Thread: Constant whine... Engine related?

SWMBO in the passenger seat?

On a serious note...
Does it sound like a belt or a pulley perhaps? although they're more of a squeal.

It could be described as a squeal I suppose. Maybe even like a squealing drill... Did a sound recording on my phone on the way home from work today but it was super distorted. I'll try again tomorrow.

Congrats in the new car!
Definitely check all your belts as a first check.
Other than that I'm not sure what it could be but sure someone on here can help you get to the bottom of the noise.
Lots of good experiences people.

Hi MrNeil,

300Tdi - my first guess would be the serpentine belt tension pulley bearing, even the clutch in thing sounds familiar (no load on idle, squeal when revved).

Might be a replaceable bearing (it is on the Td5), but I've always ended up replacing the tensioner itself (they seem to go on or around every 80,000km - 100,000km). Reasonably cheap and easy fix (much cheaper if you have means to mess with the bearing itself).

Discovery 300 TDI fan belt tensioner - Also Defender on eBay!

Cheers,

Lou

I've the exact same problem on my td5 not sure if it could be different bit it's the fan roller bearing on timing case. It's getting worse but keep putting money into other things, can't wait to hear the noise difference when fixed..

Check the turbo hoses for leaks or splits, regards Frank.

Thanks for the pointer Loubrey. I'm going to try spray misting with water at the weekend to see where that gets me. This post :-

300 TDi serpentine belt sqealin!

Suggests spraying the serpentine belt with water can help pinpoint if it's a belt or bearing problem. That's if it's a serpentine problem of course!

Hopefully it is as its a very easy inexpensive fix.

I've owned 3 no 300Tdi's in the past and the symptoms you describe is almost an exact match for that tensioner bearing. Obviously if the car doesn't make the sound when stationary (idling or revving) it might be mechanical, but lets keep fingers crossed its not!

Tank's suggestion is good as well, but you usually feel the drop in power almost before you hear the turbo hose split.

If the water thing doesn't give you a definitive answer, try some WD40 or similar on the tensioner bearing (or as close as you can get to the sealed bearing and avoid the belt itself). If it gives you even a hint of quieting down (it won't last) you've found your whine.

Cheers,

Lou