I've started to notice a bit of a low whine coming from the engine compartmetn on my 2001, and I think it may be coming from one of the drive belt pulleys. The sound appears to be rpm variable, and goes away when I push the clutch in. I'm aware that this can be an accumulator issue (I changed mine out last week), or even the power steering reservoir (hope its not that!).

Can anyone tell me the best way to figure out whether I have a bad pulley? pull the belt and turn each and feel for roughness? Stethescope? Any other tricks of the trade? Thanks, Scott.

 

Check your power steering fluid level. They tend to make more noise when they are low on fluid.

 

Thanks, will do. I checked it a few days ago when cold and it was near the bottom of the "cold" mark. Maybe I'll try adding a bit more pentosin. Any input regarding checking for a bad pulley as well?

 

Check with a stethescope the small black pulley (about 3 1/2" dia) on the right side on motor(when looking at it) and compair the noise with the other black pulley on left side. I was told the noise could be the power steering pump ($3800 to replace). ended up being the $140.00 pulley. Changed it myself in about 45 minutes (encludes the time fishing the 13 mm box wrench which I dropped several times)

 

Thanks. I'll give it a try!

 

Just went through this. My tech told me it was the power steering pump. Changed it and had to get the reservoir as well because it is a superseded 997 part. After the parts change the noise was still there. He then took off the belt and inspected thoroughly and found the tensioner pulley right below the power steering pump was making the noise. Good luck.