I have a problem and every time we take it in, the service guys say there is nothing wrong. i hear the howling noise in the front passenger side of the engine when it is cold outside(below freezing), and now recently when we are driving and the rpm's are exactly at 1500 i also hear it, if it goes higher or lower than 1500, the sound goes away. but it only happens in the cold. it is driving me nuts, does anyone have any clue what this is, and how serious?

 

Very interesting......I've been looking for information on a similar problem also. I've got a 2004 Screw and at about 79 mph, I get a high pitch whine (usually when it's cold out). It's like a harmonic or something. If I drop or increase speed it goes away, seems to be coming from somewhere up front.

VERY vague noise, can't tell exactly where it's coming from......also, very annoying.


Dave

 

I have the same noise when it's cold outside and I get going faster than 60mph and I would love to know what it is.

 

Well . . I've been posting about this and never got a response from anyone. I have exactly the same thing. The description of a high pitched whine that sounds like a harmonic describes mine exactly. Typically, it is between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. Mine is a 5 speed so I've pushed in the clutch and changed the rpm and the whine changes with the engine rpm. I'm thinking it sounds like an alternator. And yes, it only happens in the colder weather; definitely below freezing. But it can be annoying because it comes and goes but can keep it up for 10 inutes at a time.

At least I don't feel like the Lone Ranger anymore.

 

I think mine does the same thing but it has only done it from the time that I switched to a K&N filter so I figured that at a specific vortex wind speed in the intake run it caused the howl, whine, shrill noise what have you....

Is this what you guys are talkin about or is it more drive line related.

 

Shrill is a good description. It is not the driveline on my machine. As I said, I push in the clutch, the noise continues. I change the engine rpm with the cluthc disengaged, the shrill whine changes in pitch with the engine speed.

 

did anyone ever think about the power steering pump that whines all summer...but when it get cold ....and fianally warms up....cold hydraulic fluid needs time too...zap!

 

Could it be the cold causing the fan clutch to do somthing weird? I don;t know if it has any components that would cause a temp sensitive condition or not but that is the only thing that comes to mind when you talk about an RPM sensitive condition at that range. Isnt' that when the clutch on the fan should kick in and out roughly?

Just a thought.

 

I'm pretty stumped on this one............although, it has warmed up here in Michigan (to 30's), so I'll see if it does it today.
I thought maybe it was the venting in the heater.........no change when I move vents around.

Still clueless...............

 

My 02 5.4L does this same thing. It's a harmonic sound. only when it's cold outside (below 30 degrees).

 

I have a noise that sounds like a combo of light growling mixed w/ a buzzing sound. It is definitely related to the drop in temp. Never does it above 30 F, but it's been in the low teens this past week, so it's very noticeable. I suspect it's the P.S. pump, but I'm going to listen to all the rotating assemblies with a stethoscope and hope to isolate it. I'll post what I find sometime late this afternoon.

SL

 

Well, I've definitely confirmed it's temperature dependent.
It's warmed up into the low 20's this AM, so this morning the sound was there at an increased speed (was 79 now 82 mph). And, when the temp. got to 30 this afternoon, no harmonic sound at all (or at least to 85 mph).

Anyone with any theories????

Dave

 

I had the same thing on my 99 F-150 and the dealership replaced the little black plastic elbow looking thing that attaches to the intake. It fixed the problem. Now my Explorer is in the shop for the same sound. I'm curious it see if it's the same part. I don't recall what it was called.

 

Checked the noise with a stethoscope last night after it sat in 25 degree weather for several hours. Definitely the P.S. pump. Noisy as hell for the first five minutes or so.

SL

 

Hi everyone,
I have a 99 f-150 with the very same howling noise coming from what sounds like the right front wheel or wheel well when cold. It goes away if go neutral and give throttle to engine. Once engine is warm, seems to go away. It is very loud--louder than my exhaust. The truck has a flowmaster dual exhaust, and k&n cold air intake. I've been all over the internet looking for an answer--It was suggested by one sight that the serpentine belt may need to be replaced??Will try replacing belt and let you guys know!! Also, one of the hoses on my power steering pump has a slight leak?? I've also heard wheel bearings--but why only when cold?