Whining While Accelerating?

[ashleybritt586]

Hey there...hope someone can answer this.

So I have a 1999 Accord LX with 160K miles (no new tranny as far as I know...I bought it at 115K) and when I accelerate, I hear this whining noise. It usually stops once I've hit 3rd gear, but it's still worrying me.

Just so there's a little knowledge of the history that might help:
Recently (150K miles) I had to replace the water pump, thermostat, a heater hose, the radiator, the alternator. And just last weekend I replaced the valve cover gasket and the spark plugs...so I'm kinda at a loss as to what to do. When I had all the coolant system problems, the coolant would spray over the engine if I drove it. I don't know if the coolant got on something important or not. I had the transmission serviced (fluid drain) and the guy said that the fluid was fine.

Please help! I don't want my car to randomly die on me

[nehonda]

Which engine does you car have - 4 cyl?
What brand of ATF did you mechanic use?
When did the whine start? Before or after the recent work?
Do you hear the whine when you are not moving and rev the engine (transmission in park)? If so then it is is probably engine related - power steering, alternator, etc. If it whines only when moving then it could be a wheel bearing or transmission related.

[ashleybritt586]

It's the 4 cyl, and I'm not too sure what brand he used TBH. The whine started shortly after the old radiator got a crack in it and started spewing the coolant, which is why I've been thinking that the fluid got on something...not sure though. I had the alternator rebuilt before I replaced the radiator...so I'm fairly certain that it's not this. I haven't tried to rev it in park (yet....will do later today after work).

[SatinSilver]

Only rev it after the car has warmed up. After work when you drive home. Rev it when you get home.

[ashleybritt586]

So I revved it when I got home....It whines while in park...Now what?

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by nehonda

If so then it is is probably engine related - power steering, alternator, etc. If it whines only when moving then it could be a wheel bearing or transmission related.

I say power steering also. Especially for the age of your car.

[SatinSilver]

You've had alot of parts replaced. Why not ask the person that did all the work to it recently? Otherwise, see if you can post a sound clip of it on here or post a youtube video with a link on here.

[ashleybritt586]

Actually, I've done all the work myself (with the exception of the water pump...timing belts make me nervous). I'll see if there's a way I can post something.

[CDsDontBurn]

Is your car MT or AT? I take it that you have an AT since you say "park".

If AT then it could be the torque converter. A while after (like 35k miles after) my transmission was rebuilt, it started to make a whining noise similar to what you described. I had the fluid drained and filled shortly after and the noise remained. My mechanic said it was nothing to really worry about especially since I had just done the fluid change. He explained it as a "minor" issue with the torque converter that won't cause any mechanical problems.

But since you say the noise still happens while in park, imna say that its your PS system. More than likely you have a leak with your PS system causing the fluid level to drop and then you get that noise after the PS fluid gets low enough.

[StdDeviation]

my girlfriend whines whether she is parked or accelerating....

[stiller fan]

Originally Posted by StdDeviation

my girlfriend whines whether she is parked or accelerating....

solution: no g/f for 6 years....

problem solved!!!!

[ashleybritt586]

PS Fluid level is good though. Right now, it's at full and still the noise persists.

[DonutLimo]

2 things I had done to find I have a noisy PS pump:

-Isolate systems by removing accessory belts. (Some aftermarket belts also have ribs that could whine. Found that out after switching out a 'goodyear gatorback' belt for OEM)

-See if you can locate the noise by putting an ear to the handle of a long screwdriver while touching the tip to various parts of the engine where the noise seems to be coming from.

You may have to drive the car around the block to verify any changes. Things always sound different inside compared to under the hood.