Hi, Hoping someone can help here. Own a 2005 Neon and it was making a whistling noise. When I looked under the hood the belt that is to the left side (passenger) is what is making the noise. Sorry but don't know which belt it is but was told it would be like $20 plus labor to fix (I just drive it, don't fix things). BTW it generally only makes the noise when the car is cold and only for about 30 mins. Sometimes it is quieter later in the day too.
Thanks

 

Sounds to me more like the bearing in the alternator are going so the belt slips on it till it gets the bearings moving again. But don't take my word for it. Take it to a shop so that they can diagnose it them selves.

 

So it was in the shop as I first posted. They took the serpentine belt off and claim it is the tensioner. Now, someone I know who is a mechanic though it was just the belt. The garage told me that it would be about $700 to fix it (which I don't have at this moment) so I told them to hold off. When I picked it up last night ... no more noise and same this morning. Could the belt just have been loose? Should I still at least have it replaced?

 

I would still replace it because it was sliping before which means it has lost some rubber.

 

Thanks for the help....still not convinced the tensioner needs to be fixed.

 

Holy $%$% $700 to fix a tensioner?

Sometimes I'm glad I'm a mechanic AND my own mechanic. Jeezus

That's like a $40 fix hahaha

 

Yes it does suck to be mechanically stupid. At least I know for sure I was going to be ripped off. Now to find someone who won't!

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think one good way to check the tensioner pulley is to remove the belt from it and spin the pulley. If it spins rough, makes noise, or has any front-to-back play, the bearing is probably not long for this world. If it seizes and you throw the belt while heading to work, you may end up with worse problems than having to replace the tensioner.