How I quickly pinpoint a noisy bearing, pulley, alternator, water pump, on any vehicle.

How I quickly and effectively pinpoint a noisy bearing, pulley, alternator, water pump,ac compressor, belt tensioner or idler pulley on any vehicle.
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Disclaimer:
Warnings And Caution
If you follow the procedures, techniques and methods shown in this video, be aware that you follow them at your own risk.
Under no circumstances will the author(s) and/or publisher(s) of / melniksmotors (melniks automotive) be held liable for any injuries or damages, direct or consequential, incurred by any person who attempts to follow the examples shown herein.

[@Querencias7]

It really is an effective method to listen / diagnose the sound, providing, as you said, one is VERY careful to not throw in the monkey wrench or cause injury! Thanks GM.

[@carbonsiliconnn]

Ah, it's the 'Alternator Whisperer'....I knew you were out there somewhere bud

[@Merceinarie080]

I saw this comment before the video and then when I saw the methode the comment hit lol *best comment

[@ndumisosibandze4572]

Clever boy

[@josephwuebben9754]

Haha

[@andybub45]

Pinpointed it to the alternator on my 99 Tahoe using this method. Thanks for the tip!

[@jamesagnew929]

Fantastic, thanks heaps George. This helped me isolate the noise to my tensioner pulley, removed it, cleaned and re-lubed it and it's whisper quiet.

[@callmebigpapa]

If you dont have a super long screwdriver driver or a cheater bar get Mechanic's Stethoscope for 4.97 at Harbor Feight, but you are correct this is the best way to track down problems.

[@robohip4397]

It is the most valuable yet priceless tool in my buddy's shop, has saved a lot of time and money over the years

[@kimmrock]

used this method found out in 2 seconds that it was my idler pulley. Thanks!

[@jahdroy9595]

And what need to be done do fix it?, and it is expensive?

[@JV_214]

That's a good way to lose a ear! I'm doing this tomorrow as I have a bearing issue

[@mikespain8655]

Good old mechanic trick that works great.

[@lozstevewhaite8941]

Good vid mate, for safety reasons (& some Schmuck touching the Screwdriver on the belt & driving it into their brain) I place a 1 & HALF foot long piece of "garden hose" to my ear & the other end as close as possible to each pulley until I get the loudest reading. Same for rocker/valve or any engine noise.

[@kookiethebear]

There are also very inexpensive stethoscopes made specifically for this task.

[@gmarte12]

nah, in russia, to do this correctly you actually need a bottle of vodka to hear it better. after you empty the bottle, you will then realize that the hollow of the rifle makes a better sounding chamber so you stick the butt of the rifle on the pulleys and point the barrel on your ear.

[@buffalobill-jp2pg]

Lozsteve whaite 😂

[@pietikke5598]

Saw in another channel a guy putting a half plastic bottle over the screwdrivers handel. It emplifed the sound and it is less dangerous. Worked great.

[@E_mailMeLater]

I would have loved to see that.

[@E_mailMeLater]

Thank you ‼️ my 2010 Camry is making that same noise. Firestone told me $800 1yr warranty. I took my car to AutoZone, they tested the same way you did. I thought he was joking around. Wow. Found shop in Murfreesboro that charges $500 with a life time warranty on parts. I guess I'll be going there later today. Thanks again.

[@gramofonomanek]

The best method so simply,help me a lot many times

[@lawrence4385]

Dude you just save me a lot of money, thank you

[@rlhead35]

Good grief ... I ran across this video after replacing my alternator and tensioner pulley ... only to still have the noise. Wish I'd seen it a littler earlier but this is one of those you dont forget. Thanks

[@justc215]

So what was it?

[@TMac473]

Great tip George! I use it a lot now. It also works for locating squeaks in suspension.

[@melniksmotors]

Yes. I am glad it helps and works for you

[@stylerweiland]

austin martelo, He already did. God rest his soul!

[@liantolinawati2346]

A friend of mine uses a small hose instead. He said it's like playing string phone, it's simple but time and cost effective.

