99 cougar engine sounds

[charlesaf]

My 99 cougar is making a rubbing sound near the serpentine belt and when the engine accelerates so does the sound but it doesn't seem to be actually rubbing against anything. What could this be? All of the fluids are good and everything seems to be in it's proper place.

[cougar99jim]

Originally Posted by charlesaf

My 99 cougar is making a rubbing sound near the serpentine belt and when the engine accelerates so does the sound but it doesn't seem to be actually rubbing against anything. What could this be? All of the fluids are good and everything seems to be in it's proper place.

I just started hearing a similar sound from the belt area but I can't pinpoint it. And it is loud! Sounds like a gear running over plastic (or like putting a piece of paper in a "ratwheel" fan). I even hear it on the highway with my stereo on! It usually lasts only about 30 seconds and then fades away. Three times last week yet not once this week. Heard it the first time one year ago. Got 59K miles. Could it be the alternator? Didn't seem to change under electrical load? Anybody else hear this? Please help!