1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Noise

OLDSMOBILE
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SPEEDRACER0626
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93 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S 78,000 miles 3.3 L. When my car first started making this noise I knew or thought that I knew what it was. Replaced harmonic Balancer. Old part was shot so there was one problem down. Drove it a little and same sound again. Removed belt, cranked it no sound. Checked all pullys, turned them by hand no apperent problems. Replaced belt cranked it back up, same sound, but not as loud. cut AC on and it just makes a racket. AC, waterpump, PS, Tensioner all seem fine. Tried the screwdriver on part to hear noise. Please help. Thank you for your time.
Sep 3, 2006 at 11:03 AM
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BOOTDOG
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this is one of those things that called process of elemination. be sure u shake the pulleys up and down and back and forth for any play. also feel fo any roughness in any of the pulleys which will result for example, ( a bad alternator), usually a knocking will be the water pump and a loud grinding could be the alternator, ac compressor or idler pulley. good luck and let me know what u find
Nov 8, 2006 at 10:36 AM

Suggested Repair

Use process of elimination on the belt-driven accessories. With the belt off, shake each pulley up and down and back and forth for play, and feel for roughness while turning them. A knock often points to the water pump; grinding often points to the alternator, A/C compressor, or idler pulley.

Conversation Summary

A 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera with a 3.3L engine developed a noise that continued after the worn harmonic balancer was replaced. The noise stopped with the belt removed, returned with a new belt, and became much louder with the A/C on. The owner found no obvious pulley problems by hand. The expert advised checking every pulley for play and roughness, noting that knocking often indicates a water pump and grinding can come from the alternator, A/C compressor, or idler pulley.

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