My car has developed a fairly loud grinding noise coming from around the alternator/ac compressor. Would it just be a bearing from the pully or something more serious like the compressor or the alternator on the way out. But if it was the compressor shouldn't it only make noise when the ac clutch engages? This noise is here all the time and it is definately coming from around that area.
Loud grinding/pulley noise
- Thread starter betterman
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
projectSHO89
SHOless In St L
Probably a bad bearing in one of the idler pulleys.
Remove the belts one at a time and start the engine.
When the noise goes away, you know which one to look at.
Steve
Remove the belts one at a time and start the engine.
When the noise goes away, you know which one to look at.
Steve
EZ4U2ENVY
New Member
Mine makes a noise when my alt voltage regulator is on its way out- when i have my sound system kickin for a few min the alt starts making this loud noise because i have this crappy rebuilt alt that i need to do a warr swap on- i bet you thats you problem.
rangerj
Active Member
Betterman,
As Steve suggested, remove the A/C, Alternator, belt. If the noise goes away, it has to be the Alternator bearing, the A/C pulley bearing, or the idler pulley bearing. You can spin the bearings by hand and listen for a dry metal to metal whirrrring sound.
If you have a shop near you that rebuilds alternators, they can replace the bearings (front and rear) for about $40 to $50. The Nippondenso bearings are expensive.
The idler pulley bearing is the same as is in a Gen III tensioner. You just need the replacement bearing (about $30). If you ask SHOZ 123 real nice, and say please, he will give you the part number! thumbs_u
The A/C pulley bearing can also be replaced, I think for 89 thru 92. Check at an auto parts store, again about $30. If this is the problem get back to us and we'll walk you through the bearing change. I'ts not that hard, but there are a few tricks.
If the noise is comming from the other side, that is the water pump, idler pulley, power steering pump, the idler pulley is the same.
The other two take more time and money to cure!
rangerj
As Steve suggested, remove the A/C, Alternator, belt. If the noise goes away, it has to be the Alternator bearing, the A/C pulley bearing, or the idler pulley bearing. You can spin the bearings by hand and listen for a dry metal to metal whirrrring sound.
If you have a shop near you that rebuilds alternators, they can replace the bearings (front and rear) for about $40 to $50. The Nippondenso bearings are expensive.
The idler pulley bearing is the same as is in a Gen III tensioner. You just need the replacement bearing (about $30). If you ask SHOZ 123 real nice, and say please, he will give you the part number! thumbs_u
The A/C pulley bearing can also be replaced, I think for 89 thru 92. Check at an auto parts store, again about $30. If this is the problem get back to us and we'll walk you through the bearing change. I'ts not that hard, but there are a few tricks.
If the noise is comming from the other side, that is the water pump, idler pulley, power steering pump, the idler pulley is the same.
The other two take more time and money to cure!
rangerj
89 black SHO mtx
SHO Member
rangerj is right about that i've put 2 p/s pumps inin the last 8 months!!!(ouch) but if it is the a/c clutch hub becareful about the front seal compressors aren't cheap. GOOD LUCK KEN
Underdog
New Member
You may also try taking a long screw driver and sticking it on the accessories with the engine running (Be careful). Listen for the noise through the handle of the screwdriver.
rangerj
Active Member
Betterman, AND UNDERDOG,
If you want to listen to a running bearing get a mechanics stethescope at Auto Zone for $10.
Putting a large screwdriver into the drive belt area of a running engine, then putting your head down near it, and turning your eyes away from it to put it next to your ear, is a dissaster waiting to happen. Please DO NOT DO THIS.
The stethescope is much cheaper than plastic surgery! rangerj
If you want to listen to a running bearing get a mechanics stethescope at Auto Zone for $10.
Putting a large screwdriver into the drive belt area of a running engine, then putting your head down near it, and turning your eyes away from it to put it next to your ear, is a dissaster waiting to happen. Please DO NOT DO THIS.
The stethescope is much cheaper than plastic surgery! rangerj
thanks for all the help, I'll have to take a look at it after finals and other stuff is done. I hope its just a bearing but I gess we will see. I'm pretty suree its not the water pump because I just replaced that.
Similar threads
