stachelsk

My '98 Ford Windstar (3.8L) has a really loud "unusual" idle noise. It's not a knocking, just a constant loud noise. It usually persists until you get the van in a high gear at a good speed, and even then its still loud.

I believe the problem is related to the idler pulley? and serpantine belt (see the pics). The backmost pulley in the picture is REALLY far off center, and vibrates a lot when the motor is running. This is a cause for concern, is it not?

There are some bolts right around that area that look like they would fix the issue (by forcing the pulley back in line with the others), but the bolts in question are snug tight. Sorry if the image isn't good... I can take more at different angles if needed.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/7610/dscn0266i.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4189/dscn0275h.jpg

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Bert

Have you taken the belt off and turned the pulleys to see if any mak noise? The pulleys have to be in line for it to be quiet and the belt won't wear out quick.

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Bert

stachelsk

I took the belt off and the pulley itself doesn't squeak when I rotate it, but the pulleys were still out of alignment when I put it back on... thus the idler pulley started vibrating and making a ton of noise again. I can't figure out how to adjust it... maybe I should just bring it to the mechanic.

Thanks for your help!