Hello. Yesterday my 01 Sunfire developed an extremely annoying whine when it gets over 20mph. It gradually gets louder as I go faster. The sound does not change when turning in either direction, and I had both wheel bearings done one year ago. I was hoping it was a belt in one of the front tires, since it seems like there is an indent in the right front that runs all the way around the tire...almost like it is warped.

Any ideas? Like I said, it doesn't seem to be wheel bearings since the whining sound does not change when turning in either direction.

Thanks.

it's your supercharger lolz

not sure, sounds like wheel bearing/tires to me


2001 Olds Alero (LD9)
650 whp / 543 ft-lb
@turboalero

it'd also help if you had a video/recording of driving


2001 Olds Alero (LD9)
650 whp / 543 ft-lb
@turboalero

I checked the supercharger, but it seems to be fine...lol

A buddy told me to check the trans fluid, but I couldn't find the dipstick. Apparently the trans on a 2.4 doesn't have a dipstick? I guess I can try moving the tires to the back and see if the noise follows?

theres no dipstick. the tranny will make more of a growl than a whine if its going bad or low on fluid. it will usually just do it in the lower gears also.
do a search on changing fluid on a 4speed auto if you need to

I would place my money on the wheel bearing.Had the same problem with a next to new one. It also did not make a side to side noise. Less than a year old should get you a new one under warranty.

Could it be A/C Compressor? Mine went bad in my sunfire and it made a scraping/wine sound.


1996 Pontiac Sunfire, Stock (Daily Driver)
1986 Camaro Z28, 383ci Stroker (Street/Strip Toy)
1986 Porsche 944 Turbo, Highly Modified (Track Car Project)

It turns out that this was a wheel bearing. I had it fixed today. Thanks for all the advice.