Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Sebring Engine Noise, chrysler sebring, first five minutes

Question
I have a 99 Chrysler Sebring (V6, not the convertible version) that is making a high-pitched noise, generally after the car has been started and is put into gear.  The noise resembles a whistling teapot (with a grinding undertone) and stops within the first five minutes the car is in motion.  The noise does not occur every time, but it does it more often than not if it has been parked for more than 6 hours.  I've taken it to my local dealership and was told to do a power steering flush.  I've had the flush done, but the noise remains.  Any suggestions as to what might be causing the noise?

Answer
Hi Amy,
Thanks for the generous evaluation.
May I note that unless the noise is present when you take the car to the dealer they won't know exactly what to do, in all likelihood. So if possible I would suggest that you try my "listening tube" approach when you first start the engine in the morning to get an idea of the source of the noise.
Roland




Hi Amy,
You might be hearing the sound of a rubber belt slipping on a pulley when it is moist from condensation or a bearing in one of the accessory pumps driven by such a belt (alternator, water pump, A/C compressor) that is getting a little rough or low on lub (which unfortunately is not lubable). If you have foot or so length of rubber tubing that is narrow enough to place in your ear (like a doctor's stethiscope) you could use that as a probe to focus your hearing on the objects on the passenger side end of the engine where all these belts and accessories are located to identify where is the source of the noise. Once you find it, check the belt that is driving that object (when you press on the belt halfway between two pulleys around which the belt rotates it should deflect no more than about 1/4-3/8 inch; if it does deflect more, then the belt needs to be adjusted to take up the slack). If the belt is o.k. then it could be the bearing in that accessory or the accessory mount bracket may need to be tightened to get the pulleys alligned to oneanother if they are out plane.
So when it is happening is the time to try to find it, not after it has stopped. Use your ear to localize it and let me know what you find.
Roland