Engine: S60: - Bearing noise, alternator

gibbsies · Apr 30th, 2007, 12:28

Hello,

I have a 2001 S60 that has done 170,000km. It had a loud grinding/resonating noise originating somewhere from a component driven by the auxiliary belt.

The Volvo dealer said that the bearing in the auxiliary belt tensioner was noisy and that everything else was OK. I had the tensioner replaced by my local Volvo (non-dealer) mechanic however, the noise remained. Although I wanted the noise fixed, the bearing in the tensioner was worn, so I eliminated this as the source.

Using the old plastic pipe (garden hose) placed near the ear trick, I located the fault! I carefully placed the end of the pipe on/near the areas making the greatest noise and located the source. Others (mechanics) had used a mechanics stethoscope, but as the noise was being transmitted mechanically through the drive-chain, locating was difficult.

Finally I found the source of the noise. The noise was coming from the pulley on the front of the alternator. The pulley known as a free-wheel type pulley otherwise known as an overrunning clutch type. This type of pulley locks in on direction, and spins free in the other. This type of pulley eliminates noise and mechanical shock (loads) being transmitted back through the auxiliary belt.

Well, today the pulley was changed over, and I am back to loving my S60 again.

Hope this helps someone else experiencing the same noise.

PS. The manufacturer of the pulley states the service life to be 90,000Km. This should be a service item picked up during the 90Km service!

Cheers
Steve Gibbs

podman999 · Aug 18th, 2007, 15:25

Hi Steve, I have a similar problemem with my s60 D5 2002. I replaced the idler wheel for the aux belt (£42 From Volvo) as there was some friction in the bearing but this did not help. I too then used the plastic pipe routine. The noise disappears when you place a little pressure against the centre of the alternator pulley, suggesting my bearing is worn?

Where did you get your replacement part? Is it volvo only? Hope not as the prices are beyond a joke. This problem is also driving me nuts!!!!!

Thanks,

Lee.

Apr 30th, 2007, 12:28	#1
gibbsies New Member Last Online: Jan 20th, 2017 11:02 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Victoria	Bearing noise, alternator Hello, I have a 2001 S60 that has done 170,000km. It had a loud grinding/resonating noise originating somewhere from a component driven by the auxiliary belt. The Volvo dealer said that the bearing in the auxiliary belt tensioner was noisy and that everything else was OK. I had the tensioner replaced by my local Volvo (non-dealer) mechanic however, the noise remained. Although I wanted the noise fixed, the bearing in the tensioner was worn, so I eliminated this as the source. Using the old plastic pipe (garden hose) placed near the ear trick, I located the fault! I carefully placed the end of the pipe on/near the areas making the greatest noise and located the source. Others (mechanics) had used a mechanics stethoscope, but as the noise was being transmitted mechanically through the drive-chain, locating was difficult. Finally I found the source of the noise. The noise was coming from the pulley on the front of the alternator. The pulley known as a free-wheel type pulley otherwise known as an overrunning clutch type. This type of pulley locks in on direction, and spins free in the other. This type of pulley eliminates noise and mechanical shock (loads) being transmitted back through the auxiliary belt. Well, today the pulley was changed over, and I am back to loving my S60 again. Hope this helps someone else experiencing the same noise. PS. The manufacturer of the pulley states the service life to be 90,000Km. This should be a service item picked up during the 90Km service! Cheers Steve Gibbs

Aug 18th, 2007, 15:25	#2
podman999 New Member Last Online: Sep 4th, 2010 11:56 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: dumfries	similar problem Hi Steve, I have a similar problemem with my s60 D5 2002. I replaced the idler wheel for the aux belt (£42 From Volvo) as there was some friction in the bearing but this did not help. I too then used the plastic pipe routine. The noise disappears when you place a little pressure against the centre of the alternator pulley, suggesting my bearing is worn? Where did you get your replacement part? Is it volvo only? Hope not as the prices are beyond a joke. This problem is also driving me nuts!!!!! Thanks, Lee.

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