Hi,

Something under the hood is making a whining noise when I start it up. This noise becomes quieter when it warms up, but does not go away. Sounds like a pump or something. I thought it might be something being driven off the belt, but am not sure. Is the belt easy to remove and check? Any other ways to determine the source of the noise? Thanks.

Greg

Try using a stethoscope. You can isolate by removing belt and running for a short time to determine if it is accesory belt related or not. Power steering pumps are a common whine noise, check fluid level. If power steering fluid is low, determine where the fluid is going.

If you do not have a stethoscope, try using a short length of plastic pipe. Just put one end against the different items under the hood, and the other end to your ear.
My guess would be either powersteering pump, a/c pump, or generator bearings.