Whiny Sound?

[revtmuller1]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help identify the whiny high pitched sound that is coming from my 1999 GL 1500. Here is a video of how it sounds.



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Thanks.

[virgilmobile]

I usually point my finger at the timing belt area.Theres always just a bit of noise up there but excessive whine can be bad idlers,belts and belt tention too tight.

[virgilmobile]

Also,if the noise isn't from the front,listen to the alternator.Its on the left rear of the engine.Those bearings can sing too.

[revtmuller1]

Thanks for that. I'll do some investigating in those areas. I do need to change the belts and I'll probably changed out the tensioners too while I am at it.

[WingAdmin]

My 2000 GL1500 has always sounded exactly like that. I've replaced my belts/tensioners, and I've got a relatively new CompuFire alternator. I've heard many other GL1500's sound that way as well. I've never thought it a problem that needed investigating.

[virgilmobile]

That's the reason i mentioned "excessive"..
I guess its all in the ear of the beholder.
The new 1800 that I outfitted with extra lights is noisier than my 88 gl1500.Setting on mine,I don't hear anything like the video shown.just a smooth rumbling engine and a bit of exhaust.
It too has new belts and the OEM alternator serviced.the idlers were cleaned and checked for smooth bearings and running true to the belts.

[revtmuller1]

I did some investigating today and found out via a screw driver held to both the alternator and the housing just ahead of it that the noise is coming from the housing area. Is there anything to worry about?

[virgilmobile]

Just like anybody else,I'd at least have it checked out.Even if it's "normal"...Just for peace of mind.
As I mentioned,my 88 has very little whine from anywhere and the Admin says his sounds like yours...I do have the original alternator and you have a different type.It may be "normal" for yours to whine.
You could pull it with little difficulty and have a shop test it.They usually will do it for free.The alternator does have 2 roller bearings and brushes in it...Perhaps the front bearing is dried out.
I'll try to upload a video of my wing and it's noises as soon as I can.

[revtmuller1]

Thanks, virgilmobile. I appreciate your help.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

I lost my OEM alternator in January. I replaced it with a Lactrical 85A alternator, and was very unhappy with a whining noise that sounds just like yours, and an accompanying vibration. I sent it back for replacement, and the new one was substantially quieter than the first, with the vibration reduced as well. I still don't think the new one is as quiet as the OEM was, but it is acceptable, and certainly puts out a much more solid voltage level than OEM. It's been on for about 2000 miles now, without issue. I don't know which internal part was causing the whine. I suspected bearings. The rubber dampers were replaced at the same time, ruling out that possibility.

[Mh434]

My '97 SE sounds exactly like that...

[revtmuller1]

I'll check out the alternator as soon as I can. In a way it's good to know others of you have the same sound even though I'm not please with the sound. Thanks everybody! I'm still planning on changing the belts and tensioners since I don't know when or if they have been changed yet.

[samwing1500]

My 2000 GL1500 has that same sound.

[gwjturner]

Yes sir, my 2000 SE sounds the same way as well.........................

[Rambozo]

Getting the timing belt tension too tight can often produce a whine.