2003 Dodge Caravan Loud Engine Noise

JUANETTE BENIGNO

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
78,000 MILES

Loud Whining noise under hood on the right passenger side. It started out small and we took it in and they couldnt hear it when they cranked it. Now it has sat for a while in our driveway and when we crank it up - it is teribly loud and high pitched whining. It seems tobe low in the engine area. Why didnt their machines find it the first time. As usual.

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

OK, First when was the last time the Belt(s) were changed?

Next - There are 2 pullies - one called an Idler Pulley and one called a Tensioner Pulley. They are smaller pulleys and the bearings can be going bad. To check for this all you need to do is have a can of WD40. Before starting the vehicle spray the center Bolt on either the Tensioner or the Idler Pulley Not Both. Then start the vehicle does it still make the noise? If so turn vehicle off and spray the other pulley the same way and start the vehicle, if noise has dissappeared then change that pulley. If the noise is still there and you have change the belt(s) also then it could be the bearing in the Alternator, A/C or Power Steering.

There should be a belt routing diagram in the engine compartment that should tell you what the pulleys are.