Thread: 300TDI Whining Noise - Getting Worse

Disconnect the serpintine belt and the air con if fitted and run for a short time to see if it is something driven by the belts, Regards Frank.

I agree with Frank, sounds like a pulley/bearings on the front of the engine. You can run the engine with the belts off, give it a rev while standing at engine bay and see if the noise is gone. If so, check the pulleys 1 by 1 until you find the problem.

Alright, that sounds like a good idea. I thought about it but wasn't sure if it was an option. Is there anything running off them that is critical that I need to be careful with?

Anything that is a common failure around there?

Thanks

Chris

As Judo said, more than likely a bearing in one of the pulleys.
Easy fix, $4 per bearing.
Just take the belts off and spin by hand.
There should be an A/C idler and tensioner, so that's 2 bearings.
The main tensioner is another.

If none of those then check the Water pump, alternator or power steering.

Then there is the big dollar item.......the fan pulley bearing.

You should only run the engine long enough to determine if a belt drive accessory or tensioner/guide pulley is responsible for the noise, if there is no noise in a few seconds after start, you will know that the noise is in one of the belt driven parts, should only take a few seconds, remember the water pump and alt. are not working with the belt off, good luck, Regards Frank.

Ok all, that sounds good. As soon as I get home bits'll be comin off! See how it goes and I will let you all know.

Thanks

Chris

You're all going to love this! Heading home this arvo to have a play and figure out what's up. Well I found the problem, but I seemed to have discovered it on my home!

The noise changed and then I started to get the smell of burning rubber. Hmmmm, something isn't right here?!?! I pulled over, lifted the lid and discover wisps of smoke coming from the now very much seized idler pulley at the bottom of the A/c belt!

Off goes the engine, off goes the belt and off goes the pulley to have a squize. Hmmm, ouch!!! Just a little hot, you idiot!! Yep, well and truly seized, never to move again. The belt is now a bit worse for wear, especially as I cut it off (wasn't pulling the serpentine belt off on the side of the road!).

I did a quick ring around to the local Super Cheap and Repco. Well neither of the stock that belt. Super Cheap can get me the bearing but that have none on hand. Repco however, can't even source the bearing for me. "We don't stock many Land Rover parts, not worth it." ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?! I promptly told them to stick their pathetic product lines and came home. Oh and they both wanted over $40 for the belt that I would "possibly have to wait 10 working days" to receive!

Now for my current issue. What would be the best place for me to source both the belt (may as well get both while I am at it) and the bearing. I am thinking I might replace the bearing in the tensioner pulley as well, just to be safe. If anyone knows somewhere around Perth...ish that I could get one that would be great. Otherwise online at a decent price and with a decent shipping price will be all good.

Thanks all,

Chris

P.S. Seriously, that pulley was insanely hot and I decided I would pick it up. MORON!!!

the idler,A/C tensioner and the main tensioner are all the same bearing.
NTN 6203LU.

The main tensioner you may need to drill a small hole to remove the circlip.