Please help TODAY! Looking at a 06 Civic Hybrid with a weird sound.

[alohaspirit]

Hey gang. Hope alls well!



Thinking about picking up a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid

Checked it out today and it looks good.
1 Owner. Clean title. 60k miles. Maintained ok. Good price.



Only thing that Im not certain about is a loud whirling noise.
(kinda does sound like a hybrid engine being cranked)


It doesnt sound bad, just different as its the first hybrid ive been in.
(Its very quiet in my Echo)



So do all civic hybids sound like that?

[RobertSmalls]

The inverter, which is located behind the rear seats, gives off a high-pitched whine during assist and regen. It makes the same sound wihle you're cranking the engine. Mine isn't "loud", but you can hear it if you listen for it. It's pretty much silent when you're not on the assist/regen.

[alohaspirit]

darn, strike that Rob

ive been in a 1st gen insight
(which wasnt that loud at all)



im trying hard to describe the sound so bear with me

it sounds kinda like an 15 year old dryer that could use a drop of WD40
(not whisper smooth but noticeable when youre on the gas)

i could hear it with the radio on soft and 2 people talking in the backseat

[RobertSmalls]

So, probably a bad bearing somewhere?

Well, it's not the alternator bearing . It's hard to tell from 6000mi away, but if I were you, I'd pop the hood and attempt to determine whether it's coming from the transmission (CVT, I don't like 'em because I can't shift them or repair them myself) or the front of the engine (probably an easy fix).

Can you take it to an independent mechanic in the morning?

[alohaspirit]

shes taking it to the dealer for an IMA update in the morning

i was thinking about going there too and asking them if it they could identify it


(not sure how thats going to work as im not the owner)

ive done the research and civi hybrids have had problems with wheel bearings
($150-$500 each depending on the shop you go)



ive been in a lot of cars though and it sure didnt sound like a wheel bearing


(it could be though)

[RobertSmalls]

When you're trying to locate a sound, it helps to shift to neutral, and try various engine speeds including 0RPM. Also pay attention to whether its pitch corresponds to vehicle speed, engine speed, or some specific load.

[alohaspirit]

thanks


(only heard it while driving)







and if anyone can chime in anything, feel free

[Ryland]

Check the A/C clutch, with the engine running take a look down in the front passenger side of the engine, right net to the radiator, you will see a belt going around a pulley on the A/C clutch and if the bearing is bad you will notice the pulley sliding back and forth, or you can try turning the A/C on and see if it goes away or changes.

[alohaspirit]

maybe its that im not used to hearing the hybrid regen


an example is:

where you ride a bike
(which is generally quiet. all you hear is chain and tire noise)

then you hook up a mini-generator to power your headlamp
(its that intermittant winding sound im not used to)


seems to be around 30mph - 50 mph when i gas and coast

[JasonG]

Now it sounds like the inverter again.
They sound like a cross between a whine and a hum.