[@robbiexiong3508]

Any chance to hear what a good vs bad sounds like?

[@EMA-uk5ob]

thx so much. easy peasy. i was able to identify i had a bad water pump. thx again, george.

[@ThamMalaysia]

Yes, this is the same method which my car's aircon man used to find out the bearing noise from the alternator. I had thought at first that it was coming from the water pump, because the sound appeared to be from center area, where the pump was, rather than the left, where the alternator was. However, the sound on my car was more of a higher pitched ''whee ... whee .... whee'' type. Secondly, the aircon man said you must use a quite thin screwdriver fot this, much thinner than yours. My brother--in-law said one way to find out if it was the alternator bearing was to take out its belt, then start the engine.

[@melniksmotors]

Everyone has their own ways of finding noisy bearings. I prefer my works for me every time .

[@macknumber9]

@@melniksmotors how do you know if you need to replace the alternator or just the pulley instead?

[@glenntollenaar290]

Thanks, George, good tip. Especially good for my 66-year old hearing.

[@taniakalenska6451]

вот вот у меня такая же самая проблема..в начале думал это power steering pump... вбухал 150 доляров.. а теперь оказывается Alternator.. спасибо за видео )

[@melniksmotors]

I am glad this video helped you

[@nguyennt99]

nice. i used this method and also a 5/8 heater hose works great too for finding bearing noise and suspension squeaks

[@stevehovis6729]

Hey mine is making a ticking noise almost sounds like lifters but it's coming from area of pulley What do u think

[@angel_about_2sin253]

Works just like a stethoscope does! True story

[@davemallon2974]

You area particularly awesome fella. I am an old bush mechanic from way back and I've never thought to do that. Many thanks. Now to work out why my Sprinter is screaming at revs. I change the bloody turbo and it wasn't that. I am starting to think it maybe the fan clutch.

[@jaimeleiva4865]

it is am 2004 sprinter, because i have one that whistles while driving it

[@CherryACR]

Thank You!! I have a growling in my 2003 Volvo, and I already replaced the power steering pump. Going to try this when I get home!

[@dougjones4987]

I also like this technique, been using it for years

[@Daavi38]

Thanks George, very useful your method.

[@sonny2435]

does this work on slot machines at the Casinos ?

[@Quanteus]

lol

[@Sdot1023]

Sonny 🤣😂

[@JulesBartow]

Ask the casino to replace the idler pulley

[@sasharash8621]

🤣🤣🤣

[@NC-qp4wv]

Scary technique but very helpful thanks👍

[@mfer3124]

nice, I read about doing this but always nice to actually see something just to be 100% sure.

[@samuellamont8539]

That works I once was shown that by a diesel mechanic many years ago

[@AMDX1325]

this car is so new it should not be having these issues at all

[@tetebbb3536]

2013

[@nikdazley5236]

AMDX1325 Ford problems.

[@Macsk8ing]

FORD

[@wholeNwon]

Cheap components.

[@butteredtoast855]

I know your comment is a year old. But let me tell you your exactly right... I had to drop $2200 at the Ford dealership on a 2012 Taurus. If it hasn't already happened the throttle body and PCM/ECU will go out in that car. It's the recall that wasn't...I will NEVER put one dime into the Ford company EVER again.

[@danielstephens4420]

I'm gonna try this.You can also find pulley noise with a long oil funnel.Point funnel at a pulley and pour a little water on each pulley.The sound will stop for a few seconds when you find the right pulley and it gets wet.

[@Mikeybhoy67uk]

You can also use a glass if you turn it upside down. Just rest it against the steering wheel and push down on it.

[@DJOblion]

Awesome bro! I have this same sound coming from what I think is my alternator, the pulley seems to wobble ever so slightly. Prior to seeing this video I already knew it had to be the alternator cause I've replaced EVERYTHING ELSE FIRST! Whoa is me lol

[@melniksmotors]

I am glad it helped you out

[@bonjovi9285]

Used this method and for sure thought it was the alternator cause it was screaming but it ended up being the idler pulley just beneath it. So I changed both anyway.

