I have an 03 Monte Carlo SS with a 3.8L that has 56K miles. I just starting hearing a whine, that gets louder with engine rpms. I took off the alternator (it was charging fine) but it had a squeak, so i thought the bearings where going bad. The alternator was also getting hot. Well I changed the alternator and the noise still exist. I took off the serpentine belt and ran the engine for a few minutes and it did not make the sound. Anyone have previous experience or what could be wrong.


Thanks

 

Don't just worn out belts make that sound a lot? I suppose if not that, it's gotta be something the belt is driving. Maybe a pully for something or other? Sorry I'm not much help, just trying to get the creative juices flowing for those that are.

 

agree with endo.the serptine belt could be the problem.you can go to auto zone to have them check the alternator.the belt could have to much play.wish i could be of more help.

 

When I had that whine (2000 SS, 3.8) changing the belt fixed everything. I would just change it anyway, if you never have.

 

i have 2001 monte and the car engine make sound just for couple minutes when first starts in morning but on my truck it wines all the time in the belt area so i was told to put some soap on inside of belt just like bar soap and it worked but my car i have not figure out yet

 

your belt might be cracked, and until it warms up and starts to stretch properly it will make a sound.

take a close look at your belt, and if there are hairline cracks all around it, touch it, see how stiff it is when it's cold.

I would replace it, you don't want it to snap the day you are on the highway. It's cheap and easy to fix, especially compared to what would happen if it snapped when you drove.

 

Well, the new gator back serpentine belt did not help either. I do not know what it is. Either the water pump or belt tensioner I guess. This is getting to be an expensive guessing game. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

something i do to find noises in the engine compartment is use a hose from a shopvac and putone endup to your ear. use the other end to listen to different components under your hood. you will have to cover your other ear to be able to hear well through the tube. this is just an idea. my 01 has the same problem when it first starts for just a few seconds. i have never messed with it cause i just assumed it is the tensioner. my parents have an 03 silverado and it squeeks all the time it is the tensioner.

 

I tried the same thing with a broom handle, thought the alternator sounded like the bearings were going bad....nope. Well the noise hasn't gotten any worse, so I am not going to put money into it until it does.


Thanks for the suggestion