Hi - I have an '01 S60 that has been making a whistling/whirring noise off and on for a couple of days. A friend mentioned that it might be something called the crankcase breather box and that I need to get it repaired right away.

What exactly does this part do and how much is it going to cost me to have fixed? I use a non-dealership mechanic, so I assume the cost will be less than at the dealership, but this close to Christmas I would hate to have to spend big bucks on car repairs. Can it be repaired without being replaced? Or is replacement the only way to fix it? (Unfortunately, I am not mechanically inclined and can't fix it myself. )

Thank you for any help you can offer!

 

lots of things could be causing it

first things first - WHEN is it making it? moving? idle? both?

check the gaskets around your pedals where they come through the firewall first.

 

It makes the noise when its moving and when its idling. Its not a constant noise and it doesn't happen every time the car is running.

I read something about removing the oil dipstick when it is making the noise. I tried that and the noise stopped. It started again as soon as I put the dipstick back in.

I'll check the gaskets around the pedals.

Thanks

 

remove the oil dipstick - slip a condom over it, see if it suctions it in (dont let it get sucked all the way in!).

Report back.