My car makes a squeal that annoys the hell out of me when the engine is cold. It gets quieter as it warms up, and stops when it reaches operating temp. I THINK it's the idler pulley, although I'm not quite sure this car has one. I really havent poked around there too much, I just got the car yesterday. Anyways, assuming thats what it is, how much are they and how hard is it to replace? The car has a warranty, but I've got the mods in my sig and they might not be too happy about them. Plus I'm pretty impatient, if I can't get it done the same day, I'll do it myself, even if I have to pay for it.

 

Listen to the sound, do you think it could be the air pump? It pumps air into the exhaust on startup to help get the cats get hot fast for emission bs. That is just my 2 cents bleh...

 

mine does it too, I think its just the old belt.

 

I took the belt off for a min.... no squeal. I replaced the belt with a new one, slightly less squeal for a minute. Should I assume it is the idler pulley? It annoys me like no other, and I want to fix it!

 

My car does the same thing. This should help you out.

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Accessory Drive Belt - Squeak/Chirp Noise

BULLETIN NUMBER: 00-06-01-008

SECTION: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

DATE: March 2000

SUBJECT: Accessory Drive Belt Squeak/Chirp Noise (Install New Double Row Idler Pulley, Generator Bracket and Serpentine Belt)

MODELS:
1998-2000 Chevrolet Camaro
1998-2000 Pontiac Firebird
Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint Y2107225 with 5.7L V8 Engine (VIN G - RPO LS1)

CONDITION: Some customers may comment on a squeak/chirp noise coming from the accessory drive serpentine belt. The noise will be most noticeable at idle and low engine speeds.

CAUSE: The serpentine belt squeak/chirp noise may be caused by misalignment between the idler pulley and crankshaft pulley. A slight rocking motion of the idler pulley causes the misalignment, which results in noise.

CORRECTION: To correct this condition on vehicles built prior to the above VIN breakpoint, install the new generator bracket, double row idler pulley and serpentine belt following Service Manual procedures.

Important: The new generator bracket can be identified by the depth of the idler pulley mounting pilot. The pilot dimension (2) on the new generator bracket is 10 mm. Dimension (2) on the previous bracket was 8.3 mm.

* * * * * * * *
Here's some prices -

Desc / Part# / Dealer / ALL GM Parts (on-line)

Double Idler pulley / 12563326 / 41.26 / 30.81
Alternator Bracket / 12563327 / 16.18 / 12.08
Serpentine Belt / 12562626 / 31.25 / 20.48

Shipping & Handling - ALL GM Parts - 9.95

TOTAL / Dealer - 88.69 + tax / ALL GM - 73.32

 

hey, thanks for posting that. I ordered a new replacement idler pulley from Dal, and got a new belt. Neither helped. My car is still under warranty but I still havent gotten it transferred. I will transfer the warranty tomorrow and hopefully get it fixed. However, if that is a TSB, do I even need to bother with the warranty since GM is aware of the problem? Thanks guys!

 

I finally got around to ordering those parts... I sure as heck hope that fixes it!

 

Do the 99's have that air pump for the exhaust that makes the whineing noise till it gets warm?

 

Yes they have the pump, but the squeal is definitely from the belt somewhere. I took the belt off, and fired it up for a second. Not good, I know, but the squeal was gone.