konak85

iTrader: (10)

Hello guys, I've been getting this annoying whining noise at idle and driving coming from the belt area. Took it to my mechanic cuz i thought it was the alternator. He checked the charging system and it was fine. HE said it was most likely the idler pulley. So i replaced the idler pulley with one from rockauto.com and started the car, same embarassing whining.
The sound gets louder when RPMs get higher. I'm thinking the bearings are shot on the alternator or AC compressor/condenser. What do you think it is? What would you replace?

the_3d_man

iTrader: (1)

did you adjust the tension to the correct level? MY alternator is whining a little but it is still putting out a good charge.

maximum1005

iTrader: (1)

Giving what you have done and been through already. 96? then yes I would also think it's your A\C. The altenator bearing could be shot and still kick out the juice you need like 3D said. Check that first it's cheaper.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

is it difficult to chang bearings for the alternator and AC? Are the bearings sold seperately?

konak85

iTrader: (10)

bump^^
pmub

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

How old is the accessory belt and PS belt?

Have you tried to tighten the belts (especially the accessory belt)...?

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Its not the belts i'm sure. Its more of a moaning sound like a bad bearing or something.

The serpentine belt is new; the PS dont know. I'm thinking of changing the alternator bearing, if its possible. How do i go about doing this? Any other suggestions?

the_3d_man

iTrader: (1)

I've never heard of changing the bearing on a component like that before. Maybe you can, I dunno, but I think you'll prolly just have to replace the alty. if thats what's making the noise.

4x4Max

iTrader: (12)

My car does that sometimes, especially on start up. Sounds like a supercharger when i start up the car. I really don't care that much for the sound because its not loud at all.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Mine got very loud lately. I'm thinking of buying an autozone alternator. Anyone have any other suggestions?

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Switched out the alternator for an autozone reman. Same darn sound!!!!
So far changed alternator and idler pulley, still the same sound. So pissed off right now.
What is the next logical thing to do?

plate

iTrader: (2)

Take the belt off, start the car and see if the noise is still there.
Might as well make sure the noise is coming from something connected
to the belt before you replace everything.

69CHARGER_RT

It is the A/C compressor pulley bearing making noise. It is not replaceable. You will need to get a reman compressor.

My 96 does the same. Got a compressor in the parts bin waiting.......not gonna touch it right now because the A/C works so well.
Been making the noise for almost 2 years now.....it aint broke completely yet so I aint touchin it!!

konak85

iTrader: (10)

^^ I dont know how loud yours is but mine got really loud lately, I Gotta change it. Gonna try what plate said then go from there. Now i have to take out the alternator and return it tommorow.

skoobahead

Get a spray bottle. Fill it with water. Spray affected area. When noise stops you found it.

YMMV

SVI30

Does the car have the auto A/C mode? If so, is it normally left in the Auto mode? When happened if you turn off the A/C or put in in Economy mode? Does the noise go away?

I had to change my compressor also but as it turns out, it was a thermal transmitter failure. It caused the compressor to be on all the time.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Is there an on-line write up for replacing the AC compressor/condensor?

FR8RFLYR

HAd exactly the whine you are describing on my 98. Was the alternator bearings. Had the alternator rebuilt, $150. Sure beats a new one for $300.

SVI30

It's a bolt on. Just have to put refrigeration oil in the new compressor. Everything has to be super clean. Since you can't really wipe things clean, you have to keep the plugs in place until you are ready to install.

After you close everything up, take it to a shop to evacuate and put freon in it. Then prey that it doesn't leak.

If it is the compressor, you still have to check everything out to find what cause it to fail.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Well i lost my splash shield and moisture may have played a big part in the failure.
Anyone recommend replacing the A/C compressor or should i leave it to the pros? I found the alternator replacement to be kind of easy.

SVI30

I didn't do my I30 and it went back 2 more times and still some problems exist today. I did my Sub and it had been solid for 5 years. Something to be said about DIY.

You are trying to fiix a car. They are trying to make money.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

Well thats the name of the game. most mechanics are businessmen first. Thanks for the advice every1.