What could it be."Whistling/whining"?

96PONYLUVER

MEMBER
FORD MUSTANG

I recently bought the car of my dreams, 96-Ford Stang V6, Automatic Transmission and it marks 86,000 miles! Well, actually the car of my dreams is a 65-Ford Mustang or a Ford Bullitt Mustang, but I cannot afford neither one! I bought the 96 for $3,000, immaculate inside, a/c actually works really ice cold, non-smoker, paint is not faded, well maintained and serviced up-to-date! Tires were fairly new, but my son changed them and put some new GT tires on it, now my pony looks alot better and rides alot smoother! I haven't had no problems with it!! I treat it like a baby, keep it clean!! About 1 month ago, I noticed a "whining sound" coming from the right side, it just comes and goes! Now, I hear a "whistling sound", coming from under the hood, my son took off the belt and turned it on, but it was still making the sound. He got under the car to check for any leaks or just to hear where the sound was coming from exactly, but he was speechless! He stated to me, that it could be the "Timer", which he didn't take the time to explain to me exactly what that is. Another thing is, he also told me that the back brakes need to be changed, ok that I know cause when I am backing up I hear a slight noise! My question is simply.....What is that "whistling/whining" sound I keep hearing?? I usually hear it when I start the car in the morning and I drive off, for awhile and then it will go away...on and off!! Is this something I need to be concerned about and does it need immediate attention???? My son knows alot about cars, but I think he is stumped on this one!! Please help....thank-you!! Here is a pic of my "PONY"..!!

3 Replies

RUDPRO

MECHANIC
224 POSTS

Fords from '85 to '96 are known for having a noisy fuel pump that makes a whining noise. It even causes interference with the stereo and comes thru the speakers. You're sure it's from under the hood though. Taking the belt off would eliminate the alternator. I would check all of the vacuum lines very thoroughly. I was checking some Technical Service Bulletins. Besides the fuel pump, there is one for the blower motor making noise. That should be easy to check if it makes the noise while the blower is on or off when you here the noise. Under the hood, you can use about a 2 foot length of heater hose like a stethescope to try and zero in on the noise.
You mentioned the rear brakes also. There was a TSB on the rear brakes squeaking when first applying them. That's all I have on the brakes. You may want to contact a Ford dealer and ask them about it and what the remedy is.