Hi all, I have a small issue to be diagnosed. I'm hearing a whine (I suspect its one of the pulleys) that plays along with the engine RPMs. Clutch, gear has no effect so I think those are safe. My guess is that it should be the bearings in one of the idler pulleys or the tensioner pulley. I don't know if it can be judged from the noise straight, but any wisdom from you all would be helpful.

The car has ~75000 miles, engine was rebuilt at 65000 miles (IMS).

Here's a link to the video (more like audio) recording I made this afternoon. Please tell me your thoughts.

 

Usual advise given for this is to disconnect belt and listen to rule out the things you mentioned. Pulleys needing replacement in my car gave metallic ringing/chirping sound. Not to make you crazy but the neurotic part of me would wonder about bearing. I'd have it checked for that reason alone. Curious as to who did job and what bearing was used. I assume it was preventative.

 

Got the shop to take a look at the pulleys, belt and related components. The bearings had worn out in the tensioner and both the idler pulleys. Other components (water pump etc) seem to be healthy.

The affected pulleys had all the grease pushed out and had grooves (metal on metal friction) in them! Also, the plastic surface of the pulleys under the belt had some wear because of the grooving.

I got the 3 pulleys and the belt replaced. No more squeaking noises or the whine

 

Glad to hear ! Would you mind sharing roughly the cost of this job including labor?

 

The set of parts purchased was the "Drive Belt Kit" (as on Pelican Parts), which the shop was able to get for ~$350. Around 3 hours labour ($300).

I found the hours to be reasonable, but the hourly rate varies across the country. On the east coast I used to see much lower rates. And sales tax (NJ) was much lower than here in WA.

 

Thanks ! Everytime someone needs a repair, I try to take note of the cost so I can use it as a data point to anticipate my future costs. Glad all is well with your Porsche now !

 

Glad it worked out!

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

Had the same problem, my shop sourced the bearing for $12 for me. They just charged me to press it out and put the new one in. Also put a new belt on once it was out.

 

Mechanic vs Parts Replacement Specialist.

 

Hi All, I'm new to the thread, but just hit this driving through VT (not a lot of Porsche mechanics around up there on a holiday). I've heard an occasional vibration when out of the car back there and sure enough, I lost power steering, alternator, etc... while on the highway. Upon investigation my upper idler pulley was in three pieces on the lower half of the car with only the metal center remaining on the block. I have the parts on order from Pelican, but wondering if anyone knows the socket type/size needed to remove the idlers and maybe the torque (I believe it's 17 and 34nm for each)? I had to leave the car in VT to make a flight, so don't have it here to reference. Thanks!

 

A quick search got me these 2 links from Pelican:

Replacing serpentine belt
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...cing_Belts.htm

Replacing belt tensioners
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...Tensioners.htm

Both the instructions have the necessary tools and torque specs, besides step by step details. You may search this forum as well for DIYs, members here will definitely have more tips n tricks in the process, not to mention more detailed photos.

Good luck

 

My 2007 c2 with 76k miles also has the slight 'whine' that seemed to follow rpm's and/or steering inputs. Last week I removed the air cleaner to inspect my pulley's as this thread suggested and I found the upper idler and tensioner pulley's with the slightest hint of 'hesitation'. I was planning on going to dealership tomorrow to get parts.

And just this morning I heard a boom/backfire sound at around 45 mph. I got the alternator caution light, lost power steering, and saw my temps climbing. I pulled over and looked in the engine compartment to see my belt basically laying limp. I removed the air cleaner and saw my problem. Two 'exploded' pulley's. Apparently the lower idler was also suspect or it was destroyed while the tensioner was failing. Either way, I should have replaced these before I got stranded on my way to work.

The lesson for me was the sound. I thought I had plenty of time to replace my pulley's because the sound did not seem to progressively worsen. I was assuming the pitch or volume would increase, indicating I had less time. I was very wrong. And in my case I was planning on buying the parts this week. Too late tho.



Good upper pulley and really bad lower idler and tensioner pulleys








this belt only had 15K miles on it!

 

Thats too bad. Ordered my 2 pulleys, tensioner and belt from sun coast, will be here Thursday. Hopefully mine stays intact until then!

Doing it yourself or mechanic?

 

I will DIY. I live in Sicily and sometimes getting things in the mail can be challenging. My Italian speaking skills have improved which should aid me in getting the parts. Fingers crossed. If dealer doesn't have it I'll get them from Pelican.

Good luck to you!! If it makes you feel any better I track mine every 5 weeks. I'm sure they were pretty worn.

 

Porsche dealer here in Sicily took care of me! Sold me 3 pulleys and belt for 300 euro. I installed it all myself with no drama. All together it took me about 30-45 mins. Fairly easy job. I hope all future jobs are like this one. Thanks to all the awesome write-ups that made it easy.

FYI: my humming/whining sound is now gone.