I have a 2007 Caliber that has started to make a whining sound. Sounds a lot like a remote control car. Looked under the hood it is coming from the passenger side of the motor, around the power steering pump. Parked it for a few hours and when we started it again still whined but also had a knocking sound. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks!

 

My first guess would be the clutch assembly on the alternator.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Ill tell my husband!

 

mine is whining too. the mechanic told me that it is the power steering and will cost several hundred dollars to fix. I have had way too many problems with my sxt, I bought in in January of 08 and spent more money than it's worth. Chrysler should do a total recall!

 

What kind of troubles have you had Granny?

 

I had the rack-n-pinion replaced in '08, transmission in '10, I've dealt with too much noise and looseness in the control arm/strut area. Replaced ball joints, twice, once in '10, once this year. I also need to replace the fuel pump, everything with it has to be replaced because this car is designed that way. Had an engine coil go bad, and we can't figure out why. Every day that I drive this car, it sounds like a 20 year old car. The noise from the front between the tires, is like it's gonna break apart any minute! The whining noise is just the icing on the cake. This car is not worth spending any more money on.

 

Sorry to hear that. The transmissions rarely fail, and the engines seem to last a very long time. The front end parts seem to be a bit on the weak side and are usually good for about 80K miles. The coil, they usually just fail for no real reason. More common of Fords than the Dodges it seems.
What's wrong with the fuel pump?

Just a note, our 09 has been trouble free except for one front strut started leaking at 18,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.
How many miles are on your car now?

 

I'm glad the '09 is better, but I own an '07. What will they do about my car? I can't trade it in, unless Chrysler/Dodge will work with me on that.

 

94k, I own an '07, not '09; so I really don't care how well that year is doing.

 

Well, they are basically unchanged from late 06 until the 2009 model.
Have you tried to contact Dodge thru their website to see if they have anything to offer in your situation?
Try this link and go to the "contact us" and tell them your situation. Perhaps they can offer some help. It's worth a shot.

https://www.dodge.com//hostb/crossbrand/owners/en/