Belt whining - PS Pump??

[gimmea250swb]

Howdy,

I thought I had a worn tensioner and bought a replacement. I pulled the belt and the tensioner pulley was smooth. The PS pump (top left facing the engine, right?) pulley is very slightly wobbly - I can feel it move in and out just a bit. Should it be a snug fit?

 

[weberlukas74]

The slight wobble in the power steering pump pulley could indeed be the culprit behind the belt whining. Ideally, the pulley should be snug with minimal play.
But, I’d suggest checking a few more things. Ensure that the belt tension is correct and that the belt is in good condition. Sometimes, even if you replace the tensioner, the noise won’t go away if the belt is slipping or there’s another problem.
Also, check the power steering pump for leaks or excessive wear. A failing pump can also cause belt noise due to increased resistance or uneven pulley rotation.