[68bugboy]

1999 NB 2.0 engine
156000 miles
The engine has a squeaking noise ONLY at idle.
I did a search and found it could be the alt pulley or the A/C pulley.
So to do a check I removed the serpentine belt and started the car.
The squeak was still there! So I'm thinking it must be the water pump
or the timing belt tensioner. The squeak is ONLY at idle. When the
RPMs get to 1000 or more the noise stops, but promptly returns when
back to idle speed. It also appears that it takes about a minute after
the first start of the day for the squeak to be heard.
Any ideas what it might be?

 

[doradidit]

I agree its sounds like it could be on the timing belt(tensioner is my guess), you could pull the top timing cover to see if it gets any louder as a quick and general confirmation of where its coming from.
When was timing belt/waterpump last replaced? Its typically suggested only to run them 90-100k, and being a plastic impeller, I wouldn't push the issue. However, that is a rather expensive job, so don't write it off, but don't jump to it either. Best of luck!

 

[tedybear]

I would not rule out a motor mount squeak. Rubber when it dries out against any steel could make a squeak.

But I would chase this down just in case it is timing related. Interference engines do not respond well to a broken belt.

S-

 

[68bugboy]

I will pull the upper timing cover and have a look
to try and find out what is up.
I have only had the car for about 6 weeks.
Have no history on any previous repairs.

 

[Jeff2]

I will pull the upper timing cover and have a look
to try and find out what is up.
I have only had the car for about 6 weeks.
Have no history on any previous repairs.

If you have no history on previous repairs, I'd personally buy a timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, water pump, accessory belt, thermostat, proper coolant, and etc.) and get that done a.s.a.p.

 

[Oh Randi]

Mine did this too. I did the timing belt/tensioner and water pump and it went away. The idler roller on the tensioner had started to seize up. I'm so glad I changed it right after I heard the noise.

 

[68bugboy]

OK
So today I went ahead and did the TB, tensioner and WP.
From what I could tell, the job had been done at sometime.
The belt was in very good shape as was the WP, but it had
a plastic impeller. The tensioner had been installed somewhat
incorrectly. The tab on the back that goes into the frost plug hole
was resting against the block about 4 hours clockwise of where it should
have been. So it was a little out of kilter and I believe that is what
was making the squeaking. So after the 6 hour job, no more squeak!

 

[Jeff2]

Sounds good. Considering how important these parts are and how much work it is to change them, I wouldn't feel bad about replacing them. Better safe than sorry. Plus you know the job has been done right.

 

[tedybear]

Glad you took the time and figured it out the right way!!

S-

 

[doradidit]

Congrats! That's a lot of work, good to know it paid off