sounds like belt is squaking but not sure why. Goes away around 170F water temp. both idler pulleys and A/C compressor are new (does it A/C on or off) and power steering is bypassed. If it's a bearing, that leaves alternator and water pump. Did endplay check on W/P and it's not tight but it's not wicked loose. Maybe 8-10 thou. I know the tolerances from impeller to timing cover isn't much, how much is acceptable? It really sounds like belt slipping but I can't rule out a bearing at 170,000 miles.

I'm driving from FW to Austin end of this week for lemans race. Hoping it's not W/P because i dont want to have to change it on a 1-day turnaround but may not have a choice. Electric drive isn't hooked up for W/P so I can't unbelt it and see if noise goes away, as much as I'd like.

 

Are you seeing any coolant seeping from it. Does it feel notchy when turned by hand? They usually make a weird chirping noise vs a squeal.

 

well, it's a good news/bad news situation.

Good news, it's not the water pump

Good news, water pump bearings are nice and firm in all directions

bad news, it is indeed a bearing (actually a race)

good news, it is not exactly an emergency situation- I can put a washer on it for now

bad news, I gotta figure out when is supposed to go there and how to fix the mounting surface (I'm thinking dremel) so a washer or thrust bearing can sit flat.

also, measured out belt length for once i get the WP E-drive hooked up. 69" with the tensioner out, 67.25-68.25 should work.


I called a local dealer, they are not showing a washer between the pulley and timing cover. The tech agrees though that there probably should be one there.

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Is the bearing actually bad, or is it just the fact that it's rubbing against the mount? A simple lock washer which is the same size as the inner race should suffice in keeping it from rubbing. I once had an Infiniti Q45 with a similar pulley.... I purchased the bearing online for cheap and had it pressed in by the shop at Napa. Lasted over 100K and was going fine till I got rid of the car.

 

That pulley got bent up in your last big accident didn't it?

 

Yes it did, it bent the bolt. That probably didn't help things. I stuck a 5/16 fender washer behind it and the noise quietted some. At least now it's grinding against a washer instead of the timing cover. Bearing itself is fine. The T bushing is the same depth as the bearing pulley, so there's nothign to keep the bearing from rubbing on the timing cover like it is, unless I'm missing something. Dealer says they dont show anything in the parts drawing either.

It could very well be that there is supposed to be a shoulder there and it was damaged or sheared in the wreck. A thrust bearing would probably be better than a fender washer, but it will work for now. Need to put some blue loktite on it before the austin trip though.

Also made the relay harness for the electric water pump drive. I probably won't get a lunch tomorrow otherwise I would put it on then. May try to put it on tonight if I find time.