Buick/Olds: 1996 Buick Roadmaster - high pitch whine, buick roadmaster wagon, 1996 buick roadmaster

Question
My 1996 Buick Roadmaster wagon has a persistent high pitch whine from the engine.  I can't identify exactly where this is coming from except it seems to be at the front of the engine.   It's there at idle and doesn't change with acceleration.  Any ideas where to focus first?

Answer
Finally, a problem that is pretty cut and dry.  The high pitched noise is coming from one of two places.  The alternator, which is the most likely cause.  I've learned that the alternator can still be good and send out some funny noises.  To double check, just start the car and unhook the negative from your battery and if the car stays running, then the alternator is good, even with the noise.  The second culprit would be your power steering pump.  If your car's battery drains easily...alternator.  If it is hard for you to turn periodically...power steering pump.  But the whinning is from one of your turning mechanisms.  Good Luck

Thanks,  

Ray Barham

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