shomerk

I have an 01 A6 2.7 that is making a loud wining noise from the front of the car.
The noise changes slightly with the engine RPMs, but not when the wheels are turned. It is loudest at idle, but noticibly different though when the car is put in gear. It is a bit louder when the hood is up
About a month before the noise started the car ran low on powersteering fluid. I took it to the dealer to make sure it was not leaking.
They said it was normal and only low on fluid. I had the system flushed to ensure no air or moisture. Could this be the power steering?

quickaudi:STFA

best guess: waterpump bearing.

shomerk

The noise started before the new waterpump was installed. It did not change after the work was done to the motor. (Timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt). The belt tensioners were replaced also on the timing and serpentine belts.

quickaudi:STFA

if you ran the power steering pump low, that could be it.

FYI, all power steering pumps whine.

shomerk

That was my first assumption but the fact that the noise is unaffected by the steering wheel strikes me as odd.

quickaudi:STFA

got any audio clips of the noise?

shomerk

I noticed today when I started the car and after it had been running for a while the noise was very faint.
It was 2 degrees outside.

quickaudi:STFA

got a sound clip?

shomerk

I will work on the sound clip.
And thanks for your help.

quickaudi:STFA

no problem.