First off the motor is a d16z6 with 137k miles. I bought the car about 2 years or 16k miles ago. Lately I've been hearing a whiny sound coming from the right side of my engine compartment. Same side as my water pump and timing belt. Does that mean it's time to change my timing belt?

 

Technicaly that is the "LEFT" side of your car (it's based on you sitting in the drivers seat). The only whinny noise I know of that has to do w/ a timing belt, is when a new one is instaled slightly off center causing it to rub on something. It's no really bad, but it isn't good either. As far as I know, the timing belt doesn't make any sound when it wears out, it just breaks. I know you can visually inspect them for wear or cracks.

Mabey you don't have enough tension on the T-belt causing it to wander, thus making a whinning noise? If this is the case I would think a new tensioner should be installed. Does anybody know if this is possible?

I'm no expert in this area, I'm just throwing out ideas...

 

Alternator bearings ?

 

hrm well the timing belt tensior will whine when either the belt is too tight or if its going bad

 

It could be coming from any component in that area that has bearings. Start by inspecting each one, if your engine has an idler pully start with that.

 

So if the noise is coming from any given bearing what should I do once I find it?

 

replace the component