Since buying this vehicle 2 months ago, spent alot of time and money fixing stuff that simply worn out. Two things that seem related. The underhood noise seems to be related to the serpentine belt in the AC compressor area, suspect the compressor. But, when I replaced the power steering pump, the belt tensioner broke providing inadequate tension. The AC compressor was turning though without the whining noise. So, the jury is still out on this one. A related item I noted looking under the left wheel well at the harmonic balancer. It seems that some of the material has worked it way towards the front of the engine. Giving an awkward appearance while the engine is running.
Should I replace the harmonic balancer? How do I track down this underhood noise to its defacto source, not surmising its source as best guess?