Whistling Sound Mystery

  • LavenderGirl's Avatar
    Hi all,
    Wondering if you can help me.
    There's a whistling sound coming from my Toyota CHR, Hybrid. It's sporadic, and not necessarily when I brake, speed up or anything in particular. Sometimes it happens when I get going, or straight away, it happens both in EV and normal mode.
    My brake pads are fine with plenty of wear left, wheel alignment is also fine, mechanic and kwik fit were baffled. I've turned of the air con and it's not that and I just can't figure it out. Sounds like it comes more from the offside, but I can't be sure.
    It doesn't seem to cause any issues, no warning lights, it's just annoying and embarrassing.
    I recorded the sound and put it on youtube:
    https://youtu.be/buCm7TTC6m8

    Anyone have any ideas please? Driving me nuts!
    thanks a million!
    :)
  • 8 Replies

  • Mark07's Avatar
    Community Manager
    I'm certainly not an expert, but I wonder if it could be a damaged fan belt? Although, I'd expect a mechanic would pick that up.
    Last edited by Mark07; 22-10-24 at 14:09.
  • LavenderGirl's Avatar
    Thanks Mark, I will get them to check that out, he only looked under the bonnet then at the brakes, so maybe missed that or didn't know what he was looking for. Thanks so much

    I'm certainly not an expert, but I wonder if it could be a damaged fan belt? Although, I'd expect a mechanic would pick that up.
  • Drivingforfun's Avatar
    It sounds to me like one of several possible belts

    Maybe the alternator belt? I think the CHR is a newish car so surely none of the others are close to wearing out yet, but it is quite heavy on electrics isn't it?
  • LavenderGirl's Avatar
    Hiya,
    Yeah it's a 2019 car too, I've only had it a year but it does have 77k miles on the clock!
    I guess so re the electrics. Will get the belts checked, thanks so much!

    It sounds to me like one of several possible belts

    Maybe the alternator belt? I think the CHR is a newish car so surely none of the others are close to wearing out yet, but it is quite heavy on electrics isn't it?
  • olduser's Avatar
    I may be miles off because I have a hearing aid, but listening to the recording I think.

    It doesn't sound to be an engine or drive train noise because it happens in engine mode and EV mode
    Drive train noise tends to be lower pitch or only when slowing, accelerating or turning.

    Brakes? - it sounds like brake squeal but this usually happens at slower speed and when using the brakes.

    In an effort to narrow down the possible source, I think I would try:

    Using the windscreen wipers when the noise is present.
    Open and close the windows one by one.
    Try the ventilation system, close all vents, open all vents, heater motor on/off.
    Check all door and boot seals, are they in position and are they sealing when closed.
  • Rolebama's Avatar
    Other things that cab cause whistling noises:
    Bodywork damage.
    Windows slightly open.
    Damage to servo hoses.
    Turbo bearings.
    Failing wheel bearings.
    Failing alternator bearings.
    Heater fan bearings worn.
    Damaged door mirrors.
    The list goes on. Best thing is to take the car to someone who can check the car properly. In most cases the longer a noise goes on, the more expensive the repair becomes.
  • LavenderGirl's Avatar
    Thank you so much.
    It's hard because it doesn't do it when stationary but engine running, so I can't tell exactly where it's coming from either, and maybe this rules out belt issues.

    But what I noticed today when coming down the side streets was it was more prevalent when I steered left, but as I say it's sporadic.

    Brakes all checked and fine.
    I will check those other things as suggested, thanks so much!



    I may be miles off because I have a hearing aid, but listening to the recording I think.

    It doesn't sound to be an engine or drive train noise because it happens in engine mode and EV mode
    Drive train noise tends to be lower pitch or only when slowing, accelerating or turning.

    Brakes? - it sounds like brake squeal but this usually happens at slower speed and when using the brakes.

    In an effort to narrow down the possible source, I think I would try:

    Using the windscreen wipers when the noise is present.
    Open and close the windows one by one.
    Try the ventilation system, close all vents, open all vents, heater motor on/off.
    Check all door and boot seals, are they in position and are they sealing when closed.
  • LavenderGirl's Avatar
    Thanks so much. Maybe I need to take it into Toyota.
    Appreciate the reply!

    :)

    Other things that cab cause whistling noises:
    Bodywork damage.
    Windows slightly open.
    Damage to servo hoses.
    Turbo bearings.
    Failing wheel bearings.
    Failing alternator bearings.
    Heater fan bearings worn.
    Damaged door mirrors.
    The list goes on. Best thing is to take the car to someone who can check the car properly. In most cases the longer a noise goes on, the more expensive the repair becomes.