whine/chirp noise coming from engine block...bearing??

[shackelton]

I have a faint to moderate noise coming from the front of the block (5S-FE) at mid RPM...I have ruled out the belts (ran the motor briefly with them off) and the accessories they drive. I popped off the exhaust heat shield too thinking that it may be a resonation/vibration from it.

The noise is loud enough to hear when driving. On close examination it seems to be coming from the block immediately below the manifold and above the oil filter.

I have no oil leaks and the motor does not use much oil between changes (which have been every 3 mo/3K mi) for the life of the 157K on the car.

Is this a bearing starting to go? No clacking/ticking or other sounds are audible, just this whine.

Thanks.

[randomman84]

im having the same problem, if u get a response i would love to know what the hell it is. I can't tell but it sounds like a vacuum leak or something. but ya...

[87Camry5Speed]

That whirring/whining noise, especially when the motor is cold, may be your balance shafts. I have the same whine you describe, and a lot of older 5S-FE's get it over time. Nothing to worry about, and you can always tell your friends you're sportin' a blower

Rod bearings would be more of a clacking or knocking noise, ultimately manifesting itself as a picture window straight through your block.

Steve

[shackelton]

Originally posted by 87Camry5Speed
That whirring/whining noise, especially when the motor is cold, may be your balance shafts. I have the same whine you describe, and a lot of older 5S-FE's get it over time. Nothing to worry about, and you can always tell your friends you're sportin' a blower

Rod bearings would be more of a clacking or knocking noise, ultimately manifesting itself as a picture window straight through your block.

Steve

Thanks for the insight.....it makes the noise at a low/mid RPM range (idle-2500) and can be heard while driving around 25-30 MPH...let up on the gas and coast...it's quiet...give it a little gas (slight load) and it makes the "chirping" noise. Wish it sounded more like a blower!!!!

[randomman84]

can those be replaced cuz it is really annoying...