So when I start my car I get this grinding noise from my drive belt area, someone told me oh ye that's a idler pully and im sure the bearings are shot he said. Went to the salvage got one off a car, went home took my pully off my car and the bearings are fine. so havent put the new pully on yet because the belt was so old on my car i have to wait and get a new one. So if its not my pully making the grinding sound what could it be?? thanks!

 

AC clutch bearing, AC pump, or alternator. Run the engine with the belt removed to confirm its not the engine.

 

My alternator bearing started making noise like what you have described. Two days later, the bearing failed and I had to replace the alternator.

 

Mine was making a high pitched squealing noise for over a week. Then this past sunday while max_dreamer and I were on our way to the pick n pull it finally gave out and fell off on the road. Fortunately we were only about 3 miles from the yards ad were able to grab the last one there. For some reason those pulleys are a popular item to get.

 

^^^ I think its because so many people break the assembly by trying to turn the adjusting screw without loosening the pulley nut.

 

Got up under neath my car and truth be told it my alternator! thanks guys for your input!!

 

its a 14mm bolt on the center of the Idle pulley correct? I think mine is stripped and I can't even loosen it. Should I file it down to a 13mm?

 

ye its a 14mm, if its stripped try using vi scripts excuse my spelling

 

vise grips lol got the jist though

 

I have a similar issue so im bumping this thread. I went to change the belt today and I think I loosened the tensioner rod too much. Now it looks bent and wont even tighten back up and now my idler pulley sits uneven. Ive tried to loosen the pulley bolt and then tighten the rod and everything but it doesnt do anything. Will I need a whole new idler pulley/tensioner assembly or can I just order a new rod adjuster (or whatever its called)??

I have a 3.5 if thats makes a difference, idk if the 3.0 assembly is the same EDIT: It is the same

 

So I got a new idler pulley assembly for $86 at the dealership. I called around and found out they dont sell the whole tensioner pulley assembly anywhere but the dealership. So after putting the new assembly on (took about 30 minutes since i only needed the pulley and rod adjuster) I found out the bearing in my old pulley were shot.

To the OP double check to make sure the inside of the pulley isnt bad or the rod tensioner isnt bent like mine as this is wat was causing my grinding noise.

The bad rod tensioner

 

Lesson learned hopefully....... quit posting questions without even looking at your problem first!

 

Piggy backing on this thread because my issue is my Tensioner Rod. I was getting a squealing bad on start up and with the AC engaged. But I still felt like it was a tension problem because the belts seemed lose. Well trying to adjust mine, yes I loosened the pulley nut first, and my dman rod twisted in half. The adjustor part seized on the rod.



Anyone know if the dealers sell just the rod itself or do I need to buy a whole assembly? It's sunday I already tried calling several but the parts departments are closed.

edit: kinda hoping reLLik had an answer

 

here is the bolt adjustment rod

http://www.courtesyparts.com/11925g-...-p-189563.html

and if you want the nut too

http://www.courtesyparts.com/11935u-...-p-189567.html

Snapped mine too but never bought it.... just got a pry bar on the pully and tighten the pulley nut and its still working for me

 

Thank you! those are exactly what I need. Going to try a pick n pull run first. I know its usually a long shot for this type of thing. But if not I'll order those tonight. I appreciate the response.

 

No problem love to help and good luck

 

thanks for this... mine is bent. i bent it back and the belt squeaks for about 3 minutes on start up in my 3.5

 

Pic n Pull is officially my new favorite place. Got a nice used rod and adjustment nut and cleaner bracket, for super cheap and was able to fix all this today and my squeak is LONG GONE. Also picked up a better windshield wiper fluid resevoir cap. I can't believe that whole idea slipped my mind so long.

 

The dealer only sells the whole assembly. Sorry i havent been on the computer all day, glad someone helped you out quickly and you got your problem solved tho

Even with the new assembly ive been havin the hardest time keeping my 3.5 from squeaking on start up. Im starting to think its the cheap Dayco belt i got from Advanced Auto. Ive loosened and re-tightened the damn thing so many times its startin to pi** me off lol

Ive been looking at either the Goodyear Gatorback belts or a Gates but Ive got a lightweight UDP so its makin it tough to figure out which part number to get. Does anyone know?

 

I thought Gatorback was bought out by the Dayco brand? I could be way off, but that is what I was told.

 

have you tried the belt dressing? it worked for me for about 3 weeks before the squeak came bacc

 

I have no idea about that ill have to check. Everytime i search for Gatorback belts they're under Goodyear

Ive thought about it but Ive heard belt dressing just makes it worse after a while idk tho. I started it around noon today, still a little chilly outside, and there was no squeak at all. Go to leave again at like 3 and it squealed a little.

Im thinkin the belt stretches out when it gets warm, but im afraid to tighten the tensioner anymore