Strange sound, especially when cold

Hate to jump in with a whole new thread, but I didn't find anything while perusing the site.

I have a bone stock '03 2WD PreRunner w/ 121k miles on it. I've owned it since '05. Love it, and have never had a single problem.

However, last few months it's making a strange and very annnoying sound, especially when cold. The sound seems to go almost, or completely away, by the time I get to work (25 miles / 35 minutes commute)

Hard to describe, almost sounds like a medium to high pitched whining sound. The intensity, or speed of the sound, increases when I press the accelerator.

I had the timing belt repalced about 20k miles ago. Could it be worn belts? Any other suggestions? Thanks for any insight. Wish I knew this site existed all these years.

 

Is the sound coming from under the hood or in the cab?

 

Definitely not the cab. Under the hood, front end of the truck.

 

A VERY common failure that creates the sound you are talking about is a failed AC idler pulley bearing. Just something to look at.

 

A/C idler pulley bearing like someone mentioned would be my first guess. Loosen the belts enough so you can spin the pulley or shoot some kind of oil into it to see if the sound goes away. Lowest pulley right behind the radiator.

 

Nice, thanks for the advice.

BTW, BamaToy, I'm glued to your signature video. OMG

 

I would check the ac idler like stated above. If that doesn't fix it I would check to make sure all your belts are tight if no luck check your alternator, power steering, etc anything that spins. And also check your power steering fluid level. On my old Toyota when the power steering fluid would get low it would whine really bad.
Good luck

 

my truck does it in the ac bearing but its not hurting anything right now so i just turn the radio up.

 

My truck does it in the mud.....but that is another story.....

 

if you use Mobile one or HK oil filter, change and see if problem goes away.

 

Dammit if this doesn't sound familiar... Yea check all belt tension and especially check that A/C pulley

 

It doesn't look like it's been mentioned... You should also listen to your power steering pump. If it's going out it will make that noise. An easy way to check is turn your wheels at idle when it's noisy. If they noise changes, you've found your problem.