Whining Noise Under the Hood

[TheJMan]

Lately, I've noticed that my X has been making a very loud, high-pitched whining sound when I start it up in the morning. It has been doing this for about 2 weeks now that our morning temps are in the low 40s. The whining sound (almost a squeaking) is very loud and goes away once the engine warms up. Could it be bad alternator bearings?

 

[explorer_50]

it could be that you need to replace or adjust the serpetine accesory belt

 

[Hartman]

Sounds like a bad IAC if it's a LOUD whistling.

 

[TheJMan]

About a week ago, I took off the serpentine belt to replace the thermostat, and then put it back on and made sure it was tight. The squeaking noise was there before I worked on it, and it still is, and the belt is only 7K miles old.

 

[explorer_50]

okay...ummm....i dunno..hehe

bad bearings in one of the accesories? (ie a/c, ps, altenator)

 

[dgibson]

Mine does it every now and then when I first crank it up. I know it's not the belt, because when I changed my t-stat, I also did my belt. It quits after about 20 seconds or so, then it doesn't do it anymore throughout the day.

 

[5.0Dad]

Take a look at idler and tensioner pullies. Mine did that only in the mornings when it was cool. Replaced the pullies, no more whining...under the hood that is.

 

[Rhett]

Take a look at the belt tensioner...it might be the culprit.

 

[rfuree11]

My tensioner did that and i was looking like crazy to figure it out, it eventually became too late, and snapped off 75 miles from home and i didnt have any tools, and i would never pay a shop to do something as simple as that . Luckily i have AAA+ and they paid for the tow

 

[ipozestu]

I have a loud whistle but I'm pretty sure mine has to do with a supercharger

 

[5.0Dad]

I have a loud whistle but I'm pretty sure mine has to do with a supercharger

Just had to rub it in didn't you?

Proves some noises are better than others.

 

[BeauJ]

Maybe one of your neighbors hates your explorer soo much they put a SC on it

 

[BradE.]

Mine was the idler pully. Easy to replace, and cheap too.

 

[Fhantazm]

My girlfriend is caught under your hood. Please remove and send her home. Im going hungry.

 

[dinas5pt0]

Had a similar issue w/our 98 AWD 5.0 XLT:

Ford replaced the idler pully and talked me into the serpetine while they were under the hood.

Sounding good.