Saturn Repair: Whining noise on 2002 Saturn L300, water pump replacement, power steering pump
QuestionI have a 2002 Saturn L300 V6. At both idle and highway speeds, there is a loud whining noise. I just had it in the Saturn dealer and had the power steering pump replaced due to a loud ticking noise. They said that the whining noise was coming from the alternator. After a $575 cost to replace the power steering pump, and a cost estimate of $475 to replace the alternator, I thought I would at least get a second opinion. By the way, they also said I had a slight leak around my water pump and that it would be good to replace the timing belt. Total estimates approximated $3K to get everything fixed. However, my main concern right now is the whining sound. Any ideas?
AnswerMark,
Here's the skinny. If they replaced your P/S pump, and now you have a loud whining noise, they probably didn't bleed the steering system of air. If the noise gets louder when you turn the steering wheel, this is probably the case. The pumps on the 3.0L are notorious about holding trapped air, causing a nasty hum/whine. I have not yet heard a 3.0L alternator whine. I won't say that it couldn't happen, but I'd call that a long-shot. Now, as far as your water pump. If you find coolant on the ground, in a puddle larger than a half-dollar, it's time to get that fixed. For some reason Dex-Cool, the anti-freeze that is in your vehicle, will eat at a timing belt and shortly thereafter, cause your timing belt to break....massive engine damage results. I'm not trying to scare you, but I would definitly look at getting that fixed. Let me know how it turns out.
P.S. If they are trying to charge you more than $600-$800 for the timing belt/water pump replacement, tell them to tone it down a notch. Book time on a belt replacement is 4.6 hours multiplied by the shop's labor rate. They should not, ethically, charge you for the labor time to replace both the belt and the water pump. The water pump is driven by the timing belt. Hope this helps
