2000 Avalon whining while traveling at high speeds

[gatordrew84]

I just purchased a 2000 Avalon with 174k miles. When I test drove the car I didn't take it on the highway, so I never noticed this sound before. However, last night I took it on I-75 for the first time and I started to hear this whining noise. At first it would cut in and out, but after going 75-80+ mph, the whining noise would be consistent and would continue to get louder. I originally thought the sunroof's wind deflector was causing the issues (as it sounded like air was being pushed in between the car and the deflector) but after removing it didn't help. My friend said it sounded like it was coming from the front of the car, so we took a video to share with you and, if necessary, Toyota. I can deal with a lot of things, but this sound becomes incredibly annoying so I'll have to figure it out quickly.

Here is the link to the You Tube video:

You Tube

You Tube

You help & guidance is much appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrew

[TrailDust]

Dayum! Never heard anything like that before. Hopefully one of the other owners will be able to help you out.

[ChiTDI]

After you drive it, get underneath and smell. Becareful of not burning yourself, that noise is coming from something rubbing. Check behind the wheels, brake rotors and dust shields, wheel speed sensors, exhaust shields, alternator windings, ...
Did you have any front end work done? Like new wheel bearings or newly rotated tires?

[KoG506]

Damn!

Check to see if all the belts are aligned. also check belt to see any burn/rubbing.

Jack up the front of car and put jack stand to hold up car.(Hood open) then Put car in D and drive to 80MPH (Be careful!) Also add big fans blow air at front of the car while accelerating. and find out where the noise is coming from.

Be careful and goodluck! update us if you find out what caused the noise

[padutchguy]

Jesus, you'd best be careful with that. Sounds dangerous. Mine is whisper quiet. Does sound like rubbing but you're going pretty fast and the engine at 3000 rpms which is more that mine is usually at at highway speeds, so it could be caused by wind noise too.

[nitronate33]

that sounds like a shot wheel bearing, to me anyway.

[jk7k2b]

Last time I heard anything like that, it turned out to be a bad AC clutch/bearing. Remove the AC belt and try again.
HTH,
John