My 2002 chrysler sebring with the 2.4L engine has just passed 70,000 miles and has developed a whine that is tied to engine rpm. It appears to be coming from the timing belt. I removed the top belt cover and looked it over but didn't see anything to cause concern. Could the tensioner be the problem? It looks like a matter of removing the right front wheel and access panels. I'm 55yo and haven't brought a car to a garage in forty years except to have a computer diagnosis so I'm pretty fair with the wrenches. any advice will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

Could be the water pump too? I'd check with a stethescope first.

 

A stethescope is definitely the right tool for finding that one. Tensioners, water pumps, power steering pumps, and alternators can all whine. Check the peripherals before tearing any deeper.

 

this happened to mine a while ago but it just went away after a couple of days[&:]