pulleys or something else?

[plasmid2]

G'day to all,

First post for a while. This topic has been discussed before and I have done a lot of reading but still having trouble. My wifes vx (has 120 000kms on it) has developed a 'whirring' sound from the engine bay. In park/neutral on idle it sounds alright until the revs are slightly increased. You can also hear it on first take off. Higher speeds everything sounds fine. I thought it might be one the smaller pulleys.

So I have removed the two smaller pulleys and the idler pulley for an inspection. When I spin on my finger (really technical) two of the pulleys spin really easily however are a bit noisy. The third pulley makes no sound however does not spin easily. I presumed the noisy ones would be the bad ones. However I also presumed that the pulleys should spin fairly easily like the first two.

Could the 'whirring' sound be something completely un-related to the pulleys.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers.

[plasmid2]

I apologise for coming back to this.

I am still trying to work this one out. When the car is on and slightly revved the 'whining' sound increases and decreases with the revs. I think I have narrowed down the 'whining' sound to the power steering/power steering pulley.

With the belt off when I spin the power steering pulley it spins fine but seems to make a slight rattle sound as it slows down. There also seems to be a bit of movement in it as well.

After reading another thread I tried bleeding the system... the sound still there.

So if it is the power steering pulley. How do I get it off for inspection? Could it be any of the other pulleys. I am very confused and need some help.

Any advice is good. I want to sort this out.

Cheers.

[accentstencil]

Try using a large screwdriver and hold the handle to your ear and the blade on a non moving part of the pulley, the centre bolt is a good spot but if there is no bolt as with the power steering pump pulley, hold the blade on a metal part of the pump near the pulley. This amplifies any noises making it easier to hear. A small piece of hose can also be used. You will need to have the engine running, so be careful.

[plasmid2]

Stupid question but... What am I listening for?

Will it be the same 'whining' noise but louder?

[accentstencil]

Basically yes. Just have a listen to all your pulleys including alternator , water pump, steering pump etc. You should be able to hear if something is not right. The noise could also be from the drive belt. It is hard to say without actually hearing it.