Identify that engine whine 2009 XT

[dvl]

Good day folks,

Today I took my car in for servicing. They'll be fixing this as I type. While at the garage, and in a parking lot next to a busy road, the exact ideal conditions, I took some audio recordings of the sound. Why?

Because I knew you'd love to diagnose the issue.

I have two recordings.

The first is taken from the passenger side wheel well.

The second is taken from directly in front of the grill.

The winner[s] get beer and/or chocolate the next time we meet.

[rasterman]

I can't say I recognize it, so I'm going more by what it doesn't sound like, and guessing after elimination... power steering pump.

[dvl]

Oh I should add:

* the sound frequency changes with engine speed.
* I do not hear it at higher speeds, but I suspect that is because it is drowned out

[Seabass]

Kind of hard to tell. I'll guess timing belt pulley starting to go.

[dvl]

Originally Posted by Seabass

Kind of hard to tell. I'll guess timing belt pulley starting to go.

FYI timing belt was replaced in August.

[rasterman]

Originally Posted by dvl

FYI timing belt was replaced in August.

I think of timing pulleys (and alternators for that matter) having a higher frequency scree to them, largely why I went with the ps pump.

[tdelker]

Doesn't sound all that strange to me... Maybe something is wrong with my car

[Seabass]

I'm digging. I can't say I hear anything wrong in that audio. But I'm assuming that it's a noise that just recently showed up. My failing pulley was definitely high pitched. It sounded similar to an electric power steering pump.

[dvl]

I think the problem with audio is having no basis for comparison.

Here is the sound from the passenger wheel well post repair.

[tdelker]

Okay, it sounds better now I'm just going to say accessory belt. I can't think what else would sound like that but not be the ac or power steering.