D3 4.0 low pitched whine from front of engine

[nivekau]

Hi guys,

I have looked through the threads about whining noises and none appear to be the same as this issue, so here goes...

My 2007 D3, with 70,000km on the clock, has just developed what I would call a low pitched whine which sounds like it's coming from the front of the engine.

It's def not the A/C compressor, because that makes a different whine, which goes away when the A/C is switched off.

The noise starts almost immediately the engine starts, and the pitch of the noise increases with engine speed, but once the engine speed exceeds about 1500 rpm the engine noise drowns out the whine.

It sounds much worse when the engine is less than 1000rpm or at idle speed.

I'm tending towards the alternator, which seems to get very hot very quickly. Or could it be the belt tensioner idler?

I have uploaded a video on FLickr, hopefully you can hear the whine in the background (the camera seems to amplify engine clatter),
20130817_143849 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/100375455@N03/9529093168/)

obviously any advice or suggestions are welcome

[Scary]

Did you get anywhere with this??

I seem to have what appears to be the same noise.

I am sure it is the alternator as I can wet the belts to make them slip on the alt pulley and it goes away. Once back up to speed the noise is back.

Was it just the bearing behind the pulley or the actual alternator?

[nivekau]

Did you get anywhere with this??

Was it just the bearing behind the pulley or the actual alternator?

Unfortunately it was the actual alternator. I noticed it was getting very hot very quickly and was emitting an electrical burning smell. I couldn't afford for the car to be unreliable, so I took the plunge and ordered a new one.

Swapped them over, problem solved. I bought the alternator from a company in Sydney. I don't have the details to hand but I think it cost about $560.

I'll be back home in a day or so and can dig out the details. Let me know if you need them

[Scary]

Hmm I gave the bearing a re grease last night and it has gone quiet so hopefully that is all it is.

Rover parts is about the same $ for a new one.

Thanks