# Bad bearing whine when engine is started **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** envoy, gmc\ **Created:** [June 2, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-bearing-whine-when-engine-is-started/49738 "2010-06-02T14:37:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Al\_Evans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Al\_Evans](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Al_Evans)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-bearing-whine-when-engine-is-started/49738/1 "2010-06-02T14:37:26Z")
I have a 2004 GMC 4.2 liter Envoy with 60,000 miles on it. Every time I start the engine there is a high pitched whine coming from the left rear of the engine where the starter is usually found. It sounds like a bearing going bad and is only heard after the starter has been engaged and the engine has started. The whine lasts about 20 seconds then slows to a stop like an electric motor, with a bad bearing, has been turned off. If I turn off the engine right away, the whine continues but slows to a stop in five to ten seconds. I can not isolate the noise with a hose to my ear but, it is not coming from the alternator, power steering, water pump or cooling fan. I don’t notice it if I’m in the car with the windows closed. Other than the starter, what else, in that area could cause this noise? ---
**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 3:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-bearing-whine-when-engine-is-started/49738/2 "2010-06-02T15:36:15Z")
Maybe there is something going on with the starter bendix. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-bearing-whine-when-engine-is-started/49738/3 "2010-06-02T15:48:44Z")
Yes indeed…That sounds like the Bendix is hanging up on the ring-gear and after the engine starts, the starter is being spun up to very high speed…The starter will be quickly destroyed if this is allowed to continue…