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Jan 23, 2014 | 12:05 PM

nice1huh

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 702

Likes: 2

From: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Please Help

I have a 2008 A6 Cpe. It has a whine coming from the engine compartment. We have checked the alternator and that is not the cause. Any help would be appreciated if you have had a past experience similar to this. What should I check next? It sounds like a power steering whine but the fluid is ok. With the belts off the whine is gone. I am thinking rack or pump. How can I isolate it?
Thanks in advance,
Gordon

Last edited by nice1huh; Jan 23, 2014 at 12:16 PM.

Jan 23, 2014 | 12:10 PM

EVRose

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 14,475

Likes: 785

From: Las Vegas NV

Power steering pump? Check fluid level.

Jan 23, 2014 | 12:28 PM

Landru

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 10,467

Likes: 1,149

From: Wayne Township WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by nice1huh

It sounds like a power steering whine but the fluid is ok. With the belts off the whine is gone. I am thinking rack or pump. How can I isolate it?

Ruling out the alternator, PS fluid's OK w/ no visible leak & w/ belts off whine's gone? Maybe a bad belt?

How's the harmonic balancer?
Grab the fan IIRC, a bad one will wobble, wobble's visibly apparent with engine running, also.
A search of 'harmonic balancer' will (should) yield a lot of info on HBs including symptom(s). Many have been reported here over the years up to this very day.

Hopefully other more knowledgable members will help isolate this. Good luck, please post the solution when you find out.

Jan 23, 2014 | 12:34 PM

spdkilz911

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 1,732

Likes: 44

From: Richmond TX

Take a look at the balancer. That is a common problem. I have an 08 also and know it's just a matter of time.

Jan 23, 2014 | 02:07 PM

needcheese

Racer

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 475

Likes: 3

From: Jacksonville TX

Does it change with engine RPM? Does the sound change when turning the steering wheel left or right? Any coolant smell from the engine compartment or spots on the floor? Does the belt have cracks on the underside when you bend it?

You can also get a stethoscope with a long skinny metal rod on the end. Place it on or close to areas you think the whine is coming from. I would also check the water pump and idler tension pulley.

Jan 23, 2014 | 04:28 PM

crAzy

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 3,131

Likes: 12

From: Houston Tx

My Ac compressor made a whine noise, but it was at a certain rpm range and got worse over the months. I had to replace the whole compressor and dryer. It was the AC bearing that went out. Also that was with the AC on. When I turned it off it stopped making that whine noise.

Jan 23, 2014 | 10:33 PM

icntdrv55

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 867

Likes: 26

From: SW Ohio

Supercharger?

Jan 23, 2014 | 10:59 PM

anarchy67

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 154

Likes: 0

get a mechanic's stethoscope from harbor freight. they are just a couple bucks and will isolate the sound by putting the tube where you think the noise is coming from. it will nail it down for you