Thanks to you all. I had it out to the lube shop, as opposed to the dealer... and had them remove the belt. All pulleys feel and appear functional and sound smooth. There is some noise in the alternator, none elsewhere.
Not having any terms of reference for alternator noise, I really can't be sure. Alternators, must make some noise. We spun it with a bungee chord and it does not make anywhere near the noise that the engine does, at idle...To be clear, it sounds like a low pitched air-raid siren at idle and a fighter jet at full throat. It startles people who are out summer gardening, as I creep past in winter mode trying to avoid offensive looks.
After having it removed three times by two different technicians and having the idler pulley replaced, I am resigned to doing what the dealer suggests, keep driving until it fails. If its a water pump versus a PS pump, how much labour? Can I damage my heads if its a water pump, that suddenly fails. Cheers, Laz
| wrote: | | >Pull the belt off and manually rotate each device by hand. You should | >be able to tell which is the culprit. | | Pull and push them too, loose bearings are generally noticeable. You | will need to loosen the belt to feel the play - ask if you need | instructions on doing that. | | As Fred mentioned, there is the upper idler on the tensioner (which | they may have replaced) and I think the '99 still uses the center | idler pulley. Those usually last a long time. Note that it is not | unusual for the alternator bearing to have wear. Water pumps go too | but you can usually feel the bearings. | | I'm a little concerned about your PS pump if it was close to dry. It | could be damaged and making noise. | | Another trick is to use a mechanic's stethoscope, which you can buy | for short money at an auto parts store (usually under $20). Please be | exceedingly careful if you use it near a running engine - one wrong | move near the spinning belt and it becomes a flying weapon instead of | a useful tool.