Developed a low pitched whine from the left part of the engine compartment...

[Boxy]

I'm not entirely sure what this is, but the fact that it developed recently (38k) has me a little concerned.

The hum/whine starts after a little bit of driving, then when I turn the car off the whine takes some time to stop, it sounds as if a belt or something else is rubbing where it didn't used to. Anyone have any similar symptoms before I take it to the dealership?

The sound seems to original from the left lower/middle quadrant of the engine compartment when facing the windshield from the front of the car.

[Zuluwun]

Same thing, I just don't hear it at all while driving. I've heard that "whine" ever since I got the car at 105k km, never really thought of it as abnormal.

[Boxy]

But it just developed all of a sudden, it can't be normal... I assume it started before you got the car but the previous owner didn't look into it. Where there's sound there's friction, and I'm worried it's going to accelerate the degradation of whatever part is rubbing.

[Zuluwun]

Well anything that develops all of a sudden should be looked into. When I say not abnormal, I mean I don't think it sounded like anything rubbing anything it shouldn't. I wouldn't have described the sound as friction anyway; the pitch just doesn't sound right, it sounds far more electronic to me (if that makes any sense haha). Maybe someone else who's noticed this can chime in?

[Boxy]

Similar noises have been attributed to the power steering, which maybe what you're hearing? When you shut down the engine does it take a while to "spool down"? The power steering noise is a little quieter and higher pitched.

[Zuluwun]

Actually, that's exactly what I guessed it was from the beginning. Either that or something electrical, either way I'm not concerned, personally. I've never listened long enough to judge if the pitch changes, but the sound does persist for a minute or so

[Fuman]

Actually, that's exactly what I guessed it was from the beginning. Either that or something electrical, either way I'm not concerned, personally. I've never listened long enough to judge if the pitch changes, but the sound does persist for a minute or so
the steering only whines if you are turning the steering wheel.
Wish you luck in root causing this issue.

[Donutz]

The fuel pump continues to whine after th engine turns off.

When you accelerate does the whine get faster? If so your belt tensioner might be going, or any of the pulley related components could be starting to fail.

[pacmann33]

Is the alternator on the left side of our engine compartment? I haven't paid attention enough to know on these cars yet. Could be that. Could be many things, does it follow the engine RPM or increase steadily as you accelerate?