whistling birdsong?

[mephisto]

Coming from the car when travelling even on short journeys...intermittant high pitch squealish sound for 3 to 4 seconds
then a break for a couple of seconds then back it comes. There is a roofrack and sometimes I gather this can cause this effect on motorways but this is on all journeys. Any car buff got a clue as to what this is? So far Ive had wheel bearings or brakes, but no discernable difference or sponginess when breaking and no metal sound either.
its a mazda tribute 2 litre, 70.000 miles on clock

[Surprised]

Does it happen when accelerating and tails off or stops when braking?

[Ashers]

1. You hear a high-pitched squeal when accelerating: If you notice a loud squeal when accelerating, especially if your car is just warming up, it could be that you have a loose or worn fan belt. Usually if your fan belts are worn, it could mean your timing belt needs replaced as well. It’s also more cost-efficient to replace them both at one time, rather than separately.

2. Your tires are making a thudding noise: If you notice your tires are making a thudding noise while you’re driving, even on smooth roads, (and you don’t have a flat!) it could be that the air pressure in your tires is low, and uneven. It also could be a sign that your alignment is off. If your tires aren’t properly aligned, it can cause poor gas mileage, and shorten your tires lifespan. The thudding noise is usually paired with a bumpier ride, so you might also notice that your car isn’t driving as smooth as it used to.

3. Your brakes are make a metallic scraping noise when applied: If you hear this can mean the lining of your brakes or your brake pads are worn, and need to be replaced. Never put off brake repair. As one of your most important safety features of your vehicle, it’s important that they are always performing correctly and efficiently.

4. A hissing noise while idle: This is usually a sign that one of your hoses is cracked or has come loose. You should have your vehicle serviced immediately if you notice this noise accompanied by steam from under your hood and/or the heat of your engine greatly rising.

5. A whining noise from the front of your car: A steady whine from the front of your car could be caused your power steering fluid being low. A full tune up service with the auto repair technicians at either of Paul Campanella’s two car repair shops in Wilmington, DE can check and replenish all of your vehicle’s fluids.

[unc.si.]

You'd probably say it was a squealing if it was a belt noise not whistling. Does it have a timing belt or a chain. If it's a belt then get it checked just in case anyway as it'll be getting close to the service interval at 70k miles.

whistling might indicate a vacuum leak somewhere. Exhaust manifold gasket or one of the hoses. Does it idle ok or do you get any juddering or uneven / rough idling?

Does it do it when revving on the drive or do you have to be moving?
Cornering vs going straight?
accelerating vs decelerating?

[hancockjr]

Take the roof rack off and see if it still happens. If it doesn't check for holes and fill them in with whatever seems sensible.

[mephisto]

doesnt seem to be connected to accelerating or slowing; it doesnt appear unless the car is moving; think i will check the service records and go with a full service, mentioning the key points above.
thanks for the suggestions fellas

[Bunners]

I had something similar (at a guess from your description) and it was the bearings on the rear wheel(s)......it was the last thing I would of thought of as the "noise" didnt seem to be coming from the wheels

[murf]

Did you lend the car to Roger Whittaker?