Whistling noise/alternator issues?

[coquelicot]

I have an '05 Matrix XR that is now at 36,000+ miles. In the past couple of months, I've noticed that after my car gets wet, whether it be from a car wash or a heavy rain, it makes a whistling noise. It sometimes does it as well right after I start the car. A little bit of driving tends to make it go away. Yesterday, after driving the car through a really heavy rainstorm, the noise was horrible by the time we got home--almost sounded like a flock of birds about to attack our house! When DH started the car this morning, though, the noise was gone. He seems to think that it's some issue related to the alternator, and he's taking the car this morning to get it looked at.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? If so, any diagnosis or advice about it?

[rwd_3tc]

thats a very common problem with matrixs and corollas. its actually the drive belt that is makeing that sound. not the alternator

[echo7]

yes,, the belt is the culprit.. sometimes the bearings too..
I had my water pump and belts replaced last week ,, the next day it rained,, it was damp and my trix squeeked ..and as you said when the engine warmed up the squeek is gone.

this only happned for 3 days.. I guess the tensioners adjusted itself nad tigthened the belt.

anyway some people replaced the Toyota belt to Goodyear Gatorback.. which they claim are quiter and better grip.. some people used belt dressing...