2001 Inrepid Whining When Cold

My 2001 Inrepid SE makes a new cold weather high pitched whining sound
that eventually disappears once the engine warms up. The pitch of the
noise increases and decreases with engine speed. Also seems to be
there whether the car is in gear or neutral. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Probably power steering pump. You might try flushing and re-filling
with ATF+4 (and - yes - it is the right fluid to use for re-fill).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Thnks Bill. I'll give that a try.

 

You're welcome!

After I posted, I thought that maybe it could also be one of the idler
pulley bearings for the accessory belt tensioners (there are two belts,
two tensioners). But probably power steering pump.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

possible vac. leak through a degrading vac. hose??

 

I had a similar problem with my 97 Intrepid. After a while, it wouldn't go
away ever... Turned out to be the AC clutch. Cut off the AC belt, and the
noise went away.