Expert: Jim Holsbeck - 9/4/2007

Question
Hi Jim

My question is that my 98 cavalier has recently started howling/whining. Sort of like when your driving the freeway and you have a partially opened window in the back. It's pitch is quieter when you first start but gets louder when you accelerate until your speed levels out.  My son (mechanical engineer) listened to it and said it sounded like it might be the air intake or muffler system (I just needed to know which kind of mechanic to take it to).

He said it probably isn't anything to worry about, but I've found that when the car starts talking - I'd better listen!  Has saved me a new power steering unit, transmission, etc.

Should I be worrying or do you know how to make it stop (starts driving you a little nutso after awhile!)

Thanks

Sandy

Answer
Sandy,
     Generally, when there is a howling in the vehicle, I worry right away, especially when it gets louder the faster you go. That tends to lean towards bearings or joints. This particular sounds like a more windy sound than mechanical sound if I am reading you right, and could be an exhaust or intake problem. First thing I would do is take it to the dealer or a diagnostic center and plug it in and do a workup... it usually only runs 50 bucks or so, and it should tell you where the problem is. Then depending on what it is, you can decide if you want to tackle it as a DIY thing or have them fix it.