Maybe Y'all Have An Idea - Whine Follows RPM

[wildcatgoal]

So... I have a whine that follows engine RPM. It sounds JUST LIKE when you put an aftermarket stereo in and have a bad ground and get RPM whine through the speakers, but I disconnected the amp I have installed and the noise remains (and the noise was there beforehand anyway). I have, for other reasons, replaced the water pump (Melling) and, when I did that, replaced the tensionors. A while back I replaced the bearing on the idler pulley when I put new belts on (it was fine, but... precaution). My power steering pump is original but works just fine. The noise SEEMS to come from the engine bay, maybe the top of the engine. I have no coolant issues. No oil loss issues (except a slightly leaky rear main seal that'll be addressed when I rebuild my transfer case this year). No codes. No lights. Drives and runs amazing.

Just hear this whine all the time. Can't figure out what it is. Anyone have something like this and find something out of the ordinary that was the cause?

It's just a wheeeeeee that follows RPM. Happens in N, too. Transmission is fine except reverse slips a little, but the noise isn't coming from the transmission area anyway.

Also, it happens with AC on or not. I'm half wondering if it's the AC pulley, though... AC works just fine, though.

 

[OR VietVet]

You can use a mechanic's stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. Take the big main belt off and see if noise disappears. If does then check anything that spins for play and roughness. If still there then is likely involved with the a/c system. You did say the tensioner was replaced but did you use quality or opt for least expensive? May well be the a/c compressor pulley bearing.