2004 Honda Civic VI 5 Door – Strange Noise

GDay Guys,

I have a 2004 Honda Civic VI 5 Door Hatch that emits a squealing sound from time to time. My initial thoughts were that it was a slipping belt or idler pulley bearings, but the other morning I noticed a soft, low pitch whistle coming from the opposite side of the engine (gearbox side) while it was idling and this got louder as the car was driving off and continued for a minute or two before stopping.

This now leads me to think that it may be related to the gearbox somehow. It only occurs, if the car has not warmed up and my mother insists, that if she pumps the brakes before setting off, then there is never any sound. I don’t think that is related, but she insists that it is, so….

It is not consistent though, and appears at random with no real pattern to it. It normally only lasts for 30 seconds or so and then disappears completely.

The noise really does sound like a slipping fan belt but could be a slipping clutch pack or bearing in the gearbox perhaps?

The car drives perfectly, there is no obvious slipping in the gearbox, it shifts quickly and precisely and the oil level is not dropping at all. There are no leaks of any kind on the engine or gearbox. The car has 270,000 + KM’s on the clock and has been regularly serviced throughout it’s life. All of the belts and pulleys seem to be in good condition with no sign of any bearing issues.

Does anyone have any idea of what the sound might actually be?

TIA