I took my 2000 SE in for 4 new tires and an oil change today, and the guys helpfully pointed out the very loud whining (for lack of a better term) that my car'* front end makes when running. It'* done it since I got the car a couple years ago. The manager of the tire place said he is pretty sure it'* either the bearing on the water pump or (I think) the belt tensioner. He wants me to drop it off sometime this week so he can tell me for sure what'* making the noise... said he'll diagnose it free of charge.

Anyone had a similar problem? It'* not a high pitched squeal or whine... It kind of sounds like the whir that a little electric motor would make, only much louder. Any advice based on experience with this would be fantastic. Thanks.

Check to see if all the O-rings in your PCV valve are still there. Believe it or not, the whistling noise the PCV valve makes, sounds identical to a belt squeal.

Also -- Putting your year, and model in your profile signature helps us determine what engine, body style etc. you have, it helps us help you.

I have the same thing with my 2000 SSEi, i dont remember exactly which ones he said it was but i think it was the tentioner and the idler pullys on mine.

If you pull off your oil filler cap and the noise disappears, then it is likely the PCV O-ring as Jbmark mentioned. You can try some WD40 on the bearings of the pulleys one at a time, and see if the noise stops. That will pinpoint the pulley. WD40 is not a lubricant, so it won't be a fix, just a diagnostic tool. Another possibility is alternator bearings.