for those with experience - would you say squeal coming from alternator area is the alt or the nearby idler pulley? (or, forbid, the H20 pump?). I can't seem to isolate it. goes away when warm. it is not a high pitch whine (e.g. when the belt slips) - it is more of a mixed growl/howl/squeal.

 

well its almost impossiable to tell if you cant hear it in person to diagnose the problem. the first step i would do it get a product that helps reduce or stop squeaking of belts, i think its called belt leak or something to that extent.(i know you said you dont think its your belt, but for the money of a bottle of belt squeak compared to a water pump, alt, or idler pulley, you cant beat it.) give the product a try then get back to us.

hope this helps

-Colin

 

Check belt tension first. It needs to be quite tight. An old dry belt can also contribute to the problem. You can check the alt and pulley bearings by relieving belt tension and turning them by hand. They should turn freely without the belt contacting them. I've seen oldtimers make a "s***hoscope" with a sawed off broomhandle. One end on the component and your ear on the other end. When something is grinding inside you'll hear it clearly.

 

if the water pump was bad it would be making noise all the time. check the belts for cracks/wear and tension.

 

I have the same problem like a GROWL and squeal sound. Goes away when the car warms up,but it is really loud on cold start. Have to get this checked one day.

 

I'm fairly certain now that it is a bearing in either the idler pulley or the alternator. once the grease heats up it spins better. I'm 100% sure it is not the belt slipping. I just hope it holds out until next spring I really don't want to fix it in the cold.

 

Could it be the starter? Unless you ruled that out already...My starter often squealed at cold start ups. Just a thought.