gdutch

I've got a 99 3.4L 4Runner that I got about a year ago after my Civic was rear ended and totalled. It had about 135k when I bought it, but I've put 22k on it since then. Basically, I'm in love, and now that I have a job (having just graduated from college) I'm looking forward to doing some mods with it. First thing's first though, I need to get it purring, so I need to figure out where this metallic whine is coming from in the engine compartment.

My dad believes a pulley may be misaligned and rubbing, but here are the symptoms:
1.) It occurs usually between 2-3k RPM, and seems to be most audible in 2nd/3rd gear (auto).
2.) It seems to be more noticeable when the engine is cold, but it is still sometimes audible when hot.
3.) It's pretty quiet, most of the time; I can hear it idling if I have the windows down and a wall reflecting my sound back, but under normal driving conditions it can only be heard in the cab when accelerating.

To be fair, I haven't spent a lot of time under the hood trying to diagnose this problem. I'd just like to know if anyone else has ever experienced it and might know what could be causing it.

DD423

search the forums we just discussed this recently and im sure it wasnt the only time

HazMat

Whens the last time you had the timing belt/water pump serviced?

Maybe an accessory belt is too tight and is putting too much tension on a bearing???

gdutch

I believe the timing belt and pump were done at 100k but I should find out for sure. I may have the accessory belt too tight though.

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

I had a similar problem with my '99. The bearing on my AC idler pulley was shot and causing a loud whine at idle and got louder during acceleration. Go to a auto shop and have them stick an automotive stethoscope to all your pulleys and see if they can hear any whining. Could be that or water pump or alternator.. Good luck and welcome to YotaTech

gdutch

Thanks for the tip... Now I've just gotta find a decent repair shop in fort worth!

joecool

My 1997 4runner had a whine all winter it sound like I had a turbo charger I kept thinking it was the throw out bearing(the clutch was going), but just my luck the night before I was going to pull my Ice shack off the lake my lights started going bright and dim and my battery light finally came on I called a buddy from one of the autoparts stores in town and he stopped out and tested it and the altenator was the problem we had tested it the week before and it tested good anyways replaced the altenator and the whine is gone and my 4runner pulled the ice shack home safely. It must of been the bearing in the altenator whinning. It was a great ending to the icefishing season I didn't have to wonder if my rig was going to haul the shack off the lake and it was a lot cheaper fix then I was expecting. hopefully that helps you out.

gdutch

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure it's the ac pulley, so I'm gonna take it in to the stealer on Friday so I can get it taken care of. Normally I'd use a regular mechanic but I don't know of any good ones in the fort worth area yet. I'll post my results.

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

Did you go to automotive shop like meineke or somewhere similar and have them test ur pulleys with an automotive stethoscope? If it is the ac pulley it is literally a 20 min. job with a rachet set. Don't waste your money at the stealership!! You don't even have to jack the truck up. Remove the front skid plate and it's the lowest pulley on the left (looking at the truck) Loosen up the tension bolt so the pulley drops and the belt gets loose, undo the belt, replace the pulley and back track. It's really simple. Pulley can be had to 30 bucks at any automotive retail store.

gdutch

Ok, might just take care of it myself then. My only concern is lack of time, but I think I can do it Friday morning when I'm off.