my 06 wrx (only mod is turboback exhaust and cobb ots stage 2) has been making this really loud whining sound that seems to be coming from somewhere near my belts or alternator. When my engine is cold it is a lot louder than when it gets warm and it also gets louder as i turn the steering wheel. I have no idea what it is and what I need to get to replace it. Ill try to post a video of it tomorrow. has anyone had this problem before? Could it potentially be hurting my engine?

thanks in advance!

 

It's your AC belt tensioner. It's a plastic pulley and the bearings inside go bad fast.

 

oh alright for sure thanks so much its been bothering the crap out of me!

 

id say its a tensioner as well. but OP says when u turn the wheel it gets louder. have u checked power steering fluid recently? how is the feel on the steering wheel? harder to turn? my dads power steering pump was bone dry and it had the same symptoms youre showing. not necesarily bad for engine. but obviously very bad for pump. thats if it is indeed your power steering pump running low or dry

 

^^^^^
that or...
just remove that AC belt (you don't really need it in the winter) and if the problem will go away - you'll be able to tell what's wrong

 

last i checked there was power steering fluid, maybe a month ago, but had the noise before. ill check again tomorrow.

how difficult is it to remove/repair the ac belt/tensioner?