annoying engine "whir"
#31
12-31-2013, 12:18 PM
When you wiggle the alt pulley, does it have any play in it as well? And I assume you checked the water pump and tensioner pulleys?
Keep in mind, when you spin the pulley by hand, it's much slower then the engine spinning it. As a result, it's hard to get the same exact sound, so all you're looking for is a clue.
I never thought about it, but the belt could be the source of the noise too. When you replace it, a tip given to me was since the old belt is not snapped or fraying, bundle it up, put it with your spare tire. This way if the belt ever breaks on the road, you have a spare at all times (it should be enough to get home until you can buy a new belt).
I've learned to steer a way from belt dressing. In my experiences, it solved nothing (sometimes made bigger problems).
#32
12-31-2013, 12:46 PM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,175
Not to sound like a broken record, what about the tensioner pulley???
Sometimes a bearing goes out in those and it's like less then $10 at the parts store for the pulley itself (not the entire tensioner assembly). And if memory serves, that one is a little back under the alt. I've replaced that pulley before on other 3800's due to noise.
Sometimes a bearing goes out in those and it's like less then $10 at the parts store for the pulley itself (not the entire tensioner assembly). And if memory serves, that one is a little back under the alt. I've replaced that pulley before on other 3800's due to noise.
#33
12-31-2013, 12:52 PM
Not to sound like a broken record, what about the tensioner pulley???
Sometimes a bearing goes out in those and it's like less then $10 at the parts store for the pulley itself (not the entire tensioner assembly). And if memory serves, that one is a little back under the alt. I've replaced that pulley before on other 3800's due to noise.
Sometimes a bearing goes out in those and it's like less then $10 at the parts store for the pulley itself (not the entire tensioner assembly). And if memory serves, that one is a little back under the alt. I've replaced that pulley before on other 3800's due to noise.
#34
12-31-2013, 02:00 PM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,175
No need for a write up, the pulley is held on to the tensioner assembly with one bolt (it might be reverse thread, I don't remember). You just get your ratchet and socket (probably a 13mm or 15mm) and go to town. Bolt goes through the center of the pulley. No biggie. It's not pressed on or anything.
Just spin it by hand, wiggle it to check for play.
Just spin it by hand, wiggle it to check for play.
#36
12-31-2013, 04:01 PM
Well... bearing feels pretty tight and there is some metal shavings in it. So I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace. I dont like guess work but atleast then I can eliminate it.
Edit: also clicks when spun. So a bearing is shot for sure. I'm thinking that's the higher pitch sound and closer insepction I think that its the alternator fan bearing that is making the rest of the noise.
Would you guys stop finding stuff that broken on my car that I didn't notice? Hahaha
Edit: also clicks when spun. So a bearing is shot for sure. I'm thinking that's the higher pitch sound and closer insepction I think that its the alternator fan bearing that is making the rest of the noise.
Would you guys stop finding stuff that broken on my car that I didn't notice? Hahaha
Last edited by dbaldwin; 12-31-2013 at 04:09 PM.
#37
12-31-2013, 05:28 PM
Well... bearing feels pretty tight and there is some metal shavings in it. So I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace. I dont like guess work but atleast then I can eliminate it.
Edit: also clicks when spun. So a bearing is shot for sure. I'm thinking that's the higher pitch sound and closer insepction I think that its the alternator fan bearing that is making the rest of the noise.
Would you guys stop finding stuff that broken on my car that I didn't notice? Hahaha
Edit: also clicks when spun. So a bearing is shot for sure. I'm thinking that's the higher pitch sound and closer insepction I think that its the alternator fan bearing that is making the rest of the noise.
Would you guys stop finding stuff that broken on my car that I didn't notice? Hahaha
#38
12-31-2013, 05:53 PM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,175
I love helping other people spend money But seriously, I'm glad it sounds like this will help eliminate a couple smaller issues and ultimately helped to pin point the actual problem. Since you found metal shavings around the tensioner pulley, that could have spelled a serious problem for you eventually.
#39
12-31-2013, 06:04 PM
I love helping other people spend money But seriously, I'm glad it sounds like this will help eliminate a couple smaller issues and ultimately helped to pin point the actual problem. Since you found metal shavings around the tensioner pulley, that could have spelled a serious problem for you eventually.
