelin340

The last little while my car has been making a whining sound that varies with the RPMs.

I would assume that it's a belt or something? But i have no idea.

It's getting very annoying, anyone know what the problem could be?

BlackMaxdout

is it coming through your stereo system at all? Sometimes the alternator makes whining noises, and since it's electrical, you end up hearing it through your stereo. Other than that, it could be various things under the hood. You really aren't being specific enough.

Zeppelin340

Sorry.. i wish i could be more specific but that's all the info i really have. And would this nose still come out my speakers if they were turned off?

Ramses718

iTrader: (2)

Try turning on your ac and see if it goes away. My car is whining really bad also. I removed my alt belt, started the car and the whining went away. I put the belt back on, changed the tensioner (thanks to a dumb mechanics referal) but the noise is still there. I also changed the alternator since it was bad as well and the noise is still there. Last thing left for me to change is the ac which I'm pretty sure is the problem considering when I turn on the ac the noise goes away. If you can I would recommend taking off your alt belt and starting the car up to see if the noise is still there. It could be your steering pump, hopefully not.

heynow

iTrader: (1)

I think we're trying to diagnose the same issue here

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=491806

MaximaSE96

iTrader: (8)

auto or 5spd

heynow

iTrader: (1)

Well, I'm an AUTO, but it seems to affect the 5spd as well.

99grnmaxgxe

iTrader: (11)

Maybe bad grounds?

Zeppelin340

Mine definitely isn't like that.

I'm gonna try to do some tests today and narrow the problem down. I'll try the alternator belt removal, the AC and also see if the noise still occurs when he car isn't in motion. I never really rev the engine when it's in park or anything, so it might just happen when im driving.

My car is auto btw.

knight71

I had the same issue, I replaced the idler pulley and alternator and noise was still there, My mechanic finally diagnosed the problem, mine was exactly like you described, while the a/c is on, the noise would go away, as soon as you turn it off the annoying noise would come back. He said he took out the a/c compressor and replaced the bearing/clutch. He didn't change out the whole unit just that part. the whole process cost me $240, most of this was labour charges. Good luck!

natty99

iTrader: (6)

same issue, ended up being the bearing in my tranny...got it fixed and now i'm whine free...BTW, got a 5spd

alcatranz518

iTrader: (8)

Prepare Yourself, this is a long one:

Stick your ear up to a speaker in the door and push the gas w/ your hand. (In neutral of course w/ e-brake on or in Park).
Does the sound come from the speaker, or the engine? (It would be the trans or wheel bearing if it only happened while moving.)Chances are
If from the Engine, it is more than likely a Power steering Pump. Check the fluid and smell if smells 'burnt' (You'll know it trust me. If still unsure, smell brake fluid, it smells the same as 'good' power steering fluid) and listen closer to the unit.-Pass side, near firewall.
If coming from center of engine,Pass Side-its a water pump or idler, check antifreeze,is car overheating? if yes its a WP if no and not coming from inside the timing cover, its an idler.
NO? keep reading.
If from the front Pass side-alternator, go to Autopartsstore and have checked.
Only when AC on or off - its ACunit or ACclutch
If from speaker (PROVIDING THE STEREO IS ON - If its OFF, it should make NO noise, but there is always the anomaly), Bad ground or RCA-Where? dunno-could even be in amp or radio.

Other than that I have no idea-I coulda missed something.

Heck it could just be a belt.

But is it a 'whine,' or a 'growl'.

Wow, longest post ever...sorry.

heynow

iTrader: (1)

that's very insightfull, the whine seems to be coming from the driver's firewall side. I guess i'm gonna have to smell my power steering fluid

heynow

iTrader: (1)

Bump.......bump

Zeppelin340

Sorry it's taken me so long to follow up on this thread... my internets been down for a while.

The whining is definitely coming from my stereo. Should i be looking at regrounding my stereo? It's currently just grounded to some metal piece in my dash. I don't have amps, subs, etc., just a new HU.

heynow

iTrader: (1)

well, in my case, the whine doesn't come from the strereo, but it hasn't been doing that at all lately; Even with all the rainy mornings.

Sounbwoy

iTrader: (2)

I would check and maybe find a new ground. I have the same thing but it's more noticeable now which leads me to believe I have another electrical issue somewhere. However, the car starts fine (most of the time) and runs good.