Anyone have a video of a water pump noise?

[billschroeder5842]

Hey Guys,

I have a couple of recent posts up regarding my cold engine "chirp." The chirp is present when the engine is cold and disappears after warm. The engine runs great, has no leaks and the pulleys all pull "pretty straight" with no unusual run-out.

I did the "hose to my ear" diagnosis and did not hear anything unusual. However, I could not get a super good read on the water pump.

Does anyone have a good way to diagnosis the water pump for noise or could post a video of a water pump chirp?

Also, besides the "lightly spray the belt" with water, is there any way to tell if a 4k mile belt is bad?

Thanks!

[Paul Workman]

My belts (on #3 now) seem to last ~12k miles or so. The water (or better yet Windex) seems to be the best way to discriminate between squeaks from a worn belt vs. "other".

If you remove the belt and spin the individual belt driven devices by hand, a bearing issue will often make a (how do I describe it) rolling sound like castors on a wood floor. ALSO, there is often a little felt vibration as you spin a bad or dry bearing. AND, as damage progresses, the pulley can be made to wiggle back and forth if you push/pull on it from side to side.

I replaced my tensioner pulley once. It started squeaking at first and then made a lot of racket as it wore (rapidly!)..and it wobbled side to side with the belt removed...so there's that.

If noting else, replacing the belt will for sure eliminate that possible issue, tho I don't recommend willy-nilly replacing parts as a preferred method of troubleshooting - only as a last resort if no other tests are possible or all other sources have been tested and presumed "good".

And, there's always a tired belt tensioner spring. (There are articles (and videos too maybe??) showing DIY replacement of the tensioner spring). But, a weak tensioner spring graduates from a "squeak" to a "chirp" and then a prolonged or continuous squeal with the pitch changing from high pitched to a lower "squalling" sound if you suddenly rev the engine OR turn on the AC.

And, some anecdotal info... I too sometimes experience a squeak when I first start the engine after it has been sitting for a few weeks, especially if temps are/were freezing or below. It typically goes away after idling for 3 or so minutes of idle. And, especially if it quiets down with a spritz of water or Windex, unless the squeaking returns...forgetaboutit! (Turn up the radio!).

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

My belts (on #3 now) seem to last ~12k miles or so.

I am thinking serpentine belts should last 6 or 7 times that long
I cannot imagine getting a new Serpentine Belt every three or four oil changes
Water Pumps should go at least that long also (say 100,000 miles).

When To Replace Serpentine Belts

[billschroeder5842]

Thanks guys- I'll try some water/windex when I get home. Hopefully I it is the belt as I have a spare.

I always thought if a bearing let loose I'd see some fluid?

[billschroeder5842]

Well, it is good to be good but way better to be lucky...

I got home from work and went to test. I started her up and the chirp was pronounced, so I pulled out my hose and listened carefully.. alternator.. tensioner... water pump...power steering.... nothing.

I put some healthy squirts of windex on the belt around the alternator; immediately quieter. The chirp did come back intermittently but I kept squirting and eventually nothing. Big improvement!

So, is it best to swap belts, do something to the pulleys, keep squirting or just.... deal with it?

[indy91zr1]

You could try just spraying the belt with belt dressing. Should quite it up. If it is a newer serpentine belt it could end up making the rubber harder after it wears off and the noise worse though.