hey guys just started hearing a weird whining noise coming from the engine compartment on my 1997 dodge 1500 318 sport. sounds like it is coming from the front of the motor, like near the belt assembly. only hear it at idle and when im driving slow or taking off slow. maybe I just cant hear I when im going faster because my trucks too loud. I was thinking water pump possibly? it isn't the power steering I know that. I don't know, any ideas?

 

The water pump and alternator can make some weird noises when the bearing in them start going bad, the hard part is trying to narrow it down to which one it is.


There it also a belt tensioner pulley that can make noise when it starts going bad.

 

If you take a really long screwdriver (needs to be long enough that your face isn't in danger) you can put the handle to your ear and tip on the pump or alert air and see if you can hear the sound better through the "stethoscope" to pinpoint the noise, it's worked for me before

 

Think he means alternator. Must be posting from a phone.

 

iPhone always thinks it knows better about what I'm talking about. Yes hey you is right, thank you