camaronewbiess

when i idle the engine or run it at low speeds it makes a squeeling noise like something on the pulley is loose...Anyone ever experience this? It might happen at higher speeds too, but I can't hear it due to engine and tire noise.

ZZed

Squeeling idler pulley by the alternator is a common problem. GM has issued a service bullitin. Also, check the tensioner pulley.

camaronewbiess

what does this bulletin do..where do i read it?? will it cost money or is it a recall?

camaronewbiess

OK, I have pretty much concluded that it is my idler pulley as this problem only occurs when my rpm is below 1500 (when i'm in neutral). Will the local chevy dealer fix this for free due to the bulletin?

ZZed

I think the dealer will only fix it for free if the car is still under warranty. It involves changing the pulley and the bracket. I had it done in 2000. The squeel comes back every once in a while. It's an easy fix. Be sure the belt is changed, too.

cop_camaro

I just changed my idler pulley (one above altenator)
Gm Price Aprox $48
I figured I could press out the old one and install a new bearing. After I bought the bearing (which I think i got the shaft) It would of been as cheap to do the pulley and bearing from GM.
It is a very easy job!
Remove the serpentine belt and take the pulley assy off with (I think 15mm) wrench and install the new one and reinstall thew serpentine belt. About a 10 min job.
I might suggest you check for noise, by spining the pulley by hand before you remove it.
Also spin the altenator pulley.
Mine didn't sound bad after I changed it, cured my problem.
The bearing was a SKF 5203 A2RS1TN9/C3 17 X 40MM DBL
Price with tax $46.16 Probably 3 times what I thought!!
GO FOR IT!!

Oxygen454

I have the same problem but gets louder when it warms up sometimes. It comes and goes, will have to take this advice and try working it out. Thanks for the help guys!

Michael Ozorowsky

I just posted about this. Same problem. Would going to underdrive pulley's help?

Oxygen454

Took my belt off and spun the altinator. The altinator made a faint squeekiing noise so I priced out the altinator and found it was cheaper to use my warrenty. GM took the car in and the result was a worn belt. The belt was fairly new and not too worn but the new one fixed the squeek and it hasent come back since.

Michael Ozorowsky

I don't have a warranty any more. Too many mods. Also these are underdrive pullies I have on there now.

Mike94ZLT1

I have a better idea. Why dont you replace the belts? It's cheap, and will eliminate a big possibility. Make sure to replace both of them. I went through HELL with a squeal when I bought my car, I replaced the alternator, the alternator bracket, the tensioner pulley, and the main belt. Finally one day after thinking i was going to sell the car to get rid of the squeal forever, I noticed there was a second small belt. I went to the parts store, it was like 9 bucks. I replaced it, and BAM!! The squeal was gone, and I felt like the biggest retard ever.

AJ1978TA

lol my car does this too, only when cold, it squeals, then stops, squeals, then stops....quiet once it's warmed up, but sometimes if it idles for awhile it might turn on and do it......I just live with it for now as my belt seems fine and everything is tight.

Michael Ozorowsky

AJ: I have eXACT same symptoms as you. You just explained it better.

ShaneS

I bet it's the tensioner pulley. Had the same problem on my '99.

Try replacing the belts first, then check out the tensioner if that doesn't fix it.

Briank8811

I have that annoying squeek to. I tried oiling all the pullies but didnt work. Im selling the car so i dont care. It is one annoying focker when you have stock exhaust. It was a 99 SS.