Worn Bearing?

[jasonlel]

Hi guys,

Take a look at the picture attached. That pulley is producing some grinding sound, like worn bearing. Mech. said must change the whole pump. What\'s that thingy?

It can be solve temporary by spraying a little bit of WD-40.... Advice guys?

[ro284]

Looks like Power steering pump to me Jason, belt may have been adjusted a bit too tight! or is it possible the noise is coming from the Idler pulley to the left? the smaller one,
good luck Bob

[clive]

As Bob says the belt maybe too tight.

If its the pump bearing they normaly start spraying a fine mist of oil, also I have know the idler pulley bearigs die through the belt being too tight

[jasonlel]

The idler pulley bearing were replaced a week ago....

I\'m quite sure is the power steering pump pulley, coz I did try to use WD-40 and spray a little over at the pulley and the sound is gone temporary. So by adjusting/loosen the belt, will the sound go away? Hmmmm

Looks like Power steering pump to me Jason, belt may have been adjusted a bit too tight! or is it possible the noise is coming from the Idler pulley to the left? the smaller one,
good luck Bob

[ro284]

I\'m quite sure is the power steering pump pulley, coz I did try to use WD-40 and spray a little over at the pulley and the sound is gone temporary. So by adjusting/loosen the belt, will the sound go away? Hmmmm

Not so sure about that Jason, the damage may be done to the bearing, spraying it with wd40 will not last long and may flush out the heavier lubricant (if any) thats still in there,but it may prove that it is the front bearing on the pump! i think i would take the belt off, and spin the idler pulley,is it noisy? and then see if there is any free play in the power steering pump,
Why was the Idler pulley replaced, did you think the noise was caused by that?
Bob

[jasonlel]

Initially the idler pulley was making noise, so i replaced it (a week ago). Now the  power steering pump pulley is making noise.....

Is not very loud, but I think I should change it.

Not so sure about that Jason, the damage may be done to the bearing, spraying it with wd40 will not last long and may flush out the heavier lubricant (if any) thats still in there,but it may prove that it is the front bearing on the pump! i think i would take the belt off, and spin the idler pulley,is it noisy? and then see if there is any free play in the power steering pump,
Why was the Idler pulley replaced, did you think the noise was caused by that?
Bob

[ro284]

Is not very loud, but I think I should change it.

I think that would be a good idea mate, the last thing you want is for the bearing to sieze up on a long journy and throw the belt,no steering!! bit of a pain i know, but you\'ll know it\'s all ok then, you could put a note up in the WANTED section,
I\'m sure someone will have one, it will need bleeding when it\'s done, but i think that\'s just a matter of lock to lock! a few times,
good luck Bob

[C-WestRZ]

jason,
does it make the noise whilst driving at high speed/revs?
or is it whilst idling?
thanks

[jasonlel]

So the worst case scenario is snap belt and no power steering?

I think that would be a good idea mate, the last thing you want is for the bearing to sieze up on a long journy and throw the belt,no steering!! bit of a pain i know, but you\'ll know it\'s all ok then, you could put a note up in the WANTED section,
I\'m sure someone will have one, it will need bleeding when it\'s done, but i think that\'s just a matter of lock to lock! a few times,
good luck Bob

[jasonlel]

it makes noise on idle...

jason,
does it make the noise whilst driving at high speed/revs?
or is it whilst idling?
thanks

[antnicuk]

So the worst case scenario is snap belt and no power steering?

I thought that the power steering belt also does a few other bits,  i cant remember what but it will be more than just no pwer steering i think.

[alban1973]

If the noise is just on idle,  Check the condition of the belt, they can make a hell of a noise when they are worn..  I had a discovery in just last week, They had replaced the water pump as it was making a hell of a noise at idle, but fine when normal running,  After they had fitted it, it was still noisy.   When they brought it to me I replaced the bearing in the idler, still the same, Then I changed the belt, It was not that old, but, that was the problem.... Not saying that is your problem, but worth a look, also remove the belt, only a 5 minute job and check for wear/play in the pump pulley,  give it a spin and listen, feel if it is rough, it may not always have play if it is just dry. Hope this helps..........  

Just re read an earlier item, You said that when you sprayed WD the noise went away for a while,  On that note, try a belt,, as when you put oil on, it will shut the belt up, not sure it would get into the pwr steering bearing as it should be a sealed bearing to keep the oil in and the muck out..

[C-WestRZ]

alban, thats exactly what i was going to suggest as well, 7 times out of 10 it sthe belt not the bearing. HTH
Chris

[GerbilStuntFarm]

Worst case scenario with a lost belt is no power steering (you\'ll still have steering albeit very stiff) and no aircon (if you have the pump), and the fuse box getting a thwacking (not good), and burnt rubber smell. Other than that should be alright as far as I know. If you can hear it at idle then loosen the belt slightly with the engine running. Bad bearing noise is like a \'chirping\' gradually getting worse, and occasionally may end up with filings around that area if it gets bad enough.

[jasonlel]

Just re read an earlier item, You said that when you sprayed WD the noise went away for a while,  On that note, try a belt,, as when you put oil on, it will shut the belt up, not sure it would get into the pwr steering bearing as it should be a sealed bearing to keep the oil in and the muck out..

So you recommend me to spray WD on to the belt? Or apply grease? I reckon WD aren\'t good for rubbers.