Engine whine, bad pulley?

So my truck just started making a loud whine today. The higher the RPM's the louder the whine, whether driving or parked. From what I read this can be a problem after taking it in some deep water or mud, and yes i took it for a dip in a reservoir last weekend, deep enough as to where it started pouring in the passenger side. I noticed some grease or oil around one of the pulleys. Just wondering what you all thought the culprit might be. And will I screw anything up worst than it is if I drive it or should I wait till I get the part to drive it?

 

I would extra clean everything and check all your fluid for water invasion... Check the fluid in your p.s reservoir and see if its milky. Hope you also have the rear diff breather mod done or you'll prob have water in it too.. Its probably okay to drive just check those fluids and clean clean clean!

 

Thanks, ya I changed my rear diff oil yesterday and am ordering the union parts for the diff breather tomorrow. Fluids are fine in the res, so still not sure

 

Do some searches in tw.
I remember seeing some talking about alternator, fan clutch, etc.
Good luck.

 

Alternator or powersteering pump. Alternator more likely if you went through deep water.

Try to pin point the noise with the screwdriver to the ear trick.

 

I had an idle pully go out on my 06 in the past. I went to pick up my buddy and I left the truck running by time he came out it started whinning. It doenst sound like a belt screeching its a distinctive whine. I used to keep my truck in the mud and water and my engine bay looked just like yours lol. Luckily my warranty covered it. I drove it to the dealership and they said it was okay to drive (for two daya) until the part came in. Good luck.

 

It's definitely a whine and not a screech. Sounds like it might be coming from the power steering pump but the whine isn't any better or worst no matter if the wheels turned or not.

 

In my experience the alternator would be my guess.

Get a short piece of water hose and place one end up to your ear and focus the other end near various components and you should be able to pin point the location.

 

Thats a pretty goid idea and it made me chuckle imagining my self doing that

 

Works very well when you do not have a stethescope. I've always used this method to locate noises.

 

I had the same problem 2-3 yrs ago, and it wasn't alternator, belts, a/c clutch or anything else I could think of. It was much more serious - the harmonic balancer rubber center had disintegrated. Less than 30 days later, the Dorman aftermarket replacement let go, and was replaced under the part warranty. It's still OK, but I'm nervous about it.

If the squeak becomes a screech and keeps getting louder and louder, better check the HB.

 

Did the ol hose to the ear trick and I believe it's the no. 2 idle pulley closest to the passenger side, going to pick up a new one at napa tomorrow. Thank you tacomaworld!!

 

Power steering pumps are famous for the whine. May last forever with whine.

 

It was the idle pulley, hooray for no more whine!

 

Next time you may just find it easier to take off the serpentine belt and spin each pulley by hand, the one that feels shitty and makes noise is the culprit. Glad you got it solved. I enjoyed driving mine around like that for a couple days, I was able to delude myself into thinking I was supercharged.