A little squeal, or maybe it's a whine?

[Smevans]

When I'm driving and I don't brake or accelerate at certain speeds I here a little whiny noise which sounds like it's coming from the passenger front area. Usually at speeds where I'm driving in residential or parking lots it really stands out. I'm pretty sure it isn't brake related. Anyone have a clue what it could be? I sure don't.

 

[luv2rallye]

Does it change when you brake? Check the disc pad wear indicator tabs for rubbing against the rotor telling you the pad is low.

 

[GTM]

When I'm driving and I don't brake or accelerate at certain speeds I here a little whiny noise which sounds like it's coming from the passenger front area. Usually at speeds where I'm driving in residential or parking lots it really stands out. I'm pretty sure it isn't brake related. Anyone have a clue what it could be? I sure don't.

As I keep posting, sounds and noises are so subjective it can be impossible to lock in on one thing.

I would try pushing the clutch in, let off the gas and coasting in those areas where you hear it best. Next you can throw it into neutral and let off the gas which will have different gears meshing.

You don't mention a related speed but it's possible it's a wind whistle from several sources. Headlights, grill, or fog lights etc., you can use masking tape or duct tape to make temp air dams around these or openings near them.

Use the hand brake and see if that changes anything. You could try swerving the car abruptly from side to side, this will flex the rotors and force the pads away from the disk and may stop or change the sound. If it turns out to be pads you can liberally apply some Comet abrasive cleaner to the rotor and caliper then take the car for a drive while taping the brakes. This will remove some of the glaze that builds up, if this is in the right direction you can pull the wheels and use some 24-36 grit sandpaper or sanding disk and scratch up the rotor at a thangent to rotation. This will require moving the caliper out of the way to do the inside face. You can also pull the pads and hand sand them with the paper flat on the bench. Another trick for more sever brake squeek is to use a hacksaw and cut grooves 1/16-1/8" deep so you have a diamond shape pattern 1/2"-3/4 across.

Let us know what you find.

Cheers,
GTM