Another Question

[Steve47]

Recently replaced the battery and alternator on the 97 Astro AWD van. I was hearing a whining sound when accelerating and thought it was the alternator. Went to the mechanic and he tested the new battery and showed it wasn't being charged, Ok ,, I had the alternator replaced ,,, but since I got the van back the whining sound is still there ,,,,, Anyone have any ideas? The noise increases as I accelerate ,, and the van is showing no adverse effects from the whining ,,, thanks


OK ,, I checked out the search feature here and found some info on the idler pulley ,,, could this pertain to my problem as well? ,,, If it is ,,, Is this an expensive job on my vehicle by a mechanic? I'm just looking for the typical cost I should expect ... Also ,,, What effect does this pulley have over the long term if not replaced immediately? .... thanks

[old_master]

Idler pulley is a possibility, so is the belt tensioner for the whine. But then again, so is the power steering pump, transmission, rear axle, and wheel bearings. If in fact it is a pulley, if left to it's demise, it will destroy the belt at the very least and possibly throw the belt into the radiator causing a leak. Not a difficult job at all. The average DIYer can replace them both in less than an hour.

[Steve47]

I'm thinking the pulley ,,, I had the tranny serviced no too long ago and all is fine there, a new power steering unit has been installed as well. The noise is coming from the direction of the alternator, that is why I initially thought it was the problem. This is what has been done to the van in the last one thousand miles.

Full tune up
Transmission serviced
New Power steering unit
New AC compressor
New Alternator
New battery
New front brake lines and Calipers
New complete brake job all around
New speed sensor

I have had the ABS disconnected so the Anti brake light is on all the time. The ABS was messing up causing the brakes to lose power with the grinding sound. Disconnecting the ABS has left the brakes manual so to speak with no problems.

I'm going to go with the pulley. Wise choice ????

[old_master]

To replace the idler pulley or tensioner, you'll need to remove the upper and lower air filter housings, and the upper fan shroud. Loosen the tensioner and remove the belt. Spin each pulley by hand and listen for noise and feel for wobble and or roughness in the bearings. Some of the bearings can be serviced separately, check with your parts store.