Whining when accelerating

MHICKS45

MEMBER
2005 BUICK LA CROSSE

Engine Mechanical problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 55000 miles

What causes a whining noise when accelerating?

This is most noticeable when outside temperatures are lower. Only notice when accelerating.

Candidate diagnoses offered by "know it all" friends are as follows:

(i) idle tensioner pulley is bad. Estimated repair $350

(ii) power steering fluid is low

(iii) power steering pump is bad. Replace

(iv) transmission is going out (don't think this is it. Same noise occurs when in neutral and engine rpm is increased)

What do you think?

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

All of these things can make the noise but the most likely problem is the power steering pump. Here is a guide that help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, September 11th, 2017 AT 6:37 PM

FBBLACK

MEMBER
1 POST
2014 BUICK LA CROSSE
3.7L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
6,000 MILES

I have a 2014 Lacrosse with 5,000 miles on it. Around 1,500 miles we started noticing a high pitched sound when accelerating. The sound is like a power steering unit bearing going out, but is not. I have taken it to the Buick dealership where it was purchased and they are telling me that this is normal. They also had the Buick rep ride the car and he also said that this was normal. I recently drove a different 2014 Lacrosse and did notice the sound at very low speeds (@5 to 10 miles an hour). The sound that I have is much loader than the 2014 I drove and the noise is consistent up to 30 miles an hour and can be noticed at higher speeds on quiet roads when letting off on the gas.

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Monday, September 11th, 2017 AT 6:37 PM (Merged)

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Either take to a different dealer and see wha thtey say if it's normal then it's normal or have a local guy check it out

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Monday, September 11th, 2017 AT 6:37 PM (Merged)

ANDREA PICKEL

MEMBER
1 POST

I had the same issue which is why I initially Googled this awhile back. Took my car into my local mechanic and it ended up being my rack and pinion gear box was leaking. Now my car is quiet again! Repair cost on my 2010 Lacrosse total with labor was $884.36.

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Monday, February 26th, 2018 AT 12:53 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site. :)

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, February 26th, 2018 AT 12:56 PM

2CP-ARCHIVES

MEMBER
4,540 POSTS
2005 BUICK LA CROSSE
90,000 MILES

My car makes a whining sound like an airplane taking off when I accelerate. It is now starting to make the noise when I coast too. It does not make the noise when I put the car in reverse. It is quite loud all of the time. Any thoughts what could be causing it?

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Friday, August 17th, 2018 AT 7:23 PM (Merged)

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds is created when the transmission filter gets plugged up. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when changing it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers

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Friday, August 17th, 2018 AT 7:23 PM (Merged)

HLACEFIELD