Strange whining sound....

[Flynboy747]

Today, when I was driving home from work, I noticed a whining noise in my car, but decided it was probably the radio. Since it was raining, I noticed that my windshield wipers were wiping the windshield unusually slower than normal. Soon, my headlights turned on as it was getting dark, and I noticed that my dash lights were dimmer than normal. Then, when I came to a stop, I noticed the whining noise wasn’t the radio, which seemed to be the loudest when idling. I checked my power steering fluid and its fine. I’m thinking it might be the alternator as my accessories seem to be affected by this strange sound. Does anyone have an idea as to what the problem is???? Is it safe to drive around? Thanks in advance for your help...

[Jchiasson]

Originally posted by Flynboy747
Today, when I was driving home from work, I noticed a whining noise in my car, but decided it was probably the radio. Do you and the wife/girlfriend carpool? :lol:
Sorry couldn't resist.

[Jchiasson]

Safe yes/no, it doesn't sound like a safety issue but leaving it alone could leave you stranded. Sounds like a bearing is gone in the alternator....
As a preliminary... to quote Rick...
GA Batt Cable Service

Battery cable ends must be clean and tight and shiny bright.
Even the best new alternator and the best new battery can't provide adequate power (volts and amps) if the connections are so dirty/loose/corroded that power doesn't flow thru them.
Bad connections will also kill both the alternator and the battery very quickly.

So, inspect/clean/repair/replace/tighten both ends of both cables to provide maximum flow of electrical power.
Disconnect cables: NEG (Black) first, then POS (Red).
Cut the molded rubber boots from the battery connections, since water seeps thru them and corrodes the copper wire into useless powder (This step is VERY important. You can't just look at the outside and think, "They look alright".)

Dissolve corrosion with a paste solution of baking soda and water, applied with an old toothbrush.
Scrape/sand/wire-brush all the metal (cable ends and batt terminals) to shiny metal.

Pay attention to the Body Ground: This is a smaller Black (Neg) wire that comes from the battery terminal and attaches directly to the bodywork, somewhere near the left (Driver) side hood edge. This is a source of rust, and must be kept clean and shiny.

Reconnect cables: POS (Red) first, then NEG (Black); this is OPPOSITE of the way you disconnected them, and prevents accidental short-circuiting if a wrench slips.
Replace the cut-off boots with new aftermarket slip-on rubber boots to protect against short-circuiting while allowing for future inspection and service.
Short-circuiting, whether at the battery or down at the starter = sparks, 'splosions, calls to 9-1-1, etc. Try to avoid doing this.

Weird things happen to GA's when the cables aren't in pristine shape.
It's necessary and cheap (or even free!), so there's no downside to servicing them immediately.

Good luck.
-Rick

[Flynboy747]

Hahaha. Great, this sounds like something i should do. Thanks for the help!

[bdlitzne]

I have a built in notch filter that completely eliminates all the whining I hear on a day to day basis. It's amazing how much I can tune it out! It did take several years to perfect however.

Bern

Originally posted by Jchiasson
Do you and the wife/girlfriend carpool? :lol:
Sorry couldn't resist.