So could it be the belts? I'm due for a 60/65K maintenance service and I'm about 1k miles overdue. Not driving at the moment. I'm getting this noise too.

 

Doubtful it would be a belt. It's more than likely an accessory or tension pulley. My car will be in the shop for this and to have an inner tie rod end replaced on Tuesday so I'll share the garage's findings.

-Mike

 

This happened to me as my power steering slowly went out (over the course of a few days) I couldnt tell because when accellerating the pulley spins so my power steering would act normal but I would get this nasty whining noise. Had it checked out turns out my pump burnt up replaced it and noice was gone. BUT it could be any of the pulleys.

Maybe the pumps pressure is not working properly or a hose is leaking etc.

 

i am going to paly around with mine some this weekend maybe detach seperntine belt see if issue remains

 

Years ago on my DSM (same engine - smaller turbo) I wasn't careful about the tension on the balance shaft belt. It is easy to get it too tight and that is what I did. It would whine on cold start. Other than the noise, this didn't seem to be a problem.

 

had some smoke coming from back left side of engine bay if facing car, it was white, then noticed new gates belt had some wear marks on back side. I replaced the tensioner and other pulley last night, but the slight whine issue still remains i am at wits end with it.

 

bump anyone have any input