How To Locate A Noisy Idler Pulley

[@sc0368]

I use temperature sensor gun and point at each com .. The bad pulley usually get about 20-30 degrees hotter.

[@714jk]

THANK YOU! Just confirmed my tensioner pulley is bad without turning a wrench.

[@rodriguezandres54]

Is ther a specific one to use

[@scottkiteley3430]

That's a smart idea! I'll have to go and buy one

[@j.o.a.t9718]

Good thinking will try that.

[@TheUnknownHarbingers]

That's a good idea

[@gerryclarke5265]

I have learned something new today, Have used the screwdriver trick in the past, but the gallon container is brilliant.

[@g2macs]

Give it a month and Snap-On will bring out a half jug with a nice paint job and a 100 buck price!

[@ghavila1766]

Don't forget the Snap-On logo, just like the Harley logo it inflates the price 400%.

[@anti0918]

Yeah but it'll be more aerodynamic.

[@PRL1290]

you beat me too it!

[@robertgestier2013]

Dorman will make one that will break after the third use

[@treydaypnw]

Robert Gestier you mean those Dorman guys are still in business? Lol

[@stuartcookie133]

Great tip Eric. I have glued two jugs permanently to my ears and when my wife starts talking I screw the caps on!!

[@Viper81766]

Works for mother in law's too ...

[@bianbian428]

omg...That's funny right there!

[@grateful1929]

I'm a woman but I had to laugh too. 🤷

[@joeyhdz3435]

😁🤣

[@kcuhc84]

My wife's jugs used to be up by her ears.

[@daquanbrown7886]

One of my favorite tips is how to find a bad wheel bearing. Lift the car in the air and hold each spring then spin each wheel. The bad one will vibrate right through the spring and your hand/arm. Works every time;)

[@geraldsanford2411]

ALSO A GREAT TIP AND LIFE HACK

[@willgeorgiadis2025]

Hell yeah!

[@gokblok]

@@Goosetavula 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shartingfish5761]

You can also have a friend tied to the hood with one of these screw drivers and a bottle on the end, have him press the end into the hub while hanging off the side..

[@famusman5989]

Wheel bearings do not have Springs

[@oldcoinchaser8723]

Hey Eric, I would trust you to work on my vehicles anytime. Your one heck of a mechanic and your honest about it too. That is very RARE nowadays .Keep up the great work and videos. I enjoy them very much. God Bless you and your family .

[@minorajanel185]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@Whiz_quiz405]

An honest mechanic?? That I can believe but you start saying honest lawyer/politicians.. im drawing the line!

[@flmmaz]

I've been working on cars for a long time, but I learn something new every time I watch SMA and I add them to my daily arsenal at the Ford dealer.

[@ivaneu1]

Me too

[@lynnweiss7349]

OMG !!! Thanks so much!!! Lady Home Mechanic. Did all the work on my airplane, now having to do the same on my car and truck. Not to bad at 70 :) udabest!

[@krisc4578]

Wooden broom stick handle cut to length works, too. Have used that to diagnose rod bearings. Great work as always!

[@victorvillasana3409]

Ok,, how many guys want to go try this out right now.

[@SpeCifiC0507]

Victor Villasana I just did, at least up until my screwdriver caught wind of the pulley and the jug smacked me upside the head. My wife and I had a good laugh, but that was short lived once I found out that it had ripped a piece of my scalp off and now I am currently bleeding to death.

[@spudth]

I've got an annoying squeak on my 7.3L Ford. Man I want to go do this in the dark in my wet drive at 40 degrees. Ahh I can wait til tomorrow.

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

I'm going to go chug my gallon of milk right now!

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

@@SpeCifiC0507 Glad you were able to post on KZbin before you bled out.

