High pitched noise on acceleration, 93 Lincoln Continental....?

Question

Anybody have a clue what could cause that? It happens whether the car is moving or idle, and whether or not the wheel is turning.

Just pushing on the accelerator causes it, and the harder you push, the louder and higher the noise is. It isn't real loud, but definitely noticeable.

We tried adding more power steering fluid, and replaced the power steering unit, because it sounds just like the noise you will get if you cramp the wheel to right or left and strain the power steering unit. But the noises persists.

It has a digital odometer & speedometer, and that crazy DCL that only works about 1/4 of the time. We bought the car used at a great price, it has 130,000 miles, but still runs pretty well, other than just a few annoying problems that are hard to solve.

Thanks for the great suggestions, so far!
When my hubby gets home, I'll have him try those, and then I'll let you all know what we find out.

LOL, Penguin. We've had just about every American-made there is. This is the first time we've owned a Lincoln. For as high-priced as they are, we expected better quality. But when you buy a 13-year-old car, you know you're getting somebody else's troubles. No car payments, though!

Husband talked to another mechanic he knows, and he said that when you replace the power steering unit, you have to wait awhile then put more power steering fluid in, because they get air in the line and you have to wait for it to work its way out. We did that, and that stopped the whining. Thanks for all the suggestions. He had just replaced the serpentine belt, so he knew that wasn't it.

Answer 1

I always recommend taking problems like this to the dealer. They have more than likely seen this problem before and they can get you the right part the first time. But if you want to try a little diagnosis your self possiblities are: Serpentine belt, an idler or tensioner for the serpentine belt, A/C compressor clutch bearing, alternator, water pump, timing chain noise (usually replaced around 100K) or could be the Idle air control valve (usually happens at idle, and is more of a moaning noise). To see if it is a belt, idler, or tensioner with the motor idling, spray a lube (wd-40) on the idler or tensioner. It will spread to the belt and the fan will blow it around a bit so don't stand on the side. If the noise quits then its usually something there. If not then take it to a reputable mechanic.

Answer 2

While it's idleing, spray a little water on the fan belt.
If the noise goes away, replace your belt.

It usualy squeals at the alternator pulley.

If it continues to squeal after spraying the belt, then you probably have a bearing on a pulley that has dried up and needs to be replaced.

Note: While you have the belt off, you may want to check the pulleys for wobble with your hand.

Good luck.

Answer 3

if it has a serpentine belt on it there are a couple of pulleys that could be the culprit. you need to remove the belt and check the belt tensioner pulley, and the idle pulley. the bearing are probable bad causing the noise you hear, just wiggle them back and forth, if there is any play, replace them. your local auto parts should have them in stock

Answer 4

loose belt or vaccum leak posseble start the engin up with out the belts for a verry short time and see if it does the same thing

Answer 5

ok, do this to get rid of it... drive at the speed it does it the loadest, bang the dash with your hand and scream, listen close to the sound... its saying something.. I suck, i suck, dont buy a ford vehicle.. i suck i suck dont buy a ford vehilce, ... then go to the dodge dealership and trade it in on a real car

Answer 6

you heavily isn't listening to the bats. i'm surrounded by technique of field right here and at evening we get an rather good type of oyster catchers (extreme pitched weee-weeee-weeee) and commonly swifts & swallows at nightfall. I see bats flying round too, yet they're inaudible...regardless of 'great' listening to

Answer 7

it might be the steering box it probably needs replacing

Answer 8

Fanbelt is my guess. '99 Continental - 50,000 miles.