2000RPM whine

[MattB]

When I first start driving my '01 in the morning, there is a strange whine at 2000RPM. Above or below that level it disappears, and once the car is warmed up the noise does not happen at all. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger's side of the front of the car. Any ideas?

[MattB]

More details based on a test drive that may help:

Here are the conditions that produce the noise:

Accessories/AC on or off
Moving, any gear, around 2000RPM (not present above or below though slight indications of it at idle)
First 15-30 seconds of driving

The noise is a whine, not the scream of a bad belt. After the first 15-30 seconds of driving, the noise disappears and does not reappear. The pitch changes slightly as the revs pass through 2000 and to about 2100RPMs, almost like there's some kind of harmonic vibration. Other than this noise the car is in good shape. All fluids have been changed within the last 30K, no leaks, no rust, engine revs freely to redline and transmission shifts smoothly even at high RPMs. The vehicle recently had a 90K maintenance done and no problems were noted.

[the converted]

Could be power steering? Check the fluid and make sure it's clean and filled.

[MattB]

Could be power steering? Check the fluid and make sure it's clean and filled.

I'll take a look at that...the system was flushed and refilled about a year ago so it should be in good shape but it's possible. Could that system create a noise like that even when the car was moving in a straight line?

[300,000]

My 2002 I-35 also has a high pitched whine. Accleration between 1,200 and 1,800 rpms, also seems to be coming from the passenger side. Took to dealership and they said it's either a right axle issue (bearings) or vacuum line leak. Any ideas out there?

[300,000]

It does not go away after warming up though.