My 2005 Impala has recently begun a whining noise from what sounds like the engine, particularly when accelerating, turning the wheel,going up a hill. It has always been maintained well, and I’ve had minimal problems thus far. 68K 3.4L Isit just me, or do I have a serious problem?
It Could Just Be You Or You Could Have A Serious Problem.
There are many possibilities, but what I’d do first is to check the power steering fluid if you haven’t, yet. If it’s low, carefully fill to the proper “cold” or “hot” mark with only GM approved power steering fluid.
If that helps quiet the noise, you may have a leak.
This is just one of many guesses. A whining noise will probably have to go to the ear of a competent mechanic.
CSA
Yes…thank you for your idea. I will get to one asap.
There are a few too many things that could produce “whine” to say anything with certainty. CSA’s advice to check the power steering is a good one and fits with the wheel turning part.
One other thing that I know will whine on these cars is the transmission pump. You say “well maintained” but that can mean a lot of different things. Has the transmission ever been serviced? (As in pan drop & filter change). If the transmission does whine and the noise it new it likely indicates that the computer is ramping up the line pressure. Do you get any strange or hard shifting patterns?
Of course, it could also be as simple as an aging bearing on pulley associated with the serpentine belt - or plenty of other things…
Yes…the transmission was checked out within the last year, and there are no problems at all with shifting. Thanks for the suggestions.
Do you have the ability to check for TSB’s? I have worked a bit with the 3.4 (down as far as manifold resealing and externals) and I did not notice that they were (or their accessories) prone to whining. Since you may not have access I will look over TSB’s for you. I wish our site would offer this feature, we are already the best, this addition would make us better. To bad we lost “hellokit” as he was the best with OBDII stuff.
Nothing in TSB’s about engine whine but plenty of other suspects. the best two are serpentine belt puylleys out of alignment and a TSB about GM gathering information on noisy power steering pumps. This is described as a moan or groan and not a whine. I don’t really know what to make of a car with so many TSB’s.