Scraape

developed this noise, and it has gotten worse over time. I replaced the fan bracket with a cheapo chinese one when i did the timing belt/wp job. I kept the original fan clutch in there. Not sure how often they go bad. Any ideas on which it could be?

Thanks in advance!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Check the idlers too. I've replaced bearings in the top one twice and the tensioner once. When they get worn they make funny squeaking-grinding sounds. Mine weren't as pronounced as the sound in yours though.

Scraape

i replaced those items as part of the 90k maintenance, so i would hope they haven't gone bad yet. But ill look into it

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

do your self a favor, with 272k miles, just replace all the front bearings, they all have numbers and are low price and easy to do

Scraape

i already did the 90k maintenance. Replaced mostly everything. I overlooked the serpentine belt tensioner pulley bearing thing though. The bearing itself seems fine. The metal piece in the middle of the bearing that is supposed to spin was making the noise. I put wd40 on it and it doesn't make the noise anymore.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

good show, stay on top of it

Scraape

update : it was the serpentine belt tensioner pulley bearing. I will replace the idler pulley bearing as well when i get the chance, but the noise is now gone

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Good, a low cost fix too. The top idler bearing seems to be in the range of 80-100K miles when they start showing signs of going bye-bye. The tensioner in ours did pretty good, I want to recall that as nearing the 200K mile mark.

Scraape

Yup mine somehow lasted 275k lol.
A friend of mine seems to think there are two bearings in the top idler bearing, is that the case?
These should definitely be replaced as part of the 90k maintenance, or every 180k maybe