2009 Vibe Whining Noise

[raider64]

I have a 2009 Vibe that is making what I would describe as a whining noise, but only when my foot is on the accelerator. When I am driving down the road (say at 40 MPH) and then take my foot off of the accelerator, the noise will stop within 1-2 seconds. To give more information, the transmission is shifting fine, fluid level is up, and condition of the fluid is good. After hearing what I thought was a similar noise coming from the alternator, I replaced it with a rebuilt one from Rock Auto. Still hearing the noise. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should check next? Maybe the water pump? Has anyone had a similar problem? Thank you in advance for any help! I use this car for a delivery route, so keeping it on the road is very important to my income.

[Chiadog]

Hard to be certain, but it sounds like a trans-axle problem, possibly a bearing. I think my first gen 05 auto drops out of overdrive when I release the throttle at mid to high speed. This seems to take about 1 second. Dropping out of overdrive may transfer the load to different gears (4th?) and bearings and bad or worn bearings make noise only when loaded as they begin to go bad. Consider having a competent mechanic have a listen!
Try turning off the overdrive (button on shift lever on gen 1) and repeat your test again at 40 mph - see if the noise happens instantly upon throttle release (no lag dropping to 4th gear as it is already in 4th gear), instant noise likely means a bad transmission bearing. I hope I've made myself clear. Let us know what you find.

[Nasmfell]

I don't know if the electric steering uses power steering fluid, if it does have you checked it?