[@Fluffychip]

Brilliant video thanks for your help

[@timetryp422]

I had an AC compressor pulley bearing go bad. Pep Boys quoted $1200 to fix it and that didn't even include all the parts called for on an AC overhaul. I threw in a Chinese compressor for $150 and resolved the issue.

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

old but GOLD!

[@alfredkabura]

Thanks for sharing I definitely learned something new.

[@percyflores7517]

So you need to replace the pulley or the alternator?

[@scheet89]

Thanks for advice! Helped to me.

[@melniksmotors]

+Linas Sidaras no problem I'm glad it helped you

[@MrSpock-hw7mm]

My question is if I do have a bad pulley should I not drive my car?

[@paulrodgers5559]

I do something similar enough , though with a blue raspberry freeze pop , meticulously aligned with my weep hole.

[@stevebutler7346]

Try putting a plastic soda bottle cut off top and bottom insert screwdriver handle into small neck bit of gaffer tape to secure the large open end acts like a speaker ,,,saves having a haircut you don’t want

[@anjeroxjp]

Thanks for the tip worked great!

[@jimvogiatzis1384]

i would say he is russian decent,my wife is russian-jesus says love everyone like i have loved you-----we love you george,godbless you,nice video

[@timetryp422]

Did Trump collude?

[@ozzy5368]

You know they sell mechanic stethoscopes.

[@Bournefort]

No need. A long screwdriver works just fine.

[@nathandensmore2837]

Stick the screwdriver in a 2liter bottle and cut the bottom out it’s the same thing no need to stick it in ur ear

[@godofrock]

I put my ear on the end of da screwdriver and get a ear ache cause i put da wrong end in my ear.

[@clopez4280]

Good method but I cannot use this because the squealing noise happens when I accelerate ('08 Corolla, manual). It happens when the engine is at around 4k rpm. The alternator belt just got replaced and still making the noise. Not sure how to pinpoint where it's coming from. 🤔

[@doityourselfdiy2220]

like what you did but what if the noise coming from the serpentine belt because it's vibrating a lot I change it the pulley tensioner and the serpentine belt and it still making vibrating in the belt closing rattling noise mine is Altima 2012 thank you

[@selebogokhune]

It is expensive now😢, should've started here before buying the wrong pulley. I thought it was the crankshaft pulley because it had some inconsistent wobble and other videos had the same sound and problem then ordered the pulley only to find that it was the alternator. Feel like never fixing the car myself again.

[@ariromerog]

Great method, a mechanic stethoscope would look much more convincing though

[@averageyoutuber113]

Ari Romero Garrido not to mention that it's way safer. Say you slip while the screwdriver is pressed to your head, if the tip catches the belt it could easily chuck that fucker into your head and/or fuck shit up with your belts/pulleys or worse.

[@SimonAZ]

Interesting, wasn't even aware they existed

[@russelldawkins3408]

@@SimonAZ Yes, they're cheap, too.

[@loganhatch]

@@russelldawkins3408 Just got a great one on Amazon for $15. They have them there for around $10 but after reading reviews you can spend $5 more and get this one that seems to be a lot better quality. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SQYSM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@pablopiquante3227]

An experienced mechanic also suggested using a long round piece of wood.

[@estebahngold9201]

Some one showed where they cut Pepsi plastic bottle in half and fit the lip of the screw on cap and stick it to have like a bull horn over your screw driver and hear it rattle completely

[@lasvegasbadboyz]

What a pro👍🏼

[@irelandbloke]

Good video !

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Good videos

[@ferdousanwar84]

My toyota is making the same noise and the alternator area is making the biggest noise and water pump not so much. So assuming the alternator. What needs replacing?

[@speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783]

Wow! No way. Thanks

[@tersa1000]

He says it's humming but it's actually knocking?

[@TaraConti]

Definitely sounds like the lifters are shot

[@SkittlezIs4Rizzlez]

I literally just bought 2 alternators in 3 months and now mine after having it since May is making this noise. I swear I cannot catch a dang break!

