I have a distinct whine from the engine compartment that increases in loudness with engine rpm. My guess is the power steering pump is doing this. It steers fine at low speeds and higher rpms and such. The fluid is where it should be, so I want to definitely make sure its that before I go out and buy a new pump. Could anything else cause this noise and how long should something like this take to replace. Thanks

- Brian

 

The belts are known to make noise too. You can pick up a can of belt dressing and lightly spray it on the belt and see if the noise goes away. If it does, you know it's the belt and REPLACE the belt. Belt dressing is only temporary relief.

 

Im gonna try that but i dont hear any noise at idle but only when its revved. I replaced the belt when I did the heads/cam swap last summer, but it whined before that also. lol.

 

Was your issue the belt or power steering? I have the same symptoms. Thanks

 

One really good way to QUICKLY (as in don't take too long or drive around) figure out if its something other then the engine would be to remove the belt completly. Start the car, if squeek is gone.. there ya go.

My squeek ended up being bearings in my Alt. going out, replaced alt and alls well.

Belt dressing is a momentary fix, it wears off in seconds(most brands). Use the armor-all spray, yes the interior protectant spray, works and lasts!

 

If the belt is squeaky, remove the belt clean the pulleys and install a new belt. Spraying anything on the belt is a waste of time.

The alternator or p/s could whine (or even perhaps the belt tensioner), so you might have to do a little more detective work.

 

I had to replace my alt. and belt tensioner pulley, then it got nice and quiet.

 

My buddy had a 96 SS that would squeal on the 2 to 3 shifts at high rpm's. It took forever to figure out what the cause of the squeal. Guess what, idler pulley ! Put a brand new GM unit on the car and it fixed it immediately.