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Serpentine belt chirp and I determined that the idler pulley?

Tiny
SKOOTER28
  • MEMBER
  • 2021 DODGE DURANGO
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
I have a belt chirp, and I determined that the idler pully has dry bearings, and I spun the idler pully and it free spun and it wobbles a little. I also checked the tension pulley, but it doesn’t make any sound when the belt is off, and it seems good but when the belt on and running, I hear some kind of noise but it may be normal. I need a second opinion on it before I spend the money replacing a good part.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 5:57 PM

32 Replies

Tiny
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This is the sound.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I do hear a little bit of a whistling sound. Is that what you are referring to? If it is, to me it sounds normal to an extent, but I'm not there to hear it and it could be a bearing related issue.

As far as the tensioner and idler, they could make the noise. If the idler pulley wobbles, that is not normal, so chances are it needs to be replaced.

We have the same vehicle I purchased new in 2013. At 140K, the belt is still original as well as the items you mentioned. With that in mind, I'm surprised there would be an issue at 40K, but anything is possible.

Let me know if it is the idler pulley that has a wobble, and I can get you directions for replacement.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
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Yes, the idler pully ik for sure is bad cause that sims and its metal on metal sound when I put the screw driver to it but when I put it to t the tensioner pully I hear a low bearing noise but if I take belt off the tensioner pully doesn’t seem bad it moves like it’s supposed to without any noise and it's not dry but with belt on and running with the screw driver with the milk kid attached it’s amplified and I can hear it but ik sometimes bearings will make noise but the only one ik for sure is the idler.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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This is the original sound.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That is where I would start. I suspect the idler itself will resolve the issue. I attached the directions below and the torque specifications. Note it is 18 ft/lbs.

Let me know if this resolves the issue.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. I’m going to go ahead and replace that and get back with you with an update.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan and thanks for the update.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
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Replaced the idler pully and the belt was stretched and the tensioner was good but replaced it anyway and still a noise I checked all the pullys and I spin the water pump pully and no sound but it makes a noise in and out.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Is there any side-to-side movement in the pump? I wouldn't think there should be play, but anything is possible. Also, is there any evidence that coolant may be leaking from the pump's weep hole? If any coolant or other contaminate is getting on the belt, it will make noise.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
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I don’t see any play, but I can hear that noise when wiggling the pully.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
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My eyes aren't the best but that noise can’t be normal.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 AT 3:43 AM
Tiny
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It makes an almost like a slight knocking noise when I wiggle the pully in and out, but I can’t see it actual moving but it’s making that noise that video I sent was what I hear.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I don't feel that play in it is normal either. Is it still under warranty for this type of issue?

Joe
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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Nope, when bought the vehicle it costed five thousand to get this type of warranty and it’s way past what I did get I got an appointment with the dealer hopefully they can find what I did and replace it without costing a lot.
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 4:08 AM
Tiny
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Hi.

I understand. The idea that it has failed at such a low mileage is uncommon, but anything is possible. If you have a chance, let me know what they tell you. If you decide to do it yourself, let me know and I'll help you get through it.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
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It could be the way my gf was driving caused the belt was stretched to and it ruined the idler pully
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Certainly, anything is possible. But that would be uncommon as well.

Joe
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
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Belt being stretched or the idler pully.
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
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The dealer trying to say that’s normal ik that is not normal can’t be I shouldn’t hear it knocking like that.
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Thursday, September 26th, 2024 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Since you have a belt noise and the play is present, there is a chance the bearing inside the pump is failing and causing the noise you hear. It's a theory, but it's possible.

Joe
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Friday, September 27th, 2024 AT 7:21 PM

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