fearfull noise under driver side hood

[byington]

my wife drives a 97 xlt with 100+ miles. there is a noise that sounds like an alternater or fan cluch bearing in bad condition and about to fail. she travels from coprus to galveston often (4 hours each way) and the noise that is getting worse frightens her. we had pepboys explore the situation one evening after work. they suggested that the sound was a bad bearing. they removed the belt and found all bearings to be in good condition (even replaced the alternator then had to put the old alternator back on the vehicle. someone suggested that it might be a timing chain problem. any suggestions?

 

[rollinstone]

I just replaced my lower left (facing the front) idler pulley. Bad bearing. $21 for a new pulley (non-OEM). I've got 108K on my 97. At first I thought it was the alternator ($225). Borrowed a friend's mechanics stethiscope and touched it to all the accessories driven by the serpentine belt. The alternator was loud, so I thought aha! that's it! When I put it on the idler pulley, it screamed!! Saved myself a coupla hundred bucks! and the pesky noise is gone! Hope you're as lucky.

 

[CodePoet]

If you dont have access to a stethiscope a long screw driver is supposed to work too...just put it ont he bracket, put the other end to your ear...that kinda scares me though.

code

 

[1995_Ford_XLT]

I agree with rollinstone--sounds as if your idler pulley is letting you know it's near the end of its useful life. Definitely get it checked/replaced--if it breaks, you will be stranded. Good luck!

 

[thewishkah]

Had a similar problem a few months back turned out to be my idler pulley and my fan clutch if i remember correctly