Organik1

After having my PS pump, starter, and engine mounts changed I noticed a loud humming-groaning noise coming from the engine bay. You hear it more from inside the car... but also from the outside while at idle. I noticed with the windows down it audible at low speeds too. Alternator? Torque converter maybe? Unsure.. was hoping the vid may help identify the sound. Really looking at making this a daily driver for the summer. Thanks for looking.

sdls

Almost sounds like the engine fan. I damaged the fan clutch once in one of my LS400s while doing the timing belt. The result was that it pretty much locked in to running the fan at 100 percent of the engine speed, leading to a tremendous roar. Does the noise go away if you take the serpentine belt off? Might be worth checking that out.

Organik1

Thanks for the reply. I never considered the engine fan. I’ve been thinking the alternator because so much power steering fluid leaked on it, but no symptoms of my alternator going out. No smoking, no loss of power, no squeaking... just a loud roar/whining/groaning. Increases when I move the gear selector and steering from left to right. Power steering pump was replaced a week ago.



QUOTE=sdls;11018007]Almost sounds like the engine fan. I damaged the fan clutch once in one of my LS400s while doing the timing belt. The result was that it pretty much locked in to running the fan at 100 percent of the engine speed, leading to a tremendous roar. Does the noise go away if you take the serpentine belt off? Might be worth checking that out.[/QUOTE]

sdls

This might sound strange but have you checked the steering fluid level? Since you say the roar increases when the steering wheel is turned, it seems like that the new PS pump is also worth looking at.

Organik1

Checked the fluid. Level is good.. fluid looks brand new. This is an odd one. I’m thinking it can’t be too serious though. Doesn’t appear to be effectiving the engine or transmission. I have someone coming by in an hour to give it a second look. Hopefully we can figure this out. Missing out on some sunny days. Perfect cruising weather over the last few days.

Organik1

Problem solved. Turns out the hose from the power steering pump to the reservoir was pinched. Not completely, but enough to obstruct the flow of fluid.. stressing the pump.. causing the whining noise. After the intake box was removed I was able to see where the bend was. Seemed like the pinch must have gotten tight.. the sound was WAY louder this morning. All is good now. Thanks for the tip on checking the PS pump!

sdls

Great work, thanks for posting the cause. Happy travels!