[@tonyl3461]

@@deplorableb.r.4211 important stuff first

[@whpony96]

A tip for you that will save you time and your customers money. You do not have to purchase the tension arm and the pulley. (Unless the tension arm spring is broken.) The pulley itself can just be replaced. The pulley itself is usually in stock, the tension arm is specific to models and usually has to be special order.

[@johnkirkland621]

Holy cow man...Thanks Eric. My ears are pretty damaged from hitting an I.E.D. in Fallujah back in '07. I do all of my own maintenance on my family's vehicles. I really appreciate this tip man. It's going to make a world of difference to me. I've tried to get by with just the screwdriver to the ear method, but many days my ears are so shot I can't hear/feel a thing. I really appreciate it man.

[@ToXSicK1340]

Thank You for your Service, Sir!!!!

[@BengtRosini13]

Yes, thank you for service and sacrificing your hearing among many sacrifices. America needs more people like yourself.

[@tedthornton7791]

Thanks for serving John. My hearing is 50 % impaired, although not due to military service, so I agree good trick Eric.

[@chrissample3047]

I was at cob spiecer 07 08

[@James-vp2jn]

John if you are within 100 miles of Orlando, I will help you. That would be my thank you for serving our country. James

[@nestorroman2694]

Wish I saw this before my idler pulley unscrewed on a mountain highway in Virginia with the family. Thank you sir for sharing your wisdom!

[@Whiz_quiz405]

You know which one it is now

[@bigbad253]

Thank you - I knew the screwdriver trick from an old school mechanic who could diagnose pretty much any problem inside an engine with his long "stethoscope". Adding a jug makes it so much easier!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

He used this trick when he diagnosed my truck. I can tell you from watching him it works great!

[@victorpena9824]

You kill me Eric. Reminds me of my old man, WWII Combat Engineer. He'd use common sense and Critical Thinking to solve most any problem. He told me on real old cars you had to change the "bushings" on the crankshaft/rod connections every 30,000 miles or so. Metals were not as durable or hardened at that time. You would drop the oil pan, R&R the bushings, put her back on the road. Ehh.. couple of hours, you're done. Good Work, My Friend. 👍

[@norsefire20]

This was the first video I ever saw of yours, I think about 4 years ago, I was just starting my own "diy mechanic" hobby and it helped me find my problem. Very glad I decided to see what other videos you had, this and all your others have provided either extremely helpful advice or just entertainment! Love the videos, especially ones dealing directly with rust, you're my go-to for those problems.

[@titanpredatorwolf7653]

My 08 just started whining a few days ago, she was only 10 miles old when i got her and now she's a senior with 134k on her, stopped by our truck mechanics on my way home from work to have them help me find the whine, they used this exact trick and found out it's my tensioner too, ordered part a few minutes ago and will install as soon as it arrives, thanks for the great info

[@derekb3780]

Amazing! I had this whining noise that developed about a month ago and it was driving me nuts and I could never pinpoint where it was coming from, with this method I can now confirm it was coming from the alternator, thank you!!

[@reflextor92]

Hi Derek. How can i contact u? Want to ask about whining noise from my 3.0 v6 toyota engine. How can i send u the video so that u can tell me is it the same sound as yours?

[@homerdodd4264]

Thank you so much for this great idea. It is amazing how the simplest things are the most effective. I tried using a Harbor Freight stethoscope, and I could hear noises OK. However, once I attached a plastic bottle to a long screwdriver like you did, WOW ! The noise just amplified to the point that there was no mistaking which pulley was bad. Saved me lot's of guessing and "throwing parts at it". My Acura noise was sounded like a bad alternator, but the noise through the megaphone screwdriver was so minor. However, once I put it on the tensioner/idler, man the noise was loud. I found the problem, had it fixed in an hour. Great idea, thanks again..

[@Shardrk23]

Love the tip. Just want to point out that there are 3 types of pulleys there: Drive (on crankshaft usually the bottom one), Driven (on alternator/generator, power steering pump, AC compressor, fan), and Idle (not attached to any of the others, just installed to maintain the tension on the belt). Generally speaking, you will usually only have one idle pulley on cars, although you can have 2 on an engine that uses two of the flat belts such as some large diesel engines. Thanks.

