Noise/is this normal?
05-12-2022, 08:47 PM
#1
Noise/is this normal?
Hi all,
I've got a 1997 986. I've owned the car for almost 19 years. It has 127k on the clock. Recently I noticed the engine seemed louder, a mechanical hum or rumble. I popped open the access panel in the cabin and there was a definite noise. I determined it was a pulley. So I replaced both idlers, and the tensioner along with the belt. It's definitely improved, and the one idler definitely was shot and needed replacing without a doubt, but I feel like it's still a bit loud, but I could also just be being paranoid. My only thought is power steering pump. There's no noise when turning the wheels, no moaning or whining. I've linked to videos of before and after. Please listen and let me know your thoughts. I don't want to start throwing parts on and messing with seals and hoses on an engine that otherwise runs fine and has been very reliable, unless I need to. Thanks.
Before Idler change
After idler change
I've got a 1997 986. I've owned the car for almost 19 years. It has 127k on the clock. Recently I noticed the engine seemed louder, a mechanical hum or rumble. I popped open the access panel in the cabin and there was a definite noise. I determined it was a pulley. So I replaced both idlers, and the tensioner along with the belt. It's definitely improved, and the one idler definitely was shot and needed replacing without a doubt, but I feel like it's still a bit loud, but I could also just be being paranoid. My only thought is power steering pump. There's no noise when turning the wheels, no moaning or whining. I've linked to videos of before and after. Please listen and let me know your thoughts. I don't want to start throwing parts on and messing with seals and hoses on an engine that otherwise runs fine and has been very reliable, unless I need to. Thanks.
Before Idler change
After idler change
05-12-2022, 10:34 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
How old is the water pump?
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Dllrd23 (05-14-2022)
05-13-2022, 08:26 AM
#3
I had a similar sound... did the same thing. Pulled the pulleys.. regreased the bearings... sounded better, but not fixed.
Turned out to be the alternator. Had it rebuilt (~$200), noise gone.
Give the WP and ALT a listen with the ear with the stethascope device. Pinpoint the sound. There'll be your trouble.
I still say... alternator.
Good luck.
Turned out to be the alternator. Had it rebuilt (~$200), noise gone.
Give the WP and ALT a listen with the ear with the stethascope device. Pinpoint the sound. There'll be your trouble.
I still say... alternator.
Good luck.
05-13-2022, 10:59 AM
#4
My bet is on the alternator as well. If you put on a good set of headphones or ear buds, your camera or device picks it up pretty nicely and you can hear it coming from it.
05-13-2022, 04:51 PM
#5
I just ordered a new stethoscope so I can do some poking around. I don't think it's the water pump, but maybe. Either way, after that gets here tomorrow I'll do some poking around and see if I can isolate the noise.
05-14-2022, 01:26 PM
#6
I had a similar sound... did the same thing. Pulled the pulleys.. regreased the bearings... sounded better, but not fixed.
Turned out to be the alternator. Had it rebuilt (~$200), noise gone.
Give the WP and ALT a listen with the ear with the stethascope device. Pinpoint the sound. There'll be your trouble.
I still say... alternator.
Good luck.
Turned out to be the alternator. Had it rebuilt (~$200), noise gone.
Give the WP and ALT a listen with the ear with the stethascope device. Pinpoint the sound. There'll be your trouble.
I still say... alternator.
Good luck.
I think lol
put a stethoscope on it and it sure sounds like the alternator. Guess it’s time to change it. I’d much rather do the alternator than the power steering pump!