I have just purchased a 96 3.8L Convertible. When I start the car cold there is a loud squeak from front of the engine. The noise goes away once everything is warmed up. I have changed the belt and tried a new idler pulley, but the noise is still there. I have tried listening to the alternator, PS pump and water pump using a break over bar held up to my ear and resting against the other component. Any help anybody can offer would be great.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

You can pick up a mechanics stethoscope from your local auto parts store. About $10 and a lot better then the breaker bar to the ear method your using.

Sounds like a loose/slipping belt. Check the belt tensioner. It may not be putting enough pressure on the belt. Check the notches on the belt tensioner and see if they are within spec. If they are, take the belt off and then use the breaker bar and an 18mm socket (I think thats the size) and try to swing the tensioner from stop to stop. Make sure that it is hard to turn and that it moves in both directions.

Also check all the pulley's to make sure they aren't wobbling while the engine is running, or if the belt is moving back/forth while the engine is running. Also check to see if they have any flat spots.

Good luck...