High Pitched Whirring Sound - 9-3 1.9TiD 150

[m4tt]

Just bought a 9-3 Vector Sport, has full Saab history with 117k on clock and is an Auto.

Today I heard a high pitched whirring noise (sounds electrical, like when I didn't earth an amp properly on an old car) that seemed to increase with more revs and only really kick in when you could hear the turbo boosting. No very loud, once you reach about 40 road noise cancels it out. Comes from the front left of the engine about half way down (looking head on). On brief inspection there is a belt of some description going round, but could work out if sound was from there. Car still drives fine.

Any ideas on what it might be? Help very much appreciated. And probably just as important, what this might cost?

Thanks in advance

Matt

[fastcars_hardy]

Switch your air con off and the fan off. it sounds like it could be your ac compressor. If the noise is still there then it could just be a bit of turbo whine. The worst thing it could be is something to do with the timing belt. The timing belt is done at a 74000 mile service. i would recommend having the water pump done at the same time as they do go. I would give the air con a go its common. Hope this helps .

[m4tt]

Thanks for the response. Tried switchin off aircon, but noise still persisted. Cambelt was changed at 72k about 2yrs ago, but water pump wasn't done, so thats on the list of precautionary things to do at the iminent service. If it is the turbo whineing is this a problem or just a characteristic?

WRT cambelt and waterpump change, how much should this roughly cost at an indy?

What are these engines like with high mileage? I've comfortably saved £2k on an equivilent spec one with 80k so hopefully i'll end up ontop.

Matt

[m4tt]

Turned out it was the Aux belt tensioner. Apparently fairly common.

[K321]

how much did it cost? i think i have exactle the same issue with mine. my belt was changed over 2 weeks ago then this whirring noise has developed i have a feeling the mechanic didnt fit the belt right

[m4tt]

K321 said:

how much did it cost? i think i have exactle the same issue with mine. my belt was changed over 2 weeks ago then this whirring noise has developed i have a feeling the mechanic didnt fit the belt right

I had it done at a local Saab specialist. Part was ~£25 (Genuine Saab) and only a few quid to fit. Hard to give exact figure as had front springs done at the same time. Some of the other pulleys are ~£100 all together, so probs best to start with the tensioner.

You also need to update your profile as it doesn't show a 9-3 tid!