What could this be?

[BAmes79]

Hey everyone, I've been using GenVibe for a while and finally officially joined. This is a great site! I have a 2009 Vibe base, auto, with the 1.8L, I've added the GT spoiler and black 5 spoke TRD 18" rims that were optional with the Scion TC. Just recently it started making a whining/whirring noise. It makes the sound of power steering pump that is low on fluid but PS is not effected and it doesn't change as you steer back and forth, I've pretty much ruled that out (but I could be wrong). It's there at idle, but when you rev it, it gets louder. In drive, it gets louder as RPM's increase. It does it no matter what gear it is in and does not make the sound when its just rolling with the engine off (so I've ruled out wheel bearings). It really sounds like a bearing somewhere. Its coming from the passenger side in the engine bay, I want to say from one of the bearings/accessories on the serpentine belt. I replaced the alternator to see if it was that, it wasn't. The transmission was replaced at 65,000 miles (I'm now a month out of warranty, of course) so I'm hoping its not that. Performance seems to be the same across the board, its just that annoying sound that makes your car sound like something is wrong with it that really bothers me. I haven't taken it to the dealership, I figured I'd consult the experts here first. Any ideas out there as to what it could be or where to start?? Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[lannvouivre]

Have you turned the pulleys by hand? You may be able to feel it if something's not quite right.

I have a similar whine issue with my A/C compressor. Drives me crazy. I drive around with the A/C off a lot because I find the compressor sound to be so intrusive.

EDIT: That's just my idea, I am really inexperienced.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe. Sounds like this Vibe took some abuse in it's early years A tranny replaced at only 65k, and now engine noises ??? Was this Vibe wrecked? Stolen or in a flood? Rental car for it's first 36k of miles? Something doesn't sound right here. The tensioner pulley could be the culprit also. Let us know here and post pics when you get a chance

[BAmes79]

Thanks for the input so far. It could be the a/c compressor, although it makes the sound whether the a/c is on or not. Tpollauf, I'm afraid this Vibe may have taken some abuse in its early years...it was a fleet car for about 50K miles. I've bought 2 cars from this fleet before (an 05 Matrix and 06 Elantra) and have had good experiences with them, this one may have just been driven hard, although I know all proper maintenance was done. The tensioner pulley will be my next project, hopefully that is it!

I'll have to load a couple pics on to this computer, I unfortunately don't have any really good ones, I'll have to get a couple though to post up! Please post any other ideas or experience with the issue I'm having! Thanks!!

[thebarber]

water pump?

[BAmes79]

water pump?

That's true, I'll see if I can eliminate the tensioner and the water pump would probably be next cheapest. Do you guys think I can rule out the transmission since it makes the sound even in park when the transmission isn't technically engaged?

[thebarber]

what side of the car does the noise come from? id run the car, pop the hood and have a listen(even if you need someone else to man the gas/tranny)

[vibenvy]

I want to see some pictures of this 2009 Base Vibe! The black TRD wheels intrigue me...