[@vazzoxTito]

your alternator was never the problem. it’s the pulley

[@nickrod9526]

My old man taught me this trick when I was a kid!

[@kerrydunn3800]

2008 renault trafic turbo dieesel 2lt no compression r

[@xierxu]

What does it sounds like?

[@jbaker4522]

Nice

[@jacksmith3189]

Good information Thanks

[@mrfuel1866]

I use a piece of water hose or any other hose..

[@Thebillyolivermilowaktins]

This is how I crack safes in mob hotels with my heist buddies. I go by the alias Danny Ocean as well

[@christineayres7094]

Best leaving it alone , my old Renault had a bad alternator bearing for over 2 years ,then when the bearing did finally give up ,all that happened was the alternator belt slipped off and alternator stopped charging the battery, cost me £300 to repair but in my opinion is worth it ,as imagine if I got the job done 2 years ago ,I'd have never saved a lot of money up

[@godofrock]

I hear three chipmunks running in dare.

[@jimhaas3]

Hi George. Helpful, but describe the actual noise of a failed pulley. I'm dealing with this problem in an '03 Ram. Спасибо.

[@melniksmotors]

You will hear bad pulley sound different than all the others also it will be making more of a grinding rubbing squicky noise

[@jimhaas3]

+George Melnik Thanks, man. That's a pretty good idea with the screwdriver!

[@mikejohn0088]

Just buy an auto stethoscope which is designed for that very purpose. They are low cost ~$15.00.

[@routine8]

Link to fix video? Can't you just replace the alternator pulley not the whole thing?

[@jakeehrhardt4340]

Don't use a screwdriver or a pry bar... buy a stethoscope. They're made specifically for this and are cheap.

[@guest2007]

22 may 2019 1:9 pm edt:honda-service-advisor says honda-mechanic use stethoscope 22 may 2019 1:19 pm edt: but stethoscope maybe has earphone which become oily after usage because ear produce oily-ear-wax.... (1)kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGq2Y6WKdryeg7M (A tool for finding odd engine noises - The Fine Art of Land Rover Maintenance) from youtube-search(stethoscope engine noise)result 6 (2)kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWvZpmInp2LkJo (Engine Noise Diagnosis | Ford Tech Talk ) from youtube-search(stethoscope engine noise)result 4 22 may 2019 1:20 pm edt: source:'earwax' in cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-earbuds/#26_jan_2019_5_46_pm_est from google(wash earbud) 22 may 2019 1:53 pm edt: ipx7-earphone can be washed.water-resistant-earphone-code(washable-earbud): IPX0 - No protection IPX1 - Protects from dripping water IPX2 - Protects from vertically dripping water IPX3 - Protects from sprays up to 60° IPX4 - Protects from splashing water, no matter the direction IPX5 - Protects from water jets at any direction IPX6 - Protects from powerful water jets IPX7 - Protects in water up to 3 feet (1 meter) IPX8 - Protects when immersed in water over 3 feet source:phiaton.com/blogs/audio/ipx4-water-resistance-what-it-means-and-why-you-need-it#16_apr_2019_2_53_pm_edt maybe from-google(ipx5) from 'ipx7' in google(washable earphone)

[@Thebillyolivermilowaktins]

Lol this is awesome

[@chasitybrown1579]

Hi I need help with my journey when I accelerate past 40 my car revs loud in whines down when I take my foot off the gas

[@Eduman1979]

Thank u very much

[@nomadicheadspace1741]

what size is the flat head screwdriver?

[@gamefadayz4121]

Good trick

[@castintoflames]

Hi, George. I have a 2004 Tiburon GT and I'm getting some noise from one of the pulleys at between 1500 and 2000 rpm. It sounds like a rattling or a rapid clicking. Have you ever heard a pulley making this kind of noise before?

[@febinkuruvilla7925]

My Ford mondeo suddenly started giving high chirping or squealing noise, seems like alternator pulley issue,Timing belt and waterpump was changed 20K back. Can I drive it to the mechanic 6KM away? Is it the same belt driving alternator, timing belt, waterpump?

