Hey guys, so the past couple of days i've been hearing this distinct whistling sounds when I'm driving. I tried to isolate the problem, thought it might be brakes or something but it's definitely coming from under the bonnet. The car can be idling, in neutral, and when I give it a little gas it produces this whistling sound. I have a video right here, you can hear it very clearly.

Any idea what this could be? I just got the car a month ago I hope its not anything too crazy :(

It's a 2004 MCS with 88k on the clock.

Link to video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX0PPRsu9d0

 

Tensioner bearing whine? wow i can still hear that in my head!!!

 

You think that's a tensioner bearing whine? And yes I know same here, even with music blasting to cover it up it still pushes through to my ears

 

80k+ miles, it does sound like a bearing whine to me... but its tough to tell.

 

It's loudest in that area where the camera is pointed. And that was just idling, no depression of the clutch or anything, just consistent engine revs. So I'm guessing the fix is to replace the tensioner?

 

That would be a good place to start. Also, when you have the belt off, spin the idler pulley and see if it is grindy.

 

Should I order a tensioner from somewhere online and just do it myself? Or would it be less of a headache to just take the mini to a shop?

 

It is doable, provided you have the belt removal tool. Might be a little tight with some of the bolts if you are a bit ham-fisted. I was able to replace mine without raising the engine ala s/c pulley install, but that might have made it easier, if you consider raising the engine easy.

 

You don't need the belt tool just a pry bar and a socket. Look up the pulley install DIY its not hard to change.

 

ok guys will do. Thanks a lot