[@ragjz]

I couldn't find the sound, thought it was the alternater. Swapped it out that wasn't it. So did some more searching on KZbin and found you. I used your technique and wouldn't you know it, I found the rascal making the embarrassing high pitched noise. Wish I would've found you a year ago. Thanks and keep the hidden gems coming to us home garage mechanics.

[@ThacMan]

Been using the stethoscope for years. I also have a 3 foot long piece of plexiglass rigid tubing to slip on the rubber hose end of the stethoscope. Helps with finding the general area of a noise. I will definitely be adding the jug method to the arsenal . Thanks Eric O.

[@kevingallich5557]

And here all along I thought all Ford F-150s just sounded that way from the factory. Learned something new today!

[@nickrod9526]

My old man taught me the screwdriver trick when I was a kid! Never thought about making a funnel. Smart.

[@garibayja123]

Where exactly is he touching the screw driver to ? And is it a flat head ?

[@sungyoungkim4382]

What a way to create a tool that even the camera can pick up. Nice work

[@russ549]

Thanks! You really know what your talking about. I've got a squeelimg pulley bearing on my truck and I'm definitely going to try this method. It really sounds like it works great!

[@mikefennema5561]

What an excellent idea! I also use an old medical stethascope with the end replaced with a drinking straw. That way if it tangles with something moving it doesn't do any damage.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Smart man right there always thinking!

[@brandonwebb1819]

FordTechMakuloco I have a 99 ranger with the same issue and I replaced the idler on it and the noise is still there and the tensioner looks good

[@sterrshow5016]

@@brandonwebb1819 what kind of noise, is this still a problem a year later?

[@louiskleyn7810]

@@brandonwebb1819 bvh9oo~

[@tedthornton7791]

Lol

[@A.C.71]

Said smart man also has a Jasper Engine & Transmissions banner proudly displayed in the background which I know you think are junk. Sorry, couldn't resist lol

[@daviddunn4561]

Great idea...I swapped out several components trying to figure out what was squealing including the alternator twice. One minute with this device and the bad pulley became obvious. Thank you thank you

[@echo8287]

Man I am always impressed with your videos! Yours are some of the best auto repair vids on the internet. You have helped me several times in the past. Thanks for all you do!!! Dave

[@mjstariha2826]

Eric, Thanks for doing this video 7 years ago. I'm having a squealing noise on my 08 Sequoia 5.7L, but then goes away after about 12sec. My belt is fairly new, maybe 20k on it, but never changed the tensioner pulley, so maybe that's it. Thanks again for show us your bush made megaphone! Go get that patented!! 📣

[@cojones8518]

Screwdriver works great to find stuck/failed injectors too. You can hear them clicking clearly as they open and close. Relays and stepper motors(like throttle plate motors and EEGR) are also easy.

[@alexsy408]

The legend beats the legend. This 'life hack' is better than the long screwdriver tip from Scotty Kilmer! Hopefully Scotty sees this and gives a honorable mention!

[@tobesswind]

Eric, Thank you . You help us average folk more that you know. God Bless you.

[@OzMechanics]

One kick ass life hack. This is going straight in my tool box

[@williamclark1091]

Tried your 'amplifier' tool today, and it worked like a charm!!! Great video, great idea! Many thanks

[@EdwardWallaceTechTalk]

Eric, I have watched so many of your videos I feel like I should have been sitting there with you and Mrs O for Turkey day. Anyway my friend, you saved me again. Have had this annoying loud noise (kinda comes and goes but constant, and your little invention there saved me. Took my long prybar, waited for the boy to guzzle down his Chocolate milk, and said thanks and took the jug from him. Thank You sir, ordering a new ac tensioner. Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

[@splash5974]

