Idler pulley bearing?

[Totally 80s]

I notice now when I start my car and have the A/C on when I accelerate from a stop I get a squeal. This goes on and off while accelerating from a stop for about 3-4 minutes of driving and then goes away.

I assume that my idler pulley bearing is wearing out? I searched the forum but didn't see anything about how to replace it? Do I simply pull the idler wheel out and its behind that? Is there one on both idlers? Any info appreciated.

If it is not the idler bearing on the compressor I assume its a belt wearing out?

[WelmoedJ]

I notice now when I start my car and have the A/C on when I accelerate from a stop I get a squeal. This goes on and off while accelerating from a stop for about 3-4 minutes of driving and then goes away.

I assume that my idler pulley bearing is wearing out? I searched the forum but didn't see anything about how to replace it? Do I simply pull the idler wheel out and its behind that? Is there one on both idlers? Any info appreciated.

If it is not the idler bearing on the compressor I assume its a belt wearing out?

The bearing of the idler pulleys is inside the pulley.
Held in place by C clips on each side.
Take the bearing out (using a punch of correct size) and go to a local shop that sells that stuff.
Press it in using the same size puch or a big nut.

[Totally 80s]

So its more likely the bearing and not the belt? I can't really tell exactly where its coming from.

[WelmoedJ]

Spraying the pulley with WD-40 may stop the noise.
Then you will know it's the bearing.

If you're not sure, take the belt off.
No squeeling? Try turn the pulley by hand.
If it takes some force, it's the bearing.
Replace both bearings at the same time.
Otherwise you may have to do it one more time.

If the pulleys run easy and long, then you may suspect the belt.
Usually it's very easy to recognise a worn belt (cracks, shiny sides, strands loose, etc).

Be carefure with the bolt of the upper mount of the pulley mounting bracket.
It lodges in aluminium and when tightened too much you can destroy the thread in the cylinder head.

[David T]

Without hearing the noise it is hard to guess. It could be the bearings but I will guess the more likely cause is a loose belt. Just replace the bearings and the belts. If the belts are really loose just try tightening them up a bit first. There are 2 belts and 2 bearings. The vendors sell a kit that contains the 2 bearings and an "O" ring (the "O" ring goes behind and seals a cover on the motor). When you replace the bearings you must be sure to reinstall the hardware and bracketry EXACTLY as it is supposed to be. Refer to the Parts Manual if necessary.
David Teitelbaum

[LEVY]

.

If the bearing is good and you spray WD-40, then you will ruin the bearing! WD-40 will dry out quick!

If it is your belt the cause of the noise, spraying WD-40 on your belt will also temporarily stop the noise.





Spraying the pulley with WD-40 may stop the noise.
Then you will know it's the bearing.

If you're not sure, take the belt off.
No squeeling? Try turn the pulley by hand.
If it takes some force, it's the bearing.
Replace both bearings at the same time.
Otherwise you may have to do it one more time.

If the pulleys run easy and long, then you may suspect the belt.
Usually it's very easy to recognise a worn belt (cracks, shiny sides, strands loose, etc).

Be carefure with the bolt of the upper mount of the pulley mounting bracket.
It lodges in aluminium and when tightened too much you can destroy the thread in the cylinder head.

[mluder]

I think one of my idler pully bearings is shot too. However it makes a grating sound that gets louder with accelration - not a squeal.

I always thougt a squeal was indicative of the belt going bad.

Steve

[DMCMW Dave]

You do want to keep an eye on these bearings. When (not if) they fail, the bearing will either fall apart causing you to lose some expensive pieces, or lock up and a minimum destroy the belt. We heard of one case where the belt caught fire but that's pretty unusual.

[Kenny_Z]

I have that same squealing and tracked it down to my idler pulley. I used some white grease which helped a lot. I'll be doing that project some time this week.

[dmcpom]

I think a test with a drip of washing up liquid in a spray bottle is better than wd40 and no harm done to anything .

[LEVY]

.

The best way of pinpoint the source of a noise is by using a piece of garden hose, one end to your ear and move the other end thru the suspect piece of the engine. This can be used thru the engine, including exhaust system.

Just keep it away from the moving belts.

[dmcpom]

levy we just did that on an 8 to find a noise lol it was very good . i used to use a bar/ scewdriver

[LEVY]

.


Glad to have been of help, it is hard to beat that hose, right?

The bar/screwdriver is a good option too but noise/vibration travel faster thru solid than it does thru the air, therefore it is harder to pinpoint a noise using a metal bar.

Levy



levy we just did that on an 8 to find a noise lol it was very good . i used to use a bar/ scewdriver