Bearing squeel in engine compartment
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Bearing squeel in engine compartment
I have had a bearing squeel in the engine compartment for several months. It used to happen at 1400 RPM. Now it starts at idle and goes away after it warms up. Then it starts at 900 RPM. I have changed all idelers and belt tensioners. If I remove serpantine belt it goes away (not in A/C drive units). It sounds like the power steering pump. I changed the alternator with no change in noise. The power steering pulley has side play in it, the water pump does not leak and is tight and smooth when spun. Most people ask, how can a power steering pump have a bad bearing?. A power steering pump is $180 - $250 labor to replace it is $300. has anyone had a similar problem?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
I've had my squeel for a while. I think it has lessened but the more likely thing is my hearing has gotten worse. I'll look at it when I get back from VEGAS this next week. Good luck on getting it fixed.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 445
Likes: 87
From: Sparta, NJ
I've got the same problem now too, the whistling started just to about 2 weeks ago and its really loud. The car only has 22k on it and its a 2004. I cant understand why Im having problems with such a low mileage car and these components.
Anyway, Im pretty sure its the alternator. I just have to take the belt off and check it out. A new alternator is like $250 and I would much rather spend that money on some go-fast parts..
Anyway, Im pretty sure its the alternator. I just have to take the belt off and check it out. A new alternator is like $250 and I would much rather spend that money on some go-fast parts..
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane QLD
belt squeal
I have a blown C5 and had same problem............I changed tensioner, w/pump and finally the belt. It disappeared instantly. It seems that teh serpentine belt was stretched by overtightening. Me and 20 other corvette owners, 1 GM dealer and 1 Corvette shop swore it was a bearing.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
Try replacing the smaller, accessory belt. I had the same problem. The squeal finally went away when I replaced mine. Before that, I had replaced the serpentine belt and an idler pulley with no luck. I am currently using Goodyear Gatorback belts- they are suppose to be quieter than stock.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '07
I also replaced both belt, all idler pulleys and tensioner pulleys on my 1998 with 170K. I replaced the A/C belt twice with Goodyear Gatorback belt. IT WORKED!!!!! I think it got dirty or greasey and the first one started making noise again. So for about $15.00 I replace the A/c belt the second time - there was nothing else left. I was goin nuckin futs. But thats what it was - the darn belt.
Let us know what work for you.
Let us know what work for you.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
Same experience with goodyear gatorback (twice) -- so far
Had the loud squeal after cam install and scared the hell outta me.
When I removed the ac belt and idler, I thought it was the idler (so I greased it. Loud squeal did not return, but squeak sqeuak sqeuak did.
Then I got a new Gatorback AC belt and it was 1/4" to 1/2" shorter (tighter) than the old one. Same part number, same belt. Way harder to get on.
Weird!
Had the loud squeal after cam install and scared the hell outta me.
When I removed the ac belt and idler, I thought it was the idler (so I greased it. Loud squeal did not return, but squeak sqeuak sqeuak did.
Then I got a new Gatorback AC belt and it was 1/4" to 1/2" shorter (tighter) than the old one. Same part number, same belt. Way harder to get on.
Weird!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '07
I also replaced both belt, all idler pulleys and tensioner pulleys on my 1998 with 170K. I replaced the A/C belt twice with Goodyear Gatorback belt. IT WORKED!!!!! I think it got dirty or greasey and the first one started making noise again. So for about $15.00 I replace the A/c belt the second time - there was nothing else left. I was goin nuckin futs. But thats what it was - the darn belt. Let us know what work for you.
Let us know what work for you.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Texas
When my harmonic balancer started to fail, the primary belt would chirp at low RPMs. It seems at low RPMs the harmonic balancer would wobble and cause the belt to rub on areas where it shouldn't, like the flanks of the pulley, causing the chirping noise. A new harmonic balancer cured the problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
Mine came back this morning, it was extra cold out and the car had been sitting.
It sounded like womp-womp-womp, but higher pitched. happened at idle, while I was letting the car warm up. I ran back out to the garage and cut it off. Checked the belts, restarted -- gone???
Didn't do anything.
The noise almost sounds like rod bearings or cam bearings rubbing, but no knocking.
I'm leaning towards a possible water pump bearing, but not leaking any coolant on the ground.
Could also be a bad idler??
Next time I'm going to pull the oil cap and make sure its not pressure/vacuum on the crankcase. My PCV setup is old and nasty looking.
Problem is, if I cut off the car to troubleshoot, it doesn't reliably come back on restart.
It sounded like womp-womp-womp, but higher pitched. happened at idle, while I was letting the car warm up. I ran back out to the garage and cut it off. Checked the belts, restarted -- gone???
Didn't do anything.
The noise almost sounds like rod bearings or cam bearings rubbing, but no knocking.
I'm leaning towards a possible water pump bearing, but not leaking any coolant on the ground.
Could also be a bad idler??
Next time I'm going to pull the oil cap and make sure its not pressure/vacuum on the crankcase. My PCV setup is old and nasty looking.
Problem is, if I cut off the car to troubleshoot, it doesn't reliably come back on restart.
