sweaking noise on fan belt or something else...

[psanche]

Seems like it's coming from the belt but am not sure(belt wheels probably?). Anybody had this annoying problem and should I worry about it? Thanks for your feedback.

[JMJEREMIAH3239]

had the idler pully replaced '96 3.8 Winnie

[Mikebox]

Could be the idler pulley, tensioner, belt or other items like the water pump pulley but if it is a "chirping like" noise, dont be suprised if it turns out to be the fuel injection synchronizer. [Not too bad to get to and not too expensive but requires a special tool to align when re-installing]

[busboy4]

Hi
I had a horrible whine that tracked engine RPM. Smart guy like me tracked it to the alternator. Changed that bugger to the tune of like $150. No change. Nada. Not so smart after all . Anyway, I then changed the idler pulley (NAPA part) for about $22 and it did the trick. A friends high mileage Voyager had the same problem and it too was the idler pulley. So I would start there. It is cheaper. Best wishes. Happy to tell you how if you need a little info.

[psanche]

Originally Posted by busboy4

Hi
I had a horrible whine that tracked engine RPM. Smart guy like me tracked it to the alternator. Changed that bugger to the tune of like $150. No change. Nada. Not so smart after all . Anyway, I then changed the idler pulley (NAPA part) for about $22 and it did the trick. A friends high mileage Voyager had the same problem and it too was the idler pulley. So I would start there. It is cheaper. Best wishes. Happy to tell you how if you need a little info.

Is it easy to change(DIY) or do I need a special tool for that?

[busboy4]

Hi,
the hardest part is taking the tension off of the serpentine belt. I have a '96 with the 3.8L. The belt tensioner is somewhat hidden toward the back of the engine compartment. Autozone and places like it sell a serpentine belt tool which is simply a long flat steel handle with a 3/8" drive socket head on it. The problem is that on my van there is not enough room between the wheelwell and the bolt head on the tensioner pulley. So I use the open end of a combination wrench on the bolt and I slide a 1 1/2" pipe over the box end to increase its length for leverage. It is then pretty simple to relieve the tension on the belt so that it will slide off of the idler. Then, the idler pulley has one bolt holding it on, and is simply a remove/replace project. You should have a belt diagram under the hood. If not, draw yourself a little map before you take the belt off. To replace the belt I usually thread it onto all pulleys accept the idler -it is smooth and easy to slide the belt onto. Then using the wrench/pipe or whatever you come up with, take the tension off of the tesioner enough to slide the belt over the indler. I have had mine on and off enough that I can do it quickly. Not a big deal, just a little awkward dealing with the tensioner.

Good luck and let us know how you do. Take a look at that belt while it is off. Always easier to replace while you have it off anyway

Mel

[Mikebox]

Actually, the belt is even eaiser to remove if you grasp the belt between just to the rear of the alternator pulley with one hand while holding it in place over the alternator pulley with the other. Using a little elbow grease, you can pull the belt (and tensoner) then easily slip the belt off of the alternator pulley. When reinstalling, place the belt over every pulley except the alternator. Again, pull the belt and tensioner until you can slip the belt back over the alternator. Check each position on each pulley. This way, you can forget crawling under the van to get at the tensioner.

[psanche]

Replaced the idler pulley Saturday morning. It was a physical workout for a firstimer like me but it did the trick...no more noise.

Thanks again for your help guys!