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Lotus in the Peak
27th - 29th June 2025

High Pitched Whining Noise?


andy_ctr

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Posted

Hi,

 

I have an s2 111s 2005 model and over the last week I noticed a high pitched whine (very high in pitch, probably the same sound you can just hear from TV electronics) which dropped in frequency if you for example pressed the brake pedal. I couldn't remember if the noise had always been there or had just started as the frequency was very high and easily drowned out under normal noise. Today this sound has lowered a lot in frequency, but is much louder. It does not change with engine revs, and the only thing that makes it change is operating something like the fan or pressing the brake pedal, it drops in frequency briefly then levels back out to the original pitch. It seems that it is coming from behind the drivers side of the car, although I cant be totally sure. Does anyone have any idea what this may be?

 

Thanks

 

Andy

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Posted
Possibly Altenator bearings although i would expect the pitch to change slightly with the revs.

 

 

Is 2005 model Yota or K series? If it is Yota, I doubt it would be an alternator bearing.

What about something odd like radio interference coming through the speakers?

Small stone caught in brakes?

Dust shield touching brake disk on inside (I have had that)?

Wheel bearing?

Dry cam end seal (does it vary with engine load?)? No.. forget that one.

Inside trim piece vibrating transposing itself as a whine noise? (Had that one too - sticky pad fixed it)

Bad earth on stereo?

 

Don't know... guessing alot here!

Posted
Possibly Altenator bearings although i would expect the pitch to change slightly with the revs.

 

 

Is 2005 model Yota or K series? If it is Yota, I doubt it would be an alternator bearing.

What about something odd like radio interference coming through the speakers?

Small stone caught in brakes?

Dust shield touching brake disk on inside (I have had that)?

Wheel bearing?

Dry cam end seal (does it vary with engine load?)? No.. forget that one.

Inside trim piece vibrating transposing itself as a whine noise? (Had that one too - sticky pad fixed it)

Bad earth on stereo?

 

Don't know... guessing alot here!

 

111s im guessing its a K :P

Posted
Possibly Altenator bearings although i would expect the pitch to change slightly with the revs.

 

 

Is 2005 model Yota or K series? If it is Yota, I doubt it would be an alternator bearing.

What about something odd like radio interference coming through the speakers?

Small stone caught in brakes?

Dust shield touching brake disk on inside (I have had that)?

Wheel bearing?

Dry cam end seal (does it vary with engine load?)? No.. forget that one.

Inside trim piece vibrating transposing itself as a whine noise? (Had that one too - sticky pad fixed it)

Bad earth on stereo?

 

Don't know... guessing alot here!

 

111s im guessing its a K :P

 

ooooohhhhh yyyyyeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhh.....

Missed that bit!

if it doesn't change with engine speed though... I'm trying to think what else it could be....

 

Oh helll.... just drop down a gear and make more exhaust noise!!! No help I know...

Posted
Possibly Altenator bearings although i would expect the pitch to change slightly with the revs.
Is 2005 model Yota or K series? If it is Yota, I doubt it would be an alternator bearing.What about something odd like radio interference coming through the speakers?Small stone caught in brakes?Dust shield touching brake disk on inside (I have had that)?Wheel bearing?Dry cam end seal (does it vary with engine load?)? No.. forget that one.Inside trim piece vibrating transposing itself as a whine noise? (Had that one too - sticky pad fixed it)Bad earth on stereo?Don't know... guessing alot here!
Its an 111S with VVC K series engine. It does it with the engine running, car not moving and the stereo off. The thing I found hard when I first got the car was wondering what all the different noises were! I kept thinking I was going to break down or something was about to fall off!!! :P Now I have had it a few months I was just getting used to it all and this noise started. One thing I forgot to add.... I did get a very slight burning smell once (thought it was and burnt oil type smell), but it never happned again not sure if related or not?I have a warranty so will get in touch with the dealer tomorrow morning, if it is an alternator problem, is it ok to drive it the 40 odd miles to the dealer to get them to take a look? Can it sieze and cause any other problems?
Posted

You should be ok to drive it. A lad at work had the same / similar noise and it was the alternator. Get it to the dealers before the warranty runs out.

Posted

Just curious...

 

 

... was your girlfriend in the car with you when you heard this noise? :rolleyes:

Posted
The thing I found hard when I first got the car was wondering what all the different noises were! I kept thinking I was going to break down or something was about to fall off!!! :rolleyes:

 

:P:P:P

Sorry I can't help, but that comment is one that I think we can all understand when having first bought a Lotus.

Regards

Jon

Posted
The thing I found hard when I first got the car was wondering what all the different noises were! I kept thinking I was going to break down or something was about to fall off!!! :eek:
:P:P:P Sorry I can't help, but that comment is one that I think we can all understand when having first bought a Lotus.RegardsJon
It was only minutes before I was pulling in to get some fuel thinking..... How "refined" the car was sounding.... The hard-top wasnt creaking, the brakes were quiet and the noises from the engine bay sounded as quiet as I had ever heard it............ it was almost relaxing sat there in the rain being blinded by 4x4's behind me! Then this! Strange thing was, I left the car at home today (first time!), started it up tonight and the noise had reverted back to a very high pitched almost inaudible whine. Going to have to take it out onto Gloucesters wet roads :unsure: tomorrow and see if the noise returns (would be just my luck that it doesnt do it when I take it to the dealers). It is booked in for Thursday in Bristol, but after watching that traffic cops program last night showing how bad the M5 was during the last heavy rain I may wait!!!!Andy
Just curious...... was your girlfriend in the car with you when you heard this noise? :rolleyes:
:laughing: I think the wife was indoors at the time.... so sort of rules that one out!
Posted

You must have a S2 if its almost refined. You could never accuse a S1 of that :laughing: Only worry about new noises the old ones have always been there.

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