Whining noise
Whine that changes with speed; bearings, gearbox, diff, or belt-driven accessories.
MEDIUM RISK
Common symptoms
- See page for quick checks
Cost expectations
Typical costs vary by car and region. Use this as a ballpark.
- DIY / parts: £20–£80
- Garage / labour: £80–£250
Most likely causes (ranked)
Start at the top. Rule out the common, cheap causes before expensive ones.
- Wheel bearing
- Gearbox/diff wear
- Alternator bearing
- Power steering pump
- Belt/pulley
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
Fast checks you can do with basic tools before buying parts.
- Does it change when turning? (wheel bearing clue).
- Check gearbox oil level/spec.
- Listen with bonnet open for accessory whine.
- Inspect belt and pulleys.
- If noise increases rapidly, avoid long drives.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- If wheel bearing suspected, replace promptly.
- If gearbox whine, change oil and monitor; plan repair if worsening.