Vehicle making a whining noise when accelerating?
Are you clueless as to why?
Don’t panic — we’ll tell you.
There are several reasons why your vehicle produces a whining noise. While some are quickly resolvable, others require time and a mechanic’s intervention.
Depending on the source, this strange sound could be coming from:
A. Transmission
The transmission carries power from the engine to the wheels, and it may make a whining noise due to:
- Low or contaminated transmission fluid: The transmission fluid lubricates parts of the transmission, reducing friction. When the fluid levels drop (due to a leak) or it gets contaminated, the components experience high friction when they hit against each other, making the whining sound.
- Worn internal bearings: Your transmission’s internal bearings hold the shaft and gear clusters in place, ensuring smooth movement during rotation. However, worn internal bearings create excess space and rough spots between the components, generating a whining sound during rotation.
- Faulty torque converter: The torque converter may emit a whining noise when its functioning is interrupted by low transmission fluid or worn internal bearings.
- Malfunctioning automatic transmission pump: When your automatic transmission pump is faulty, it can’t maintain proper hydraulic pressure, triggering a whining noise.
B. Power Steering
Power steering will make a whining sound when turning due to:
- Low power steering fluid: When the power steering fluid level is low, the power steering pump starts pulling in air, causing a whining sound.
- Worn power steering belt: A worn power steering belt (or serpentine belt for modern vehicles) can trigger this strange noise when it’s loose and slips off the pulley.
C. Engine System
Damaged internal components can produce a whining sound in the engine, such as:
- Faulty alternator belt: Your vehicle may generate a whining sound if its alternator belt, which is worn or damaged, misaligns with the pulley or rubs against its side.
- Vacuum leaks: When air leaks from the engine’s air intake system via cracks, loose connections, or other openings (such as a vacuum hose), you may hear a whining sound.
- Failing water pump: A water pump can produce a whining sound when its internal bearings wear out and can’t support the shaft or pulley for smooth movement.
D. Axle & Driveline
Problems in the axle or driveline can cause a rhythmic whining sound. These include:
- Faulty wheel bearings: If your wheel bearings are worn or damaged, they may rub roughly against each other, producing a whining noise that increases with speed.
- Malfunctioning differential: The differential may make a whining noise if it has low or degraded fluid or worn parts.
If unsolved, these issues can severely damage your vehicle and lead to costly repairs. That’s why you should take your car to a mechanic ASAP if it’s making this sound.
Don’t have time for that?
AutoNation Mobile Service can come to you and fix the issue immediately before the problem escalates.
Want to know more about the whining noise when accelerating?
Keep reading to discover if driving with this noise is safe, how to fix it, the costs, and prevention tips.
This Article Contains:
- Can You Drive with a Whining Sound?
- How to Troubleshoot the Whining Noise
- What are the Costs of Fixing the Whining Noise in Your Car?
- How to Prevent Whining Noise When Accelerating
Can You Drive with a Whining Sound?
While it’s technically possible to drive with a whining sound, it isn’t recommended. If the cause of the sound is severe, like a malfunctioning axle, ignoring it can lead to huge repair costs.
So it’s best you get a mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue when you hear it, especially if the noise is accompanied by:
- Rough acceleration or hard shifts: This indicates your transmission system is failing. If ignored, you may have to replace the transmission system, which can cost $1,500 for manual and over $10,000 for high-performance vehicles.
- Stiff or inconsistent steering: This is a symptom of a failing power steering system. With this issue, you have unpredictable steering control, making it difficult to drive safely.
- Grinding or clunking sounds: Your transmission fluid level may be low. Ignoring this can cause issues (like excessive wear of bearings or the belt) that result in transmission failure.
Now, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot the potential source of the sound based on when it occurs.
How to Troubleshoot the Whining Noise in Your Car
Determining when the whining sound happens can help you narrow down the cause:
- During acceleration: A faulty torque converter is probably the source.
- While turning: A low-power steering fluid can be blamed.
- At idle: A malfunctioning torque converter can make this sound.
- On startup: A worn serpentine belt or faulty water pump could be the culprit.
However, you’ll need a mechanic to make a more accurate diagnosis. Here’s what they’ll do:
- Check fluid levels: If steering, transmission, and differential fluid levels decrease frequently, your mechanic will look for leaks and use stop-leak additives. However, if the fluid is contaminated, they may flush the systems before refilling.
- Inspect the bearings, belts, and hoses: Check for wear or damage in bearings, belts, and hoses, and replace them if necessary.
- Monitor charging system and water pump: Check the charging system (including battery and alternator) to ensure it’s in good condition. They’ll also inspect the water pump for wear, cracks, or other damage that could reduce engine performance.
Once your mechanic identifies the issue, they’ll recommend replacing or repairing the damaged component. Let’s look at how much it will cost you.
What are the Costs of Fixing the Whining Noise in Your Car?
Here are some estimates (including labor) for fixing the whining sound, depending on which components need replacing:
A. Transmission
- Flush transmission fluid: $120 to $250
- Replace transmission bearings: $300 and $1,500
B. Power Steering
- Replace power steering fluid: $60 and $125
- Flush power steering fluid: $170 to $205
- Fix power steering leak: $500 to $650
- Replace power steering belt: $110 to $245
C. Engine System
- Replace alternator belt: $110 to $210
- Replace vacuum hose: $12 to $202
- Replace intake manifold: $200 to $1,500
- Replace brake booster: $325 to $1250
- Replace water pump: $678 to $811
D. Axle & Driveline
- Replace wheel bearings: $50 to $120
- Replace differential oil: $180 and $320
Luckily, there are ways to avoid these expenses in the future.
Keep reading to find out.
How to Prevent Whining Noise When Accelerating
Here are a few steps you can take to maintain your vehicle and prevent it from making a whining noise:
- Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns, which may exert more pressure on various vehicle components and accelerate wear. You should also drive carefully over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces to minimize impact on the axle and steering components.
- Look for early signs: Always check for puddles under your car, worn belts, and low fluid levels to catch common issues that cause whining sounds early. Addressing them at the initial stage can prevent further damage.
- Ensure timely maintenance: Take your vehicle to a mechanic at regular intervals (as per your owner’s manual) for service. Also, follow the timelines for preventive services like oil changes, tire rotations, transmission fluid changes, coolant replacement, etc.
Quiet Your Ride with Expert Mobile Repairs
Anything from worn bearings to contaminated fluid can trigger a whining noise in your vehicle. Over time, this could severely damage the vehicle’s systems and affect its performance.
Fortunately, AutoNation Mobile Service can help you!
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution offering a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and easy online booking for all repairs.
Contact us to diagnose and eliminate the whining noise for a safe and convenient drive.