Noisy Idler wheel

My 1998 Dodge Caravan Sport has kind of a noisy idler wheel getting louder and louder. Sepentine belt is in good shape and doesn't fall off but I'm wondering if maybe the bearing or bushing is possilby worn to the point I either replace it or just live with the noise?

Thanks,

MN Walleye

My 97 3.3 had a noisy pulley problem. It would get louder when a load was put on it - when accelerating. I changed the tensioner pulley itself and belt. No Luck. Went to the dealer for some other service and he told me that the tensioner pulley and bracket need changing and it is common. I had it changed ( difficult to get to the mounting nut ) and now my van is quiet as a mouse. :-)

CJ

I had the exact same thing on my '98. It made alot of noise on startup and then would go away. Replaced the tensioner pulley and bracket. The tensioner was locked in place and would not budge - I had to cut the old serpentine belt off (it was old anyway).

Everything is quiet now...

Well my van has started getting noisy again. Changed the belt and it quit - again. I wonder how long it will last this time?

I had the same problem and changed the belt. All was quiet until I let it sit for about a month. now the squeaking came back when I accelerate and will not go away. I sprayed the back of the pulleys and this seemed to help out some, but I still have that noise. HELP!!!!

usually when tensioner pulley becomes noisey is due to bearing. putting new belt on will possibly quieten it for a spell due to the fact you are changing the way the bearing rides but will come back noisy after a spell my cure,replace tensioner

Changed the belt tensioner pulley today and it quieted down for about 5 minutes then started squealing again. I sprayed some belt dressing on it and the noise went away ,but comes back when I give it gas. Is there something else that i am missing. Do I have to change the entire belt tensioner? The belt is tight once it is in place, but I can't fogure it out.

checked your alternator, it also has bearings which go bad...