Great tip! Really enhances the sound... I just used my stethoscope on a truck the other day, truck had a bearing noise, but with stethoscope they all sounded the same...ugghh hate when that happens... lol Good safety tips too! Very important, usually people joke about it, like its never gonna happen to them. Yrs ago, i was installing an electric fan on my 85 Camaro Iroc-Z and not knowing if i wired for push or pull, i went in a little closer to determine which way the air was moving, and wham! It bit me! Lol Needless to say, 7 stitches on my index finger, 1 stitch on my middle, and 3 severely bruised fingers later, you learn to be more cautious about this stuff... Lol

[@2028end]

Cool, bro! I just had to change the tensioner on my Montero because the pulley on it had seized. Good stuff!

[@snw56]

The first time I've seen this trick with a plastic bottle. Thanks for sharing!

[@misterbulger]

I've got a $100 electronic Chassis Ear but I think your cheap trick definitely works even better in this instance! Such a crafty genius you are. I wish I still lived back in PA I'd bring you all kinds of problems to solve.

[@keithkuechenmeister1395]

Most informative and entertaining person on this Tube thingy. I've seen a lot and hope to see much more. He defines the point where I can do it myself and when professional help is due. Thanks for that!

[@Sandbag1300]

At 1:03, darn a few months ago I purchased the Snap-on/Bluepoint stethoscope for $25. I already have a gallon water bottle and long 28" Snap-on screwdriver and from this video it is CLEAR that your method works better and is easier and safer! Thank You! This video may get almost as many views and that Jeep coolant in the oil pan video did.

[@thomasniner001]

Thought we were going to hear " Mr. Watson come here I need you". Very good hack especially for your older viewers or your hearing challenged ones.

[@MW-xz4db]

Thomas Niner Of

[@mikewilson8594]

That's a brilliant idea! I've always used an old medical stethoscope with some rubber tubing or a hard plastic straw to extend it. Perfect solution for those that don't have access to an in-ear stethoscope!

[@JoInTheWilderness]

this is perfect! i have a stethoscope but no jug😂 gonna try this

[@May16Joe]

This guys channel is already on 110k lol, I subscribed to this channel when it had like 4k subs, awesome.

[@JSchrumm]

Neat tip,and it doubles as a funnel. I have also cut off the top in a manner that leaves the handle for a parts bucket or a scoop for grease sweep.

[@TheComingCurse999]

Wow, that's an amazing trick. Thanks for giving up your secrets.

[@thestork8386]

Brilliant. I’m digging into a pulley noise tomorrow on my Jeep TJ. I was going to do the screwdriver trick, but adding that container is genius. I will be using that trick. Thanks!

[@samuelbane6743]

Love This....over 20 years and never thunk of this!!!!

[@wreckanchor]

Sweet trick. You are a very good mechanic and your customers are lucky to have you near by.

[@jessipelfrey550]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was tired of guessing!! Thanks for sharing your time!!

[@slikrhodez3336]

How come I've never seen this jug method before?!?! You totally changed my life!!

[@SuperFeargod]

Eric O you are the man such a simple test method with great results.

[@sprydo7113]

recently installed a couple new belts on a 2004 350z. After watching this video, couple things...I need to go and reverse my steps by loosening the adjustments on both pulleys and check for looseness on all A/C, alternator and P/S for free spinning. Honestly for my first time however, I did over tightened both belts...is making the groaning noise. Well, time for couple new pulley parts. Please feel free to comment. Thanks again...SMA

[@junkinthebrain]

You sir are a genius! I think I found a new hobby!

[@camermike1987]

omg thats the exact sound my 03 cadilac is making. It started a few years ago and has got worse. I just replaced the alternator and plan on getting a new belt. No clue it could have been that. Thank YOU!

[@ebuzek3648]

also use a 3/8" or 1/2" hose about 3' long.

[@Fireship1]

Great tip Eric. That amplified the sound quite well!

