The next issue... Squeaks

[Oobray]

Now that I got my HVAC blend motors fixed I've moved on the the go ruble squeak under the hood. I figure it would be the idler or tensioner pulley so I replaced those. Still squeaks. I took the A/C belt off to see if it was the A/C tensioner, still squeaked. Spun the fan by hand, doesn't seem to be it. Ran it with no serp belt at all (only a few seconds) No squeak. Ok so I know it's not any of these...

1. idler
2) Tensioner
3) A/C
4) Balancer
5) Prob not the fan (can't know for sure)

Only pulleys left are PS pump and alternator. I replaced the alternator about 3 months ago trying to fix this same problem. Is it possible this one is bad already? Can anyone think of a way to spin the alternator fast enough by itself to see if that's it?

 

[JKmotorsports]

Use a length of tubing with one end to your ear and the other to the suspect part. This will make it a lot easier to isolate where the noise is coming from.

 

[OR VietVet]

Be careful doing that when reaching in to get close for hearing. Best to use a mechanic's stethoscope and pinpoint the noise. Could still be fan because your hand spinning it does not create pressure. I did miss the year and engine size at first, sorry. 02 8.1 L.

With the 8.1 is it just one belt only with 1 idler and 1 tensioner or 2 belts like the 5.3? Read it again and answered my own question. You have 2 tensioners. Replace one or both? Could be either of the component pulley bearings. I like the stethoscope for chasing noises.

 

[ezdaar]

use a paper towel roll "Thin cardboard" if you EVER stick your head to something to pinpoint a engine noise!
Nothing hard, or long and bendy like a hose or tube.

Watched a guy get knocked the **** out doing that. ******* used a short wood handle from a window cleaner. it hit the fan when he repositioned it. luckily it didn't cave his skull in.

But yess I do this frequently when searching for noises.

 

[OR VietVet]

Take a deep breath doug! Still say best is a stethoscope.

 

[ezdaar]

I have one of those fancy pants "automotive stethoscopes"
Its been hanging on the wall from day one. it no work.
A real stethoscope, sure.. but whose got time for all that nonsense of using a "correct" tool..

I use a screw driver as a hammer most of the time.

 

[OR VietVet]

I use dykes, they have harder heads!

 

[ezdaar]

I see what you did there.
You win the internets for the day

 

[SLCHOE]

Use a mechanic's stethescope (a fe bucks at harbor freight). Have a friend hold the steering wheel at full lock (left or right, doesn't matter) to put a load on the belt so you can really hear her squeak. But the probe of the stethescope at the base of the pulley's shaft bearing area (non-rotataing part). See where it is loudest.

 

[Oobray]

Raider on, I replaced the main tensioner and the noise remained. I took the secondary (a/c) belt comolet off... Noise remained. I'll try listening with some form of "doohickey".
Any tips on listening to the fan?