Idler pulley going out?

[slycer2002]

Does the idler pulley normally make a weird noise right before it goes out? On my 92 3.0l, with the engine running (idling or in gear, doesn't matter) there is a weird noise coming from what seems to be the top middle of the engine. With the hood up and the engine running, it sounds like it is coming from the idler pulley. I haven't actually checked anything out beyond listening to the engine with the hood up, but tomorrow I plan to pull the belt and check the operation of all the pulleys as best as I can. Is there anything I should be looking for that would indicate something isn't right? I know that's not a lot to go on right now, and I apologize. I'll try to have a little more information tomorrow. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the water pump was replaced about three years ago, or so. Thanks in advance.

 

[bucko]

I've had to replace the upper idler pulley three times in the life of my 2000 Ranger 3.0 (currently at 216K). Mine will squeal, usually in early mornings, then stop after a few minutes of engine running. A 10 to 12 dollar part. I see nowadays that belt changing should also include changing the tension pulley as well. I've not done that; I've had to change the tensioner pulley only once; but the upper idler pulley three times.

An old trick I've used to narrow down or pinpoint a noise is to take an old wooden handle, from a rack or other worn out garden tool, and carefully place it on the suspect part, and place the other end against my ear. This allows the noise to be directed towards my ear. Cut down the handle to a reasonable length, and of course, keep it away from any moving parts. If the handle end is placed at the pully center, this would be good enough to locate a potential sound.

More fancy tools like this are a doctors (or mechanics) stethescope (spelling?).