VS 5 Litre Engine Whine

[shadow6ix]

My 5 Litre has developed a whine/whistle at the front of the engine. It seems to go after 10 or so min of driving and has now started to rattle as well. Cant pinpoint where it is coming from but its around the power steering pump. Has anyone else had this problem? The ute is about to go up for sale and would like to fix it before then.

[Brett_jjj]

You can try removing the fan belt(s) and starting the engine for a few seconds (probably no more than 30 seconds).If the noise is gone you will know its one of the engine accessories.Also spin each pulley by hand and check for roughness in the bearings,it should spin dead smooth.The alternator bearings are a common source of noise when the bearings wear out.Also have a good look at any idler pulleys,the bearings in these wear and they get noisy.And the water pump,give it a very close inspection.There should be no movement in the pump shaft,and it should also spin smoothly.You can also use a long screwdriver to listen to the bearings while they are running(engine running obviously).A worn pulley bearing will be very loud and noisy.You just carefully place the screwdriver on a stationary part of the whatever(idler pulley,alternator etc)that you listening to, and then put the handle of the screwdriver to your ear.You will soon hear a worn out bearing.Safety whilst doing this goes without saying.

[shadow6ix]

Thanks Brett will check them out. Really think its the powersteering pump as i just took it for a drive and it got worse, almost sounds like it has straight cuts lol. Will pull the p/steer belt off and have a look