Help Troubleshoot Powersteering Pump or Alternator

Csmall · 12-29-2023, 05:49 PM

Greetings,
I am trying to narrow down a worn bearing noise in the front passengers side of the engine. It only occurs when it's cold and it varies with the RPM. It goes away after the car warms up. I suspect it is the bearings in the alternator as dry steering the car does not change the sound. I could wait till one or the other fails, but would rather be proactive. Any suggestions on making a definitive diagnosis? Thanks

Spooler · 12-29-2023, 06:00 PM

The idler pulley's for the serpentine belt are the most common issue. Take your belt off and start spinning them. If one is noisy, that is your issue. I replaced all of mine at 78,000 miles or so.

Daishi · 12-30-2023, 12:44 AM

Try spritzing a little water on each bearing one at a time, when the noise stops that's your culprit.

Csmall · 01-01-2024, 03:59 PM

I have replaced one of the idlers to date. Based on the location of the noise, it is bearings in the alternator, power steering or the tensioner. Good idea about removing the belt (as I plan on replacing it anyway) to determine the culprit

12-29-2023, 05:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Csmall Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 30 Drives: 2011 370z sport/tour Rep Power: 11	Help Troubleshoot Powersteering Pump or Alternator Greetings, I am trying to narrow down a worn bearing noise in the front passengers side of the engine. It only occurs when it's cold and it varies with the RPM. It goes away after the car warms up. I suspect it is the bearings in the alternator as dry steering the car does not change the sound. I could wait till one or the other fails, but would rather be proactive. Any suggestions on making a definitive diagnosis? Thanks __________________ 2011 Touring Sport Eibach Antiroll Magnaflow Catback

12-30-2023, 12:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
Daishi Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 683 Drives: 09 370z 6Speed Rep Power: 16	Try spritzing a little water on each bearing one at a time, when the noise stops that's your culprit. __________________ Cobb Tuned \| Injen Intakes \| Fast Intentions Long Tube Headers \| Fast Intentions TDX Catback 18" Resonators CF Mufflers \| Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob \| 19x9.5/19x10.5 Five Axis Design S5:F w/ 245/40/19 - 285/35/19 Hankook Ventus V12's

01-01-2024, 03:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Csmall Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 30 Drives: 2011 370z sport/tour Rep Power: 11	Thanks guys I have replaced one of the idlers to date. Based on the location of the noise, it is bearings in the alternator, power steering or the tensioner. Good idea about removing the belt (as I plan on replacing it anyway) to determine the culprit __________________ 2011 Touring Sport Eibach Antiroll Magnaflow Catback

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12-29-2023, 06:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,519 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684391	The idler pulley's for the serpentine belt are the most common issue. Take your belt off and start spinning them. If one is noisy, that is your issue. I replaced all of mine at 78,000 miles or so.