Alan, a pre-filter is usually a sponge that is placed over the filter intake strainer to prevent baby fish or large debris from getting into the filter and when they get clogged it often causes what you are describing.
OK, since the filter is brand new, it is possible that the noise you are hearing is either air trapped in the filter, too much filter media or incorrect placement of media in the tray, sagging hoses or excess loops of hose or incorrect installation of the filter and hoses.
Ideally some pictures/photos of how you have the filter installed including how the hoses enter the aquarium would be helpful but you need to have at least 5 posts in this forum before you are permitted to attach any pics.
Is the filter located below the aquarium or next to the aquarium?
Is the intake rubber connector between the hose and the intake strainer located below the water surface of the aquarium?
What filter media are you using in the media trays?