While changing my oil a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally spilled a little oil onto the alternator in the area where you can see the copper wire. Around the same time i started noticing that I could hear a whining noise ONLY while accelerating. I cant tell if the noise is happening at higher speeds because of the inherent road noise, but it is there up until at least 45 mph. I can sit in park and I don't hear the noise. But if I put the car in Drive and keep my foot on the brake and give it some gas, I can hear it. It does not make the noise in P or N. I had the drive belts, timing belt, and water pump replaced about a week before I changed the oil if that helps. I also flushed the trans fluid right after the oi changed. This is my 4th time doing the trans fluid and I never had a problem before

Could the belt be too tight and putting extra pressure on the alternator?

Could it be the transmission?

It doesn't sound like the power steering pump, the whine is there regardless of the steering wheel being turned.

Any ideas?

99 4Runner 3.4L 2wd Auto 180K

Thanks!

 

bump.

 

OK I think I have bad news...i just noticed that the noise changes pitch when the shifts take place. Could flushing the transmission caused some kind of damage? I have done it before without incident. I checked the fluid and it is a tick low, but nothing major. Hmmm...I am still hoping it is the alternator...but it isn't looking good.

 

bump again...any ideas good folks of YT?

 

I got confirmation of a bad bearing in the tranny. $2200 for the complete job. Sound like a reasonable price?