No groaning at idle and it starts at 1800 to 2000 rpm

https://youtu.be/dHmBGN3pmXo

 

Doesn't sound normal. Pull the fan belt temporarily and see if the noise goes away? That will help narrow it down to the engine or an accessory.

 

Yup it goes away

 

Assuming A/C is off, I'd guess either power steering or alternator. Use a long screwdriver or other long object as a stethoscope.

 

Power steering pump was replaced. The noise was there prior. But the alternator wasn't replaced. Would be a good bet I figure. Gonna have the fan clutch and bracket replaced on Saturday he gonna check for me. Alternator is on the list to be replaced for a 130A anyway. Hoping it's an idler pulley tho

 

Sounds like you're on top of it. Glad it's not internal to the engine, timing belt, water pump ect. Most of my 'odd' sounds went away when I changed the timing belt, water pump and associated idlers. Good luck.

 

I think it sounds cool! That said I think you have a bad bearing somewhere.

Don't throw parts at the problem. Track it down to the source. So the issue goes away with the serpentine off, that eliminates the ones under the timing covers. But there are bearings in the the serpentine tensioner, fan bracket, alternator, and aircon clutch.

 

The idler pulley is a job you can easily do at home. Get the bearing, use a socket or something to whack the old one out of the idler, and vise the new one in. You can get the bearing at a parts store. I don't remember where I found the part number but I did get it online from a helpful forum post many many years ago.

 

You can get the whole idler pretty cheap at parts stores too if you don't want to mess with pressing bearings.

 

I agree thats why itll be checked by someone with far more experience than me on saturday.

Definitely dont wanna mess with pressing when the idler is like $20

 

 

Thanks!!!!!!

 

Mechanic said the top idler has play but spins freely. Gonna order a replacement.

 

The bearing is usually all that needs to be replaced. Can be done for less than $9.

 

Thanks but rather than dealing with pressing in I'd rather get the whole thing.