QX50 slight whine as it slows to a stop

[serotta]

I've searched around, maybe I didn't use the right terminology, but my 2014 QX50 has a whine as it slows to a stop. It doesn't matter if it's in gear or in neutral, the whine persists. I only hear it from about 20MPH to stop. It's very low pitched, and barely noticeable to anyone in the car unless I call attention to it.
I guess the best thing to do is go test drive a new one and see if the same noise exists in others.

And, yes, with 9000 miles on it, it's still under warranty, but I usually like to do some trouble shooting myself before I let dealership personnel get involved.

Thanks!

[GarnetRedQX50]

I have 17K miles on my 2014 QX50. I don't have that whine you're experiencing. Odd noises drive me ape-sht, so I would have noticed something like that.

Time for warranty work, as that is not normal.

[NJGuy]

Try to narrow it down a bit.

Does the noise have a constant pitch, or does it vary by speed? Is it dependent on engine RPM? Can you try to find the general direction or area where it's coming from? (cabin, engine bay, outside, left, right, front, rear, etc.) Does it happen when the radio and HVAC are on and/or off?

If the cause of the noise isn't a common occurrence, there's a good chance that the dealer won't be able to easily find the source. Try to get some more observations about the noise so that the service department has some information to start with. Strange noises can sometimes be the hardest things for a tech to troubleshoot.

[serotta]

Thank you for both replies. I have been preoccupied lately and haven't check this forum faithfully.
The whine is from 20 MPH down to complete stop. The whine decreases as the speed decreases. It appears to be emanating from the engine area, but it exists the same whether in Neutral or in Drive as the vehicle slows. This tends to lead me in the direction of wheels or tires. This is the first set of Dunlops I've run in 30 years. (I had a set on an old Austin Healey 3000 and they caused me great distress one rainy afternoon, so I've never run another set of Dunlops) Yeah, yeah, you guys sound like my wife.... "don't you think a lot has changed in 30 years"? I wonder if it is the tires. They are the SP Sport 7000 A/S tires. The tires track perfectly, the balance seems spot on at all speeds. Granted it's relatively low mileage but they seem to be wearing even, no cupping, tread depth equal from left to right across the tires.
It is barely noticeable, but like you Garnet it drives me crazy. The wife is the primary driver and the noise doesn't stop her from loving the vehicle. I will have to get it by for a service visit, but I am certain I will get the old, "That's perfectly normal". I will try to time my visit with a QX50 being on the lot so I can ask for a test drive.

[XIS]

I am like you and Garnet... I hear EVERYTHING that isn't normal and it is both a blessing and a curse!

Brakes? Wheel Bearing? Doesn't 'sound' like engine to me.

[serotta]

Drove a 2010 EX35. It has Michelins and it doesn't have that slight whine mine has. I think it may be the Dunlops. The owner of the '10 rode in mine and swears he doesn't hear the difference.
I wish I knew the guy better, I'd ask if he'd swap wheels with me so I could tell for sure. Guess I'd better be buying this guy beers over the holiday and maybe get to know him better!! He's not a bad guy, a bit too "GQ" for me, but I may find I like him enough to temporarily use his wheels.

[Bocatrip]

Sounds like it very well might be your tires. Try rotating your tires and see if the noise changes even slightly.