How to know if it's the belt tensioner/idler pulley vs. water pump

Hey folks. My truck is a chirpin'. Is there a way to tell if it's belt tensioner/idler pulley or the water pump? Truck has 182k on it, no idea if any of these parts are original (I doubt they are). Appreciate the help.

 

You can take the belt off and spin each pulley/bearing. They should spin smoothly and without any play. Although I believe it’s normal for a PS pump pulley to have a little fore/aft play.

Alternatively, try the acoustic method.

https://youtu.be/fHtLH_m9gN4

 

Spray silicon spray while it’s running on the belt, fast and easy way to find out it’s the belt.

Mine sometimes does make the chirp while it is pooring rain and stormy winds, everything is new on mine, just a quick way to check if it’s the belt, the chirp will come back quick but will disappear when you spray on it

 

Good point, forgot to cover that it could be the belt. With that many miles, and not knowing what’s been replaced, I would replace the belt and pulley bearings.

 

I would definitely pull the belt off, inspect it, and turn each pulley by hand.

 

Thanks y'all, I'll try that acoustic method. Ahead of that though, what does a failing water pump sound like? (It's not leaking).

 

A rumble or grinding sound. The sound of shot bearings or the impeller rubbing the housing. That’s would I would listen for.

If the water pump is on the way out the door the truck may show signs of overheating after running for a while.

My truck started squeaking and chirping pretty bad. A new Toyota belt fixed this. Definitely spin all the pulleys by hand and make sure they feel smooth.

 

A failing water pump can sound like any other bearing going bad, but keep in mind if a fan clutch is connected to it, it also has a bearing although it is not serviceable.

 

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$6 mechanics stethoscope from harbor freight.

 

I can probably tell you about the water pump, since mine just went. It'll start leaking before it makes any type of noise. At 182k its probably all original tbh, I've posted a video on a bearing sound on here somewhere, and the water pump had just started leaking... I'm at 270k and I just replaced the original tensioner, idle bearing, water pump and radiator. I would look at your water pump and check if it's leaking down on the skid plate or look at the engine block right by the oil filter housing, depending on if its leaking and how long it will be noticeable, if it's a small stream, it's probably something else. Check for condensation in the belt, if you suspect the belt, I would go with a gator back belt, its pricey, but evacuates condensation more efficiently.

 

Bumo

 

I would NOT recommend spraying the belt with silicone. The intent is to not slip. It's not a wet clutch on bike!
I use dish soap and water. Initially it will make it squeak worse as its acting like a lubricant and then clears up.

They do make belt dressing product to minimize slip and reduce noise if you isolate it to the belt and nothing needs replaced.

 

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