frubsen

hey everyone, just bought a 98 civic ex

and now i'm noticing this intermittent whistling noise while driving. it only stays for 4-5 seconds and goes away. and then comes back maybe 20-30 seconds later. it also seems that if i let off the gas, or give it more gas, it seems to go away quicker.

it sounds like its coming directly in front of the driver under the hood somewhere, i havent been able to open the hood and see if i can hear the sound. it also happened when idling the other day.

i'm thinking maybe the alternator belt needs to be replaced, any thoughts?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

the belt doesn't make that noise. either its alternator whine which would change tone as you accelerate, or it could be something else like transmission or ps pump.

Slow Gold

iTrader: (3)

Yeah have a look at the ps pump.

frubsen

the sound does change pitch as i accelerate, it goes higer, and then disappears

by ps pump, i assume you mean power steering pump?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

yea but if it changes pitch its most likely the alternator. maybe the bearings going out. or it could be noise going to the speakers. does it do this with the stereo off too?

frubsen

yeah, i tried turning everything off, the radio, and the fan and stuff, so its gotta be coming from under the hood

Da1lyDr1ver

iTrader: (6)

do you have an intake? my friend's '96 civic does the same thing. i think its the VTEC.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

but that only whistles above 3k rpms. not during idle.

frubsen

no intake, everything in the car is stock as far as i know

frubsen

it seems to have gone away since i ran the a/c for a bit, so we'll see if that fixed it