ShovelMan

I want to further troubleshoot the chirpy noise in my car at start-up.

So when I start the car up, there's a non-stop chirping that ceases only when the car has warmed up. I have, on multiple occasions, waited til morning again to troubleshoot and removed the belt, started the car and heard no chirping.

With the belt off and engine off, I hand-spun each of the pulleys - AC, Tensioner, Alternator, PS, Dampener. Heard no noise. The only somewhat noisy, but not high pitched chirp is the alternator. Could this be the culprit? Who knows. I'll upload a video in a bit to show you guys and gals the noise that I am referring to.


Video

lt1-xjs

I have been down this road. Replaced alt and idle pulley. The culprit however was the belt, although it looked in perfect shape. The new belt stopped the chirp.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Do you know how old is the tensioner? It's possible the bearing is dry. You can gently pry the covers off each side of the pulley and check to see if the bearing is dry. If so, pack with grease.

ShovelMan

@SS RRR:I purchased the tensioner a month ago: ACDelco 38145. That means nothing though. The tensioner could have been sitting at Amazon's facilities for years. NOS?

@lt1-xjs: I tested two belts. First belt is a brand new ACDelco 6K930 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt. It squeaked so I purchased the Continental Elite 4060638. The squeaks/chirps stopped for a bit, then continued. I'm unsure if it's just as bad.

For both cases, if I remove belt the chirps/squeaks stop.

ShovelMan

Video (LOUD)

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I'd bet on the alternator over the tensioner. I had the factory stock on mine up until the end of last year. When I would spin it by hand there was a slight squeak, but one day the bearing finally let go and it was loud as ****.

ShovelMan

Alright, you are more than likely correct! When I spin the alternator anti-clockwise I do hears squeaking.

But that's not the direction in which the alt rotates...right?


My alternator is probably the factory stock one too. Says REMY on it.


Should I have it rebuilt or should I purchase one from the auto-parts store?

BALLSS

FWIW that is what my alt sounded like. It was the rear bearing. IIRC that bearing was about $6.......but you need to press it in/out and I don't have a press

If your alt is a original ac delco and you have a rebuild shop in your area I would take it there, likely cheaper than buying a new one

I would up buying a new Remy from rockauto.com as the only reman shop I could find was 1 1/2 hr drive....add to cart, pay on rockauto and it showed up at my door.

lt1-xjs

Your video was not available before my first post. I don't hear the belt chirp, maybe a whine in the alt as stated.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Bought that and it's been good. Just be aware it's made in Mejek0. Bonus blingdiggidy gold pulley. The middle body on mine is also gold. bueno.

ShovelMan

140 Amps? My 1993 TA uses a 124 amps according to the service manual. Will this affect anything?

And mine looks exactly like this. Has the little post https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1500_.jpg

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I didn't realize yours was a '93.