Bearing noises from one of the belt pulleys

[fmonthefly]

I already changed the tensioner because after tightening everything I saw the belt was riding wobbly on that pulley. Noise did not go away. It seems to be coming from the top of motor near alternator. I'd hate to spring for a new one and it not be the problem. I'm going to take belt off and see how the bearing feels. See if there is play, resistance any rusty/crunchy sounds. Anyone have any ideas on how to isolate each pulley? Any ideas would be great. I'd like to say thank you to "Town". Your advice with regard to my air suspension system was invaluable! Any ideas on this one? FYI 97 Town Car Executive. Have a great night all! Fmonthefly

 

[All2kool]

I already changed the tensioner because after tightening everything I saw the belt was riding wobbly on that pulley. Noise did not go away. It seems to be coming from the top of motor near alternator. I'd hate to spring for a new one and it not be the problem. I'm going to take belt off and see how the bearing feels. See if there is play, resistance any rusty/crunchy sounds. Anyone have any ideas on how to isolate each pulley? Any ideas would be great. I'd like to say thank you to "Town". Your advice with regard to my air suspension system was invaluable! Any ideas on this one? FYI 97 Town Car Executive. Have a great night all! Fmonthefly

I also had a noisy something and after squeezing some lubricant into the small gap on the Alternator Pulley, the noise went away - for a while. After I got tired of doing this every few hundred miles, I replaced the Alternator and tossed out the lubricant. If you need a newly rebuilt FLM Alternator, I have one I'll sell you. When I bought mine, I was sent one with just the two mounting locations. I contacted the seller and asked for a replacement, one with three mounting locations and he complied but did not want the other returned. I installed the one with two mounting locations and it's been on for 1500 miles without issue. If you want the replacement I never used, it's a 130AMP for a 1995-1997. I'll sell it for just $50 with $20 to ship.

 

[Town]

The idler pulley would be my first suspect after you replaced the tensioner and its idler pulley. I do not know how to test individual accessories using the serpentine belt at speed since the belt must fit around the pulleys in a particular sequence. I would test each pulley by trying to move it by twisting (no movement allowed), spinning and assessing the noise and bearing roughness.

Is your belt in good condition? It should already have been replaced.

Good luck.

 

[All2kool]

To eliminate the Alternator as the squeaker spray a little WD40 in the gap at the pulley while the car is running. If the squeak stops, it's the Alternator.

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[fmonthefly]

Thanks. I had planned on the WD idea for the morning. Will consider offer to purchase alternator. Anyone ever use a mechanic's stethoscope? I've seen them on some websites fairly cheap. Would rather have some info first if anyone had any experience with them. Thanks. FM

 

[wa9zug]

Yes I have. They work fine. I bought one at Harbor Freight for $4-$5. You can also use a piece of garden hose.

 

[fmonthefly]

Thanks wa9zug. Going to try WD, hose and then, if I still need to, going to get a Stethascope.

 

[fmonthefly]

Alternator is the culprit. It quieted a bit when I sprayed WD in it but came back fast. I took belt off and can feel the pulley didn't want to spin easily. I got a nice sized channel lock and twisted it to check for play and it had about 3/16" play. Maybe a little less. I can feel the rust in the bearing when I twisted and turned it. I put belt on and checked voltage output. I think it was like 12.2. Too low. I need a new one. Considering the offer from one of the members who responded. Thanks again

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[fmonthefly]

May be interested in alternator. Call me please @ 917-509-1730. Frank

 

[All2kool]

May be interested in alternator. Call me please @ 917-509-1730. Frank

Frank:

As I mentioned, the 130AMP Alternator I have as a 'spare' is newly re-manufactured. After I had installed the first one I was sent, I never installed the replacement. It was my opinion that the top mounting location was insignificant and having the Alternator on for more than 1500 miles now, I was right. O'Reilly's & AutoZone want $160 for them. My offer to sell it to you for $70 shipped stands. I have listed it locally on Craigsllist also. I would ship it via FedEx, and I can accept PayPal.

all2kooler@gmail.com