More Malibu troubles

[tonsoftroubles]

hello, i own a 2001 malibu ls and like many other owners i have many ongoing problems. a couple months ago i started hearing a high pitched squealing coming from the engine, well i narrowed it down to my belt tensioner, my question is what is actually making the noise, the pulley or the pulley assembly. im trying to figure out what to replace......any help is much appreciated thanks

[steve_o]

Your in the right area but it can be difficult to diagnose from my desk here at work.

I have had some luck with using a 2' piece of 3/8" hose as a rudimentary stethoscope to help identify noises in the past.

Does it seem as though your tensioner doing it's job?

[tonsoftroubles]

Originally Posted by steve_o

Your in the right area but it can be difficult to diagnose from my desk here at work.

I have had some luck with using a 2' piece of 3/8" hose as a rudimentary stethoscope to help identify noises in the past.

Does it seem as though your tensioner doing it's job?

It seems to be alright, everything is working, the only thing i have noticed is while using accesories like heat or defrost the lights dim almost like the altenator is weak and alot of times if you are using defrost or air conditioning if you turn them off, when the pump kicks off the noise will go away. and then other times when the pump is not being used at all the noise is still loud and clear.

[rhandwor]

With the belt removed spin the pulley by hand it should make a noise if bad.