[@garfmaul3327]

What was causing the bird chirping noise ? That’s what mine is doing

[@3dmixer552]

how can you check crankshaft noises? Thanks

[@hauntedhouse3379]

doncha goh reeplasing ahll yer poolleez:)

[@Mattlawrence7577]

Any clue what would cause a distinct rattle under the hood of my 2004 corolla when I first start it up and put it in reverse? The sound stays when I shift to drive but once I accelerate it goes away completely. There is no rattle when i start the car and it is in park, only once I shift to reverse. Transmission works fine. Thanks in advance!!

[@melniksmotors]

Sounds like a loose exhaust shield

[@fatwalletboy2]

wonder if you could spin one component with a drill and old belt

[@melniksmotors]

Some times u can but drill is also making noise. Some times there is no clear path for the belt.

[@secondfirstsecond]

Where did you buy that special tool?

[@michaellepore9961]

DAHHH BEARS

[@timp.2622]

Hahahaha, is that the accent he has? I couldn't figure it out. I was thinking Minnesota or some place up north like that

[@rayortiz8329]

The bears the bears the mother effing bears

[@rayortiz8329]

Red rocket red rocket find Godwin and socket

[@adventuresofahandyman4446]

thanks

[@juggalogamer8541]

That's exactly the noise that one of my pullies is doing

[@Marksnotebook]

I have a 95 Cadillac Fleetwood brougham with 57,000 original miles in great shape but in the engine compartment it has a bird chirping like noise when it sits at idle. Like birds chirping. any ideas? no grinding...no high squeal....just like birds chirping

[@melniksmotors]

I am almost 100% sure its a serpentine belt.

[@proctorseuss2981]

I’m having smoke come out from somewhere on the serpentine belt. Anyone know what this might mean? Super appreciate any help from anyone

[@Jursaw]

Probably a seized pulley and belt is burning up

[@Trancer006]

I have an 05 honda accord and it started making that noise and the battery light came on. My fav auto mechanic is like 15miles drive away. Wonder if i can make it there...

[@melniksmotors]

+Trancer006 u probably having your alternator going bad. Not sure if you will make 15 miles if its done

[@DaChapoGuzman]

+George Melnik any help trying to remove idle pulley bolt out of 05 acura rl bolt to long tried raising engine still not high enough

[@BungieStudios]

Instructions unclear. Screwdriver lodged in brain. jk This is a good trick if you're careful. Thanks!

[@Xzizia92]

I have uploaded 2 videos of my car where it makes a noise when the revs go up (no matter if I accelerator or downshift). Do you think you can hear what the problem is? Please look at the video if you can it is only 20 sec long or something. thx.

[@melniksmotors]

Can you send me video links please

[@technomage6736]

I'm guessing you're either from Boston or Poland

[@Funkotronimus]

This could end very badly for some folks

[@jameswhyte1340]

But what exactly are you listening for? what sounds indicate that one of the mentioned have gone bad? Thanks

[@melniksmotors]

I am listening for a noise that gets transferred thru the screwdriver, basically screwdriver becoming stethoscope

[@jameswhyte1340]

Just any noise? or something specific?

[@melniksmotors]

I am able to actually hear the bad pulley or alternator a squick or humming. Lets say you open a hood and you can hear something making a bad noise but you not sure which one it is because they are located all close together, with a screwdriver i am able to point out the pulley or the alternator that actually has a bad bearing. You actually hear it in the handle of the screwdriver.

[@jameswhyte1340]

ok, so when any of the pulleys or other parts like alternators go bad then the sound is a squick or a humming? and by putting a screwdriver to your ear you pinpoint the location of the malfunction. Is it only a bearing that has gone bad that makes that squick or humming noise? or are there other sounds that the "screwdriver test" can locate.

[@melniksmotors]

I just listen to not normal sound. Its not alway a squick or humming some times its a grinding noise you just have to use ur judgment then. Its one of techniques some of the mechanics use. It is very effective and fast.

[@willpage79]

1k for the alternator or alternater pulley?

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

In my next veedio

[@JaydenLawson]

Definitely is not the next video - on how to pull it out.