1996 Mercury Sable Squeaky Pulley

[Hookmaster]

I had a shop install the belt tensioner since I was pretty sure it was squeaking. It also had a bypass pulley put on to replace the AC that locked up about 3 weeks ago. There is still a squeak. How do I troubleshoot this, take the belt off and spin each pulley by hand? Right now I'm thinking it is the power steering pump. For you mechanics, is this a common part to replace for a aqueaky bearing?

[Scott K]

No it isnt. I guess a stethoscope would be ideal, and just listen to each retaining bolt that holds the pulleys on. Non moving bolt. Tensioner, idler, or the case of the alternator. If you dont have a stethoscope, you can use a long screw driver, and touch it on the bolt, case of the part you are testing, then place the handle of the screw driver on your ear, the noise, squeak will transfer through the screw driver. If that doesnt help you, remove the belt, and spin each pulley by hand.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does that have a CMP shaft?

If so stand in the front of the car. With the engine running put your forehead on the intake manifold right in the middle of the engine. If you hear the squeak in your right ear it's the CMP shaft. If you hear the squeak in your left hear than it's coming from the belt area.

[Scott K]

I think in the last post he said it was a DOHC, so that wouldnt have the synchronizer

[Jeremy airjer W]

now I remember!