whining noise when cold

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hi my car is making a whining noise when cold typically it completely stops after a few miles when the car has warmed up a bit, not sure what to look for I have noticed the power steering fluid is low. could it be that ? Im going to try topping it up tomorrow .

it's a ford focus 07 plate 107k miles
 
well top that up for starters lol.
check the belts, also check the alternator as that can be a sign its on its way out, if you smell like a scalextric smell its that.
 
will do was dark when i got back :p i can see one belt it feels firm to me not lose or anything where does the altenator live ? will try to smell it out there is big fan up front with a casing behind maybe there is a belt in there?
 
Does the noise vary in pitch? If it does you need to establish if it varies with road speed or engine speed. Does it do it in neutral or with the clutch pressed? If it's related to engine speed then it's a belt, pulley, tensioner or maybe a sticking starter motor. If it varies with road speed then it's part of the drivetrain - like a gearbox bearing
 
hi if i drop the cluth and coast the noise dies off but not completley when i first fire the car up in netural it makes the noise i'll try and upload a auido file some where i think it does vary in pitch
 
Try revving it neutral/clutch down - sounds like it varies with engine speed but would be useful to confirm
 
uploaded a very quick sample at start up and briefly setting off sounds horrible :mad:




if it turns out to be knackerd alternator or starter motor any idea what i should expect to pay guys? booked it for next week at a local garage to sort this and get a service done.
 
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cheers will try in morning got a 1 litre bottle was thinking of trying to get most of the old stuff out as possible looked a really dark colour from what i could see , would a litre bottle fill the loop back up?
 
Turned out to be low steering fluid after all , so if your car starts whining like a bitch check your fluids :p
 
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