What is this component? (Pic attached)

[TeaMonsta]

Following on from a previous post of mine ( http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthread.php?t=77610 ), I'm wondering if the black horizontally-mounted cylindrical component shown in the picture in the top right corner of the engine bay (as you look at it in the picture, behind the air-filter) might have anything to do with the noise (what is it?). Any advice appreciated.

[wishbone]

Windscreen wiper motor.

[TeaMonsta]

Thanks WishBone. Probably not the source of the noise, then, as the whistling is there when the wipers are off. Is that the fuel filter next to it (to the right as you see it in the picture)? I'm assuming that doesn't have moving parts/pumps that might whistle?

[wishbone]

Yep it's the fuel filter - no it doesn't make any noise.

Are you sure it's not the sound of your fan?

[TeaMonsta]

It crossed my mind that it might be the heater fan, but it's odd that the noise generally disappears when the clutch is dipped. And it doesn't seem to occur when the engine's just ticking over.

[wishbone]

""Took the car for another spin to listen out for it again and the noise persists with the clutch disengaged; not as I'd said above - clutch engaged only. I'll monitor it further. Thanks for your replies!""


???

[TeaMonsta]

???

Noise generally disappears with the clutch dipped, not always. My conflicting reports probably confused you. It's hard to nail down. Going to go and have a listen to see what other info I may be able to give. Back soon......

[TeaMonsta]

I'm back. Findings as follows:

1 - Noise starts at between 1000 and 1500rpm, disappears below that engine speed band (explains why it generally disappears on a gear-change/clutch dipped)

2 - Noise occurs regardless of whether the car is stationary or not

3 - Heater fans have no effect on noise

4 - Noise does not change in pitch or volume; it's either there or it's not

5 - Noise can only be heard from inside the car, coming from the area opposite the passenger seat

Flummoxed. But then, I should be; I have very little knowledge of mechanics.

[Sparkie67]

The picture of the engine bay looks very clean and tidy, wish mine was nice and shiny........

[TonyN]

Try and have a go in someones else's 3rd Gen, lots I test drive make an odd faint noise from the passenger side at just above idle, Auto and Manual diesel ones, I've never found out what it is yet, but having said that not really looked hard for cause yet, as no one's ever asked, and 4-5 years down the line they are still the same with no issues.

Diesel 3rd Gens also also of have a habit of having loose clips on the air filter box, check these are all on, as that can whistle.

[Ploddit]

Could it be the clutch release bearing?

[TeaMonsta]

Thanks guys. I'll investigate all of your suggestions. There doesn't seem to be any other problem associated with it, (although if there was I'd probably know what the whistling was!) so it's more annoying than anything, but something I'd like to get sorted.

@Sparky67 - Yes, shiny indeed. Not my work, though; it was valeted just before I bought it which wasn't too long ago. I'd like to think I'll keep it in the same sparkling order.....

[legendgamesmaster]

Try and have a go in someones else's 3rd Gen, lots I test drive make an odd faint noise from the passenger side at just above idle.

mine does too. Auto.
as you depress the accelerator, a faint humming whistle (!?!) can be heard from passenger side of dash. anoying until radio gets TURNED UP.

[TeaMonsta]

..... anoying until radio gets TURNED UP.

That's probably the best solution. Nothing seems to be affected by it so it's just annoying. Adds character.