Whining From Cam Shaft Bearings???

[aaronsbiza]

I know that some SHOs emit a whining sound, but mine is starting to get rediculously loud. The whine goes up and down in pitch corresponding to the RPMs. No it is not the P.S. or any other accessories. I used a stehescope to pinpoint the origin of the whining and have pinned it down to either the end of the cams, where the CID sensor is, or from within the timing belt cover. My questions is... Which one is emitting the sound, I am having trouble pin pointing the exact location. Is it common for the camshaft bearings to start whining if they are going bad? Or is this a sign that the timing belt is going bad? If anyone can contribute any information to my question, please do so, and thank you.

 

[Dave Kegel]

Your timing belt tensioner is probably going bad. That's where I'd start.

Dave Kegel

 

[aaronsbiza]

I am sorry, I did not mention it is a 95ATX. So I don't know if your suggestion still applies. How would you suggest I determine if it is the tensioner? Can I take the Timing cover off without taking off the intake?

 

[sdpatt]

The cam bearings rarely fail on the SHO engine. You can remove the upper timing belt cover by removing only the intake's crossover tube. That should get you a better shot at the tensioner to determine if it is the source of the noise.

 

[aaronsbiza]

How do I determine if The Tensioner is in fact the culprit. Should there be any slack in the timing belt, wear spots, etc..?

 

[SLOSHO89]

sdpatt:
The cam bearings rarely fail on the SHO engine.

I don't think that SHO motors have cam bearings. If so I missed them when I swaped in my 3.0 cams......

Efren

 

[aaronsbiza]

What do the ends of the Cams Ride on then?

 

[SLOSHO89]

aaronsbiza:
What do the ends of the Cams Ride on then?

The cams are bolted to the head. They have caps that hold them to the head. Sort of like a conecting rod. You would think there should be a cam bearing in there.

Here is a picture of the head. You can see where the cams go.

Efren

<small>[ May 20, 2003, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: SLOSHO89 ]</small>

 

[AREA 91]

The cams just ride in the head. Nifty isn't it...

 

[aaronsbiza]

Thanks for the input on the heads vs cams, but to get back to my original question... How do I go about diagnosing the belt tensioner, mind you I have a 95ATX so I believe it is an automatic tensioner.

 

[Dave Kegel]

Remove the intake crossover tube and the upper timing belt cover as Scott suggested. Put the intake back together and start the car. Then listen to the tensioner with a "stethoscope" of some sort. A piece of hose, a piece of conduit, anything. You should be able to tell if the tensioner is producing the sound.

Dave Kegel

 

[aaronsbiza]

Ok Thank you, I will give it a try tonight and see what I come up with. If it is the tensioner, is it an easy part to replace? Expensive? Can I get one from AutoZone? Again Thank you for your help.

 

[projectSHO89]

If it is the tensioner, is it an easy part to replace? Expensive? Can I get one from AutoZone?

No, yes, and no.

Steve

<small>[ May 21, 2003, 04:45 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[aaronsbiza]

Well, if it turns out to be the tensioner, I will ask for the process of replacing it. But may I ask what makes it so difficult to replace?