FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Please help identifying noise from engine

I recently started noticing a high pitched whining noise coming from the engine, during idle. First it was apparent when I was in a garage or parked between two cars so the noise would bounce back to me louder. Now it is getting pretty loud and I can hear it with just the windows down at a stop.

Here is a video clip of the sound I am referring to (turn up the volume). The engine is running at idle and I give it a couple revs.

Video Clip

It's a 2008 6 speed MT with 42k miles.

Anyone ever have this issue before?

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Permalink Reply by cypilk on November 8, 2011 at 6:19pm

I hardly hear it, but test your idle pulley bearings. Take a long metal stick/screwdriver and take the tip to the bolt that holds the idle pulleys in place, then listen to the other end of the stick/screwdriver. Compare the 3 different idle pulleys and you should know if that is the origin of your noise.