Whining noise on a 1998 Windstar 3.8L

I have a whining noise that I thought was coming from either the power steering pump or alternator. Both have been replaced and the whining is still there. My mechanic is stumped also. Any ideas?

Use a piece of dowell or hose like a stethoscope and listen to the idler pully and water pump. If the noise isn't from these guys you will want to listen to the rest of the drive train, transmission, etc. When does the noise occur? While driving, idling, in gear, out of gear?
Be careful when listening, moving parts can remove fingers very quickly.

The Idler pulley is right under those 2 items.....
Was making noise on my car.
Bolt turns Counter-clockwise to remove (like a normal bolt)....on my '96 3.8L.
Was a bear to break loose.

Use a piece of dowell or hose like a stethoscope and listen to the idler pully and water pump. If the noise isn't from these guys you will want to listen to the rest of the drive train, transmission, etc. When does the noise occur? While driving, idling, in gear, out of gear?
Be careful when listening, moving parts can remove fingers very quickly.

Thanks for the reply. The noise occurs when idling and increases pitch when the engine revs. My mechanic said he didn't think it was the idler pulley, but I'm not so sure that it isn't.

The Idler pulley is right under those 2 items.....
Was making noise on my car.
Bolt turns Counter-clockwise to remove (like a normal bolt)....on my '96 3.8L.
Was a bear to break loose.

Thanks for the response. I think it could be the idler pulley also. Of course, I would have liked to know for sure before I replaced the alternator and power steering pump...that's the breaks I guess. Thanks again.

Hey, i had the same problem with whinning, and it turned out to be the idler pulley, it cost me 30$ canadian at carquest. It's an easy fix, takes maybe 20 mins from start to finish, alot cheaper than an alternator or steering pump

I replaced the power steering, and alternator....even had the alternator be the cause of an identical sound....but this last time.....it was the idler pulley. It is really hard to tell which item it is as they are all so close together......on the same bracket.

I have similar whinning sound. Recently had the power steering pump and the belt tensioner replaced. Alternator was replaced few month back.

Mechanic told me he will check the engine mounts. does not make sense to me. Any tips?

By the way this van sucks. I had defects every 5-10 k after 50 k. I have just 90 k on this van and feel like throwing it.

This forum had really been helpful to me in getting rid of most of the troubles with my van without major expenses. Thanks everyone for help.

I replaced the power steering, and alternator....even had the alternator be the cause of an identical sound....but this last time.....it was the idler pulley. It is really hard to tell which item it is as they are all so close together......on the same bracket.


Thanks for the info. I believe I'm going to go with the idler pulley replacement. Sounds cheap/easy enough to replace. Of course, it will be a lot cheaper than the alternator and the power steering pump was!! I'll let everyone know if the idler pulley was the problem. Sounds to me like this is a common problem on the windstar.