Idler Bearing or Alternator?

Stuck CAPS

Stuck CAPS

New member
I spent the day with MO4WD over at Moonlight Racing, and having a 2WD, stayed away from the actual trails, based on the fact that I rode with a few people on an "easy" trail, and wtf, that wasn't easy. Anyway, I drove through a few... deep mudpits (Bad idea, but I got into it, lol.). And now when the engine is running it makes a whining noise that changes based on RPM. Should I just pull the serpentine belt and check if the pulleys are spinning well?
 
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With dirt/sand in the bearing of the pulleys/tensioners they will make that funny grinding sound. They will still spin freely, until they wear out.

Just need to figure out which one or two are the problem and replace. Will take a while to wear down though. did the same and it took out the starter also, and grinded the rotors also.

So much for being sealed bearings, HAHA.
 
having fun said:
With dirt/sand in the bearing of the pulleys/tensioners they will make that funny grinding sound. They will still spin freely, until they wear out.

Just need to figure out which one or two are the problem and replace. Will take a while to wear down though. did the same and it took out the starter also, and grinded the rotors also.

So much for being sealed bearings, HAHA.
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So if it sounds like I have a supercharger, I actually don't? :( What would that sound be?
 
Stuck CAPS said:
So if it sounds like I have a supercharger, I actually don't? :( What would that sound be?
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More than likely the pulleys for the serpentine belt.

If you have a mechanics stetiscope, you can put it on the bolt heads while it's running and hear which one(s) are grinding in side.

And do it SAFELY, I'M NOT RESPONABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURYS.
Just a way you can find the problem.
 
having fun said:
More than likely the pulleys for the serpentine belt.

If you have a mechanics stetiscope, you can put it on the bolt heads while it's running and hear which one(s) are grinding in side.

And do it SAFELY, I'M NOT RESPONABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURYS.
Just a way you can find the problem.
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Alright, stethoscoping now. Will return with which one.
 
having fun said:
Dayum, you keep one in your back pocket or what.

I've had one for 30 years personally, comes in handy for diagnosing problem noises.
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There seems to be at least a LITTLE from multiple. What's the likelihood that I need to replace all pulleys & bearings?
 
Stuck CAPS said:
There seems to be at least a LITTLE from multiple. What's the likelihood that I need to replace all pulleys & bearings?
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I had to replace 1 adjustable and 1 stationary ones, the top one was still good.
I know I could hear the same noise in the good one, but not that desticefully/loud as the others.

They won't go out admedeitely, so if you can deal with the noise for a little bit, to make sure you only buy what you need, you should be ok and check later.

I think they where about $60 a pop, 9-10 yrs ago. Or , you could just hit a wrecking yard. Mine was a 04 about, maybe 1-2 yrs old when mine did it.
 
After getting my engine entirely too wet recently, I wound up replacing two idler pulleys. Sounded like I had a turbo basically.

First I replaced the one that had the most play with belt off, but after replacing belt I found that the other was also an issue. Once both were replaced, my engine purred again....

This is on a V6, I replaced both Idler #1 pulleys....the #2 apparently was fine even though much lower and susceptible being underwater.

HTH someone, It drove me crazy
 
Thanks for all the help [MENTION=88231]having fun[/MENTION]. And [MENTION=32275]Conspearasea[/MENTION] that's the sound im getting. "Purred" in a good way, right? :p
 
I've replaced a few multiple times. Just finished upper drivers idler.
I took my belt off and spun everything. This one few dry and noisier and had more lateral play. Swapped it out and she is quiet now.
 
dereky said:
I've replaced a few multiple times. Just finished upper drivers idler.
I took my belt off and spun everything. This one few dry and noisier and had more lateral play. Swapped it out and she is quiet now.
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Should they have a little or no lateral play?
 
They will still spin freely, until they wear out.
4ce5.jpg
 
I have a bit of lateral play in Idler No. 2 Driver side (The upper one) and P/S pump pulley has quite a bit of lateral play. Others seem tight laterally, and I think they're spinning freely.
 
Stuck CAPS said:
I guess what im asking is if you guys think the ps pulley could be the cause of the whining?
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It's possible, it's on a shaft riding on bearings also. Remember in my post, sandy/muddy water took my starter out also.

You still have the stethoscope right, check it. Granted, using it you hear noises, u just have to learn what is normal sounds and what's not with it. Louder and profound.
 
having fun said:
It's possible, it's on a shaft riding on bearings also. Remember in my post, sandy/muddy water took my starter out also.

You still have the stethoscope right, check it. Granted, using it you hear noises, u just have to learn what is normal sounds and what's not with it. Louder and profound.
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You've got a couple years of experience on me :P It also has a lot of resistance, but since its spinning a pump, that seems normal. My starter, however, seems fine
 
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