I have been trying to read up on some threads regarding a noise that just started last Friday. I thought it was coming from the Power Steering pump reservoir. Reading some threads, I only found 1 similar issue. It's an annoying noise that really sounds as if the PS pump fluid running low. Fluid was good so I bought a new pump and put it in. Well the noise is still there. It's not a high pitch bearing type noise, or low gurgling noise as if the PS pump fluid was empty. It's almost constant with RPMs. When I took the Serp Belt off, the idler pulley spun freely with no wobble or noise. Alternator seemed good as well. While engine is running, I put my ear to a long screwdriver to listen and the noise sounds the same coming either from the new pump or from the alternator.

I just spent money on the PS pump swap hoping the noise would go away, Heck, I had to sacrifice a case of beer for it!!!!

Anyone had similar issues? Could it be the Alternator?

 

Does the noise stop when you pull the serpentine belt?

 

yeah RSPI it's not there with no belt on, so its coming from the reservoir area. The pump is new with new reservoir. No leaks and steering is fine. It sounds almost like 1995Volvo's car. Little less I suppose. I read a thread that someone had the sound and changed out alternator. If that's the case there would be more people with similar sounds.

If I find the culprit I keep u guys posted

 

That was johns car... he changed the PS pump 3 or 4 time because of the sound...

If it didnt make the sound before you changed the pump then either you didnt bleed it fully or something else got damaged during removal or install..

All of my volvo pumps have always been quiet..

 

I changed out the pump because of the sound. So my old pump is in good shape. I'm getting another alternator and pulley this weekend.

Crossing my fingers

 

Mine makes a sound similar to that video too. Maybe about 30% as loud. Mainly noticeable when the bonnet is open. Almost every 850 I have seen on the road here makes a similar noise too.

 

Thats usually alt, tentioner, or compressor bearings

 

well the verdict is in....it was the ALTERNATOR!!!! The engine now sounds like it should. Purrs like a kitten. Put in a new s-belt pulley and remanufactured alternator. I'm very pleased. Sounds great.

John, give it a shot, swap the alternator. Your whining sound might go away too!

I wanna have my old alternator ready for back up. I've rebuilt Mopar and GM alternators before. Are these alternators any different?

 

Essentially no, its fairly simple to rebuild these unless your re-winding.

But your just replacing bearings so you should be fine.
Also buy extra brushes, I lost one when i did mine last and had to go all the way back to the store

 

Definitely would like to rebuild it, but the cost of the 2 bearings and new brushes.....well, I think it's not worth it...... I wouldn't like to leave it with the 20 year old regulator neither. I might as well get another alternator from CarParts.com for $120 bucks.

This link has pics and prices of Volvo parts.

Generator (ac) 100A. Fits: Volvo | VolvoPartsWebstore.com



If I go with cheap aftermarket bearings, regulator and brushes it's still around $100 bucks.


OK so the whining noise is gone!!! Now for the next challenge...possibly PCV, exhaust manifold whatever starts annoying me next!!!!

Lets see if the Powerball comes my way!!!