Car assistance please

**Trinity** · 07-03-11, 06:52 AM

Last night I started up my car (2000 Ford Focus) and was driving out when I heard
a sudden whining noise and an audible spinning (maybe I can get on Vent tonite and
give a better idea). Car still was running and I could drive it but I decided to park it instead of possibly doing further damage.

My first guess is that a belt broke or maybe the alternator is going out (though I didn't notice any power loss).

So if anyone has any ideas I'd much appreciate it. I'll post up more if I find anything out after checking it over today.

Thanks!!

**DJ Ms. White** · 07-03-11, 07:15 AM

Deathgodchu, I choose you!

**HeavyG** · 07-03-11, 03:41 PM

Does it whine when you are turning the wheel? Could be low on power steering fluid, which you can refill, but likely means bad pump. Actually, we would need more info.

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**deathgodusmc** · 07-03-11, 10:30 PM

I need more information. Is the whining consistant even when the rpms change? Is the ac still working? Does it stop when the engine shut off or slightly after? Heavy is also correct with the power steering pump idea. Ford is notorious for whinning pumps. Even a new one out the box can whine.

First check a couple things. See if there is any play in the ac pulley. Meaning the pulley itself and the front part. Thats the clutch for it and if its going bad it can do 1 of 2 things. It can either get tighter which locks up the whole assembly and shreads the belt or it can get loose which will cause free spin.

Check power steering fluid level and for leaks. Remember power steering fluid is basically transmission fluid and is flamable. So if the exhuast gets up to temp it can combust. Which i have seen twice.

Another item is the fan. Your should be electric and if im not mistaken you only have 1. So if you run your heater or ac at any level it should turn on at the same time and run continuesly. Maybe the motor is going bad and thats the noise your hearing. It would be a first for me but stranger things have happened.

A broken belt could be an issue but normally it isn't associated with a noise but a lack of accessories working. Alternators dont ussually make any noise when they are going bad. This is because the internals are really nothing more then copper wire spinning inside around magnets. Ussually that part never fails its the regulator that does but i've heard a few whine over the years. Normally is on a vehicle thats been sitting for a while.

**deathgodusmc** · 07-03-11, 10:32 PM

Also is it a stick shift? I have seen many throw out baerings start making a whine right before they start to chatter and then fail. Easy way to tell. Just start and push the clutch. If the noise changes then its a distinct possibility.

**MRUBEENHADD** · 07-03-11, 10:41 PM

Your blinker fluid is low .. its no biggie

**Bulletshell** · 07-03-11, 10:48 PM

could also be the belt tensionor it all depends on where the whining is coming from. with not really enough information about when it does it we would all just be speculating the many problem areas.

**Kraker Jak** · 07-04-11, 03:58 AM

Check the kanooter valve, fords are notorious for blowin out the kanooter valve.

Lol, no, death hit it right, sounds to me like one of ur pulleys, belt, or power steering pump

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**xis** · 07-04-11, 05:19 AM

Its the sound of the TGP banned players. Some how your car has channeled their voices from under your hood.

**Trinity** · 07-04-11, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by MRUBEENHADD

Your blinker fluid is low .. its no biggie

I've been looking in all the stores and all I can find is headlight fluid, strange isn't it. maybe I can use it for both.

I'll check out those things you listed deathgod. I have a sad feeling it's the throw out bearing. Now that you'd mentioned it I remember noticing a change in noises when I'd put the clutch in (even before this nasty bit). I had told myself before that the clutch was probably going out. Dammit, I'm almost positive now that's what it is. that would explain the other noise aside from the whining.
I'll rule out the other issues you mentioned though. thanks for the help.