I have a 2003 suburban . the engine makes a whining noise in park and running also. It sounds like the power steering whine, but does change when turning. I have replaced the power steering pump, but the whine did not change at all. its a constant whine which increases when accelerating and decreases when slowing down. does not seem to affect anything, but is really annoying. How can i trouble shoot what to fix?

When in Park or Neutral does the noise change if you rev the engine? Whining noise generally come from a worn bearing so there will be a few things to check.
First check the serpentine belt. A loose or worn belt will cause noise. Carefully watch the belt with the engine at idle. Does it run smoothly or 'bounce' as it spins? Bouncing could suggest the spring in the belt tensioner is worn and has started to go slack.
Stand in front of the vehicle with the hood open and carefully listen to the engine. Sometimes you can hear if it is on one side of the engine or the other.
The most likely causes of the whine will be...
Power steering pump, A/C pump, Water pump, alternator pulley, belt tensioner and it's pulley or an idler pulley.
Parts like the alternator have more than one bearing in them so that could be another area to check. If the serpentine belt is off you can spin each pulley by hand. Listen and feel for a gritty growl as it spins. Bearings in good condition are usually smooth and quite.
Try this YouTube video. **NOTE** Be VERY CAREFUL if you try the tests in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRHj9_pwx7o

That is commonly caused by a power steering pump issue, it is either low on fluid due to a leak in a hose or the pump is defective.

have the transmission checked it may be time for rebulid

Take the belt off and spin all of the pulleys. the bad component should be obvious. high pitch whine is usually alternator bearing for the 98 3800 its timkin part# 100ccab or it can be the power steering pump(but the pitch will change as your steering if it is that) water pump, idler and tensioner pulleys(if you have to change either one, replace the tensioner itself). if you have the supercharged model there are a few parts that can whine( or the s/c is low on oil.)

the noise happens running down the road or parked? Is the car a four wheel drive? The alteanator can go bad and whine, the wheel bearings can go bad and whine, windows not fitting right can make a whine The altenator will stop whining if it's unplugged, if this fixes it the battery and the altenater need tested and a bad battery can make the altenator whine and it still be OK. Don't run the engine with the battery disconnected as this can blow alot of expensive stuff and the altenator.

normally, the only part of your automatic transmission that will make a whining noise is the pump. it usually whines when iether the fluid is low or more commonly when the transmission oil filter is getting plugged up.

the power steering pump will also make a whining noise too.

turn the wheel all the way to the right and hold steady pressure against the stop. this puts maximum force on the power steering pump and, if the power steering pump is the one making the whine, it will change the sound of it. (usually louder).

if the trans pump is making the whine noise, it should sound different in neutral compared to drive. this test will really only work if it make the noise without the vehicle moving. if it wont do it at idle hold the rpms at 2000 or so.

if you decide the noise is coming from the transmission, and the transmission filter has not been replaced (assuming you installed a used transmission), replace the filter by removing the oil pan.



oh and also, if it is the power steering pump you should be able to make it make the whining noise while the vehicle is stationary. if it wont make noise unless its moving its not the power steering pump.

When you checked the power steering fluid level were there any indications of excessive foaming? There are three things that would cause a whining noise from the power steering. 1- low fluid (you checked that so that is not the culprit), 2- loose steering drive belt (you should not be able to press down on the belt more that about one inch between the steering pump pulley and the crankshaft pulley), 3- power steering pump bearing worn out.

Sounds like a dry/failing bearing or power steering pump noise. You first need to try to track down where the noise is originating, and the most likely place is at the front of the engine.
I would start by listening with the hood up while parked with the engine running and the noise present, and seeing if it is coming from there. If so, the most likely cause is something connected to the belt - e.g. AC compressor clutch, tensioner, power steering pump, or generator. Can also be caused by the belt just slipping (warn out belt, tensioner not working properly).

check power steering pump .check fluid level.