I have the 2.0L Turbo and I know they have a bigger alternator than the 2.2L and 2.4L. I was wondering if anyone would know the cause of the alternator, pulley, belt area which is making a whining sound? It's definetly coming from the passenger side. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Could it be the a/c compressor?

 

Being VERY CAREFUL, use a bar of soap against the underside of the belt. If the noise stops, it's the belt. If not, look to the alternator, the tensioner, the A/C compressor. Or of course, anything that may be out of place and rubbing against the belt and/or moving components.

 

Is it most noticable when the engine is cold, and becomes less noisy when the engine heats up?

 

Are you sure it isn't the turbo whining?

 

Yes, both you guys are right, it's not the alternator, it's coming more from the block and it's worse on a cold start, but is still there even after 30 minutes of cruisin'. I'm still confused on what it could be.

 

Get a big ****ing screwdriver and carefully probe it out with screwdriver next to your ear..... Old school mechanics stethoscope....... Just don't touch anything moving please. Best to place the screwdriver on a bearing point, then listen, lift your head and move it to the next position and then listen, etc..... (and if you have any kind of long hair don't go instantly bald..... seen that happen a few times.... OW!)

I've usually been able to pinpoint the faulty bearing this way on other designs, haven't had any issues with this one yet, but the theory would be the same.