What would cause a very loud whine in a 1998 Taurus?

Answer 1

Since I don't know what kind of whine your talking about ill name a few things that could cause it.

there can be a couple things to cause whining under the hood.

most common I have found is the Power Steering pump, either its low on fluid or its just worn out. you can usually tell its the pump by letting the car idle and turn the steering wheel side to side. the noise will change.

could be a pulley, usually to check that would be to remove the belt (Serpentine) or belts(regular V-Belts) and spin the pulleys. hand spin each pulley, they should spin free, smooth, and quiet(except for the crankshaft). You should not be able to wiggle the pulley side to side. it should be taught.

Usually though, a pulley will squeak, chirp, or make a growling noise.

if you have a bad pulley, the only fix for that is to replace the pulley or its bearings.

this can include water pump, idler pulley, tensioner, alternator, power steering, air conditioning compressor.

could also be something as simple as something rubbing on a pulley or belt but i highly doubt it.

hopefully this solves your problem.

Scott