Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Water pump on its way out?

[CCiatteo]

I am getting a loud screaching sound (think belt slipping but louder), primarily just after start-up and it usually goes away after about a block or so. I tried listening, but can't isolate the noise with any certainty. Background info, I replaced the idler assembly/belt and had the alt. rebuilt about a month ago and all has been fine up until 2 days ago? I have checked the belt and its alignment and the pulleys, all looks ok. I don't see anything from the weep hole on the water pump.



Can the water pump bearing make noise, but not leak? Other possibilities?



Thanks

Chris

 

[CumminsPower98]

Pull the belt and spin everything to make sure. There is also the A/C bearings and fan hub to check. Also check the fan clutch.

 

[BigPapa]

I was getting a "screaching" sound from mine that ended up being the clutch on the A/C compressor. It has 3 flat springs that hold the clutch off the pully until it kicks in and 2 of the 3 springs were broken alllowing the clutch plate to drag on the pulley. Might check it out.



Scott

 

[CumminsPower98]

I had that exact same thing happen to me once. My a/c was still working fine. Noticed a metallic scraping sound and finally found it. I changed the clutch assembly only and all has been fine.

 

[CCiatteo]

I'm gonna pull the belt and check this stuff either tonight or tomorrow. I'm forgot about the A/C and clutch and the fan mount... . I'll post up with what I find.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

[CCiatteo]

Well I am 90% sure its the belt tensioner pulley. I pulled the belt and everything feels solid and spins free. I hooked everything back up and sprayed water on the belt at each pulley and the only one that it mad a difference was the idler pulley. When I sprayed the it on the pulley itself the noise disappeared completely. This seems odd as the the bearing for the pulley is sealed (I think), so why the water is making the noise go away, don't know?

I just replaced this thing about a month ago. I guess I got a bad one? It is a Dayton unit with a new dayton belt.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I have greased many of these tentioner bearings in the past. They are usually tight but loose their lube over time and become noisy. If the seals are still soft you can carefully pry one out from the outside edge with a sharp o-ring pick and then lube the bearing.