Was doing quite a large stint after picking up my car and got about halfway home. I stopped at a service station, and upon starting back up, I get a high-pitched squeal/whistle when starting the car up and turning it back off. I’m almost positive it’s not anything to do with pulleys or belts as they stop moving before it does. I can’t figure it out for the life of me.
Could it be the AC? Sometimes those systems can make weird noises when starting up.
Hayden said:
Could it be the AC? Sometimes those systems can make weird noises when starting up.
That’s definitely something I should check since I’m not that great with cars. I’ve mostly worked on bikes. From what I can tell, getting my head as close as possible, it seems to be coming from near the brake booster. Everything I find online about the brake booster is a completely different noise.
@Taylor
Yeah, the brake booster can sometimes make sounds, but it usually sounds different. Have you checked the vacuum lines?
Hayden said:
@Taylor
Yeah, the brake booster can sometimes make sounds, but it usually sounds different. Have you checked the vacuum lines?
Not yet, but that seems like a good idea. I’ll check those out.
It might be worth looking into the power steering as well. Sometimes those pumps can create noises when they’re low on fluid.
Haru said:
It might be worth looking into the power steering as well. Sometimes those pumps can create noises when they’re low on fluid.
I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll check the fluid levels and see if that’s the issue.
If the noise happens right after you start it, it could also be an issue with the starter or an electrical component. Have you checked the battery connections?
Keaton said:
If the noise happens right after you start it, it could also be an issue with the starter or an electrical component. Have you checked the battery connections?
I haven’t checked those yet. I’ll take a look and see if everything is secure.
Sometimes if there’s air in the brake lines or low brake fluid, it can cause odd noises too. Have you checked your brake fluid level?
Marin said:
Sometimes if there’s air in the brake lines or low brake fluid, it can cause odd noises too. Have you checked your brake fluid level?
I’ll check that as well. I didn’t realize it could affect sounds like that.
Dorian said:
If you have a vacuum leak, it can create a high-pitched whistle. That’s definitely something to investigate further.
I’ll look for any signs of a vacuum leak. Thanks for the tip.
Have you tried recording the noise? Sometimes it helps to pinpoint where it’s coming from.
Noor said:
Have you tried recording the noise? Sometimes it helps to pinpoint where it’s coming from.
I can try that. I’ll see if I can get a better clarity on where it’s from.
You might also want to consider that it could be related to the alternator. Those can make odd noises if they’re failing.
Sloane said:
You might also want to consider that it could be related to the alternator. Those can make odd noises if they’re failing.
Good point. I’ll keep an eye on that too.
If it’s a consistent noise when starting and stopping, it might be worth having a mechanic take a look to rule out any serious issues.
LucyOmdss said:
If it’s a consistent noise when starting and stopping, it might be worth having a mechanic take a look to rule out any serious issues.
I might do that if I can’t figure it out myself. Appreciate the help.
Make sure you check for any loose bolts or connections around the brake booster area too. Sometimes it’s just a simple fix.
Eli said:
Make sure you check for any loose bolts or connections around the brake booster area too. Sometimes it’s just a simple fix.
I’ll definitely check those. Thanks for the reminder.