I hear a whining noise only at 2400 rpm. It happens whether the car is stationary or moving, with the engine running or the clutch engaged. I have had this issue since I bought the car three years ago, but otherwise everything is fine. Any advice would be appreciated
Since the sound is not affected by whether the car is moving or not, clutch engaged or not, it wouldn’t seem to be a drivetrain or transmission issue, nor road noise. I would look into a vacuum leak. Vacuum leaks can produce certain sound pitches/frequencies which are only present at distinct levels of airflow, hence its occurrence at that precise RPM. Have a smoke test done to either confirm or rule that out as a source.
Pull the interior rear cover and check the serpentine belt, it’s unlikely that it would be RPM specific, but if it’s near the mileage anyway, replace it and look around with it running while you’re in there.
Thank you, I will try the smoke test. is it possible it is a problematic intake manifold actuator?
Thanks for the reply. I have changed the belt and tensioner pulleys. car only has 26,000 miles
Yeah, that was a longshot for sure, I was just trying to think of things that wouldn’t cost you to look at. Is there a reason you changed all of those things at 26K or were you just trying to chase the same noise away? Is there any way you can make a sound clip ? That too is a longshot, but you never know. Maybe we could think of other things you could check free before you dig in.
You can even take a shortcut before resorting to the smoke test. If you have an assistant, try removing the engine covers and have the assistant rev the engine through a range of RPM’s, concentrating on the 2400 rpm threshold. Maybe your ear can direct you to the source. Cheap and easy, saves you from the cost of a smoke test unless you already have the equipment. Keep us posted.
I actually changed them at 12,000 miles when I bought the car. The pullies I changed have grease that dry's over time and were noisy so I changed them. Also changed all the fluids and plugs and coils (which were still perfect). Thanks, I will take a sound clip and post.
I have not done that but will give it a try
An inexpensive mechanics stethoscope is a vital tool for the DIYer.
Harbor Freight
has them for very small money (usually under $5) and they are wonderful for tracking down elusive noises.
Just sayin - rather than throwing parts at it based on Interweb guesses... the stethoscope might lead you right to the source. DO not try listening to belts with it...
Thanks will give it a try - I have one - just need some young ears to listen for me.
