I have a 2002 Stratus sedan with the 2.7L V6 and am trying to diagnose a new whining noise under the hood. The car has 112,000 miles on it and has had regular oil changes every 4,000 to 5,000 miles.It changes directly with the engine speed getting louder at higher rpm's at constant speeds or under acceleration loads. When coasting down the volume will decrease. The sound seems to come from the passenger side, accessory drive end of the engine. Initially I thought it was the alternator bearings. I pulled the alternator and it's bearings felt fine. It checked out fine and was quiet when tested at the local parts store. Before hooking up the drive belt at re-installation, i ran the engine briefly and the noise was still there so I believe the A/C compressor and alternator are not the cause. The sound doesn't change when turning the steering wheel so I'm fairly sure it's not the power steering pump.The sound doesn't seem to be coming from the back side of the engine but more up top. It also seems to carry through the plastic intake manifold. I don't seem to be loosing coolant and have not found anything on the oil dipstick. I hope to pull the splash shield this weekend to get a better look at the weep hole to check for leakage at it. I'm thinking that I might have a water pump going. Does any one know of a way to check from the outside or some hints to narrow down the source of the sound ? I'd appreciate any advice.