2001 Chevy Impala Grinding noise / idler pulley

JHC76114

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA

Engine Mechanical problem
2001 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 165K miles

I guess I didnt sent this right the first time, so I will try again. The pulley liocated beneath and to the right of the alternator, is that the idler tensioner pulley? If not, what is it, and If so, can its bearing go bad, and create a terrible grinding noise and send flecks of what appear to be aluminum on to the drive belt? No overheating, no hot water smeslls, juist a terrible grinding noise that did increase and decrease with engine RPM. I just need some help in deciding if it is worth the repair or not, and if so, what is the best approach? Please help. Thank you

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

The tensioner pulley is spring loaded. Try taking a small piece of hose like a old garden hose or something like that you can even use a empty cardboard insert from paper towels. With the engine running put close where the pulley is, don't put it directly on the belt you will be able to hear the diference and will be able to hear the bearing if it is bad. A good pulley will be like a humming noise. A bad bearing you will hear like crackling sounds. Be careful when doing this. The best thing is a old hose about 3 ft long.