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Alan Posted on Feb 04, 2015
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I have a chirping or bearing sounding noise, that I am trying to isolate on my daughters college car. Sound varies with RPM.

This is the 6-banger base model. Replaced Alternator 18 months ago, Serpentine belt 6 months ago. Trying to determine if Tensioner pulley, idler pulley, or some other culprit?

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Sue Kay

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Sue Kay
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Cam position sensor synchronizer. Mine chirped. Then turned into a squeal.

vic tor c

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Chirping? like squeal, lose belt by the sound of it, yes the tension pulley maybe loose, retained by 2 bolts one that pivot around a slotted radius, you'll need a pry bar and socket to fix this, slacken the bolt, gently pry the alt out so the belt tighten around their pulleys, check for a little deflection, 1/2" maximum and tighten everything up, if you still hear chirp or squeal pry out a little more till the noise go.

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99% of the time replacing the bearing of the idler pulley and/or tensioner is much cheaper then replacing the entire unit. For example I replaced both bearings on a 97 caravan for $8.00! ($4 per bearing). All you need is the part number on the bearings. They're pretty common and most bearing suppliers should carry them, and re and re on them is pretty easy.

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Adam Truesdale
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Well if its a pulley take a long handle screw driver that will reach the area of the pulley you think is bad. I use this trick a lot. you cant put it on the pulley since its turning but you can put it on the metal or a bracket near the pulley and if its bad you will hear a hum. you can move it around and hear the difference. if its a wheel bearing. you will hear a hum for thousands of miles before they get bad. if you jack up the car and put a jack stand to be safe. with the tire off the ground you can move the tire. hands at the top and bottom and shack the tire. if you feel a lot of movement you found the bad wheel. the other way to check the pulley. remove the belts and with the car off you can wiggle the pulleys. if they don't turn or have a lot of movement you can change them. the waterpump if that is bad will be a pain depending on the car.

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Get an inexpensive mechanics stethoscope and put the end on the shaft part of idler pulleys, housing near bearings of alternator and water pump etc.
If that doesn't give clear results, try squirting a little water on the serpentine belt as if runs [a length of small drip irrigation hose works really well to get a little water on the belt]. The water will provide harmless temporary lubrication to the belt and change the sound if it is caused by the belt slipping.

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I have what sounds like a squeaky bearing sound at any speed. Varies with RPM. Looking for likely culprits.

you're on the right track, removing the serpentine belt and manually rotating/ spinning the pulleys listening for a dragging, or grinding. If its very bad you may even see a outward movement. hope this helps!
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