Squeaking will not go away after replacing idler, tensioner pulley and fan bracket.

[trey100]

Hey everyone. So I have a 2003 Land Cruiser and I cannot get rid of squeaking sound that seems to be coming from a pulley. Like title says I’ve replaced idler, tensioner pulleys, fan bracket and belt. Squeaking seems to have gotten worse. I feel like it might be coming from the power steering pump but don’t want to just keep replacing parts. Checked timing belt and it looked good. Was just replaced 30 k miles ago. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

 

[3_puppies]

have you started the engine without the serpentine belt? to see if the noise is still there.

 

[Bisho]

Remove the serpentine belt and try to spin the alternator and power steering pump by hand. For me, the bearings went out on my alternator and it was causing all the squeaking.

 

[Nightbrew]

Also this is great reason to have a mechanic's stethoscope. Super handy and cheap.

 

[trey100]

I have not started the engine without the serpentine belt on. I’ll have to try that. I have taken the belt off and spun by hand, but all the pulleys sounded fine. Thanks

 

[trey100]

Also will look into getting a stethoscope. Thanks

 

[Eyedaho]

Remove the serpentine belt and try to spin the alternator and power steering pump by hand. For me, the bearings went out on my alternator and it was causing all the squeaking.

Same. My alternator also got very hot, but I'm not sure if that caused the bearings to fail or vice versa.

 

[Mike NXP]

I have not started the engine without the serpentine belt on. I’ll have to try that. I have taken the belt off and spun by hand, but all the pulleys sounded fine. Thanks

This is the key to narrowing it down very quickly. Keep your fingers crossed the noise goes away, otherwise you're going into your timing belt / components next

When removing the belt, feel the tensioner for smooth operation. IT should have plenty of spring back / resistance and it shouldn't feel like grindy or hung up at all