VX 2001 Loud Whistling sound while driving/accelerating

[Mattoman]

Hi,

I have had this problem for quite awhile now and it seems to have gotten worse...

I recently noticed the occasional loud whistling/squealing sound coming from my engine bay when I am accelerating from 2nd gear up to 3rd gear. After spending awhile researching on Google and other similar threads on here I think I have located the problem or a problem but was after some second opinions.

My thoughts are that its related closely to my serpentine belt and one of the idling pulleys. When the car is turned on and idling the top idle pulley makes a loud ear piercing sound but isn't that noticeable when the hood is down and sitting in the drivers seat, the real annoying noise is the whistling/squealing sound when I'm driving (It's so loud i can hear it over my loud music). I've taken off the belt, the tension pulley and the two idle pulleys to take a closer look if there are damaged. The top idle pulley seems to make a noise when I slowly spin it but does not sound the same as that horrible noise when I'm actually driving/accelerating.

All the other pulleys spin fin without any noise, the water pump pulley makes only the slightest sound but I don't think its that one. Would it be worth changing the pulleys and the belt? Just the Tensioner and idlers?

Other things Ive checked is the purge hose which is fine (Fastened) so I cant imagine it being that. I haven't changed the coolant in a long overdue time and I have not cleaned out my throttle body or intake in ages either. Could these relate to the noise? EDIT: After further searching, Ive noticed my Thermo Gasket is extremely worn and has a hole in it.

Any Ideas would be much appreciated.

[accentstencil]

From what you say it seems that the idler pulley needs replacing, so I would just change that and see how it goes. It will cost around $30 for a new pulley. The bolt for the idler pulley is left hand thread.

[Mattoman]

Thanks for the reply mate,

I actually just ordered a new set of the idles/tensioner on Ebay relatively cheap so I'll attach them as soon as they arrive.

[Jamiejamie]

had the exact same problem, bearings in the idle pulley were shot, got one from the wreckers for $5

[Mattoman]

had the exact same problem, bearings in the idle pulley were shot, got one from the wreckers for $5

I actually considered going out this afternoon and buying one from my local wreckers but i figured if one is gone then the rest would probably follow. I'll report back if the problem still continues after I change the pulleys.

[Jamiejamie]

Just spin it to check if its any good and for $5 you can afford to change it again