I've had a squealing noise that I thought was the power steering pump. But upon taking it to my mechanics, they stripped the belt off, and believe it is the two idler pulleys on the driver's side of the vehicle because they "turn roughly". Have you guys had any experience with this? Or believe it is the belt, or the power steering pump?

Thanks!

 

I would certainly try the belt first. It's in the neighborhood of $30-40 at the dealership parts counter. I had mine making noise at less than 25,000 miles and replaced it. No more noise and at 50,000 now.

 

I plan on replacing the belt. Should the pulleys be replaced as well?

 

I look at it like try the cheapest, simplest thing first. If you change the belt and the squeal goes away then you're golden. If it doesn't go away, then you can start throwing money into pulleys...

 

It didn't work. Mechanic listened into it, still believes it's the pulleys. Not sure which to get though. Goodyear is listening two different ones.

http://www.vindecipher.com/resources...ners/49123.jpg
and
http://www.vindecipher.com/resources...ners/49001.jpg

One is grooved and one is smooth, and I'm told there's supposed to be three on the car? Which do I need, and how many?

Thanks
Jeremy

 

Depends on which one that's a replacement for, 4 total(with tensioner included), 1 should be grooved I think. 6 Rib. So, for what I think you're trying to replace, need 1 6 rib grooved, and 2 of the smooth ones. Assuming those are the right ones.

The part #'s differ, so I assume differing sizes depending on which...
http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=203&viewfile=Front%20End%20Accessory%20Drive% 20(FEAD)%20-%20Exploded%20View.pdf (page 2) only 2 of the idler pulley part #'s are the same...
and http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=201&viewfil...ry%20Drive.pdf

Installation/removal:
http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=203&viewfile=Accessory%20Drive%20Belt%20Idler %20Pulley%20-%204.6L%20(3V).pdf

 

old thread...but i'm having exact same problem. i'm diagnosing/attempting to fix today so got on here to see if anyone had experienced. I agree with your mechanic from what I am hearing on mine..seems to be one of those idler pulleys right by the ps pump. i'm going with the $20 grooved one first since it seems to have some play back and forth. did you get yours taken care of Jeremy? what was it?

 

update: mine is fixed. was the smooth (upper) idler pulley on driver's side. literally 15 minutes to replace.