[@joegreen1435]

Used this this morning.Worked like a charm! Thanks for posting.

[@Clodknocker]

Great video man especially talking about the pulley being under load for noise vs taking belt off then trying to find the noise

[@jrkaz6070]

By the way this should be the first video that pops up whenever someone looks up pulley, belt tensioner, belt noise

[@bigbad253]

Not quite the first one, but towards the top of the list after clicking on the first video! I now have the solution!

[@glenyukon9923]

I had to do an idler and tensioner pully bearing on my 08..i found the bearing alone for 7 bucks vs 90 for the complete tensioner..press bearing out and press new one in :)...love the vids!!

[@marcinmorris]

Right on time Eric, I have a pulley that require a change. Thanks for the life hack ;)

[@greenegfm1]

Old post, but I am going to use this! Thank you SMA! I don't miss those random lake effect snow squalls. Always seemed to come at the worst time.

[@schwabentutorials]

Thats great, so simple and effective. Everybody knows the screwdriver trick but really getting your head into the engine doesn't seem like the best idea depending on where you need to listen.. So this is awesome, thanks for sharing! :)

[@Nightelfmusic]

I didn't know it..... am I nobody..... aww man fuck my life

[@mikenomath3897]

I have a fairly new 2019 Grand Caravan I purchased for Ride Sharing and the 3.6 Pentastar under the hood whines like heck at startup then quiets down a lot but is always present even at low noise, it gets to be annoying at times. I don't want something crapping out on me on the road... Will use the magic noise rod trick... Thanks for the tip brother! Nice work!

[@douglaslaramie9245]

I've done the screwdriver thing before but never seen the funnel thing. Wish I had seen this before I retired. I could have really impressed the 3 kids they hired to replace me. HaHaHaHaHa. They never hired 3, just 2. HaHaHa KIT d.

[@mikebas7325]

Love the tip good sir. Well, this invention worked like a champ. Was able to find the culprit on my 2011 Avalanche with ease, thanks for taking the time to share. I'm starting to think the 5.3 in my truck was changed at one point as mine has an a/c tensioner but all the other 2011's I see people work on don't have a tensioner on the a/c belt.

[@bobmoy3406]

I going to patent that noise detector and charge you royalty whenever you use it.....hahaha Great lifetime hack, worth the 7 minutes 43 second that I spent on watching it.

[@jdtractorman7445]

Nice trick with the jug. I often use a stethoscope which can be quite deafening at times. I should try the jug next time. That tensioner pulley sounds just like the old one in my 08 f-150 when it went bad. I replaced that pulley along with the other two smooth idler pulleys. I ordered new bearings as well and cleaned up the old pulleys, shot some fresh paint on them, and pressed in the new bearings. Now I have spares if they crap out again.

[@yowzaabner4314]

could have used that on the ex-wife before marriage to determine if she had a screw loose. nice work.

[@mrcokez1]

lmao

[@JB-eb3cp]

Haha

[@ryanwilliam8654]

ha ha

[@tysonbehnke079]

Hahahahaha

[@Dennis-nf8rj]

Lmao

[@markhodgson8691]

A length of 3/8 flexible hose works too. One end in your ear and the other close to the pully. Works a treat. Just did it.

[@peterhol3]

Great tip about the jug, thanks ! BTW, love the 7/11 doorbell @ 4:44, must get that one also.

[@gtheodora]

Awesome brother! i have been listening to a whine in my Silverado for a long time I grabbed a long screwdriver wrapped some electrical tape around it to give it a tight fit and without a doubt it turned out to be the AC tensioner it was very loud through the megaphone! Thank you.

[@theshovster8505]

Fantastic!, tried just the screwdriver before but this works great! found it’s my water pump!

[@oldhotcars]

Excellent trick Dr. O !!

[@phillipales1158]

Great tip! Now I have another use for my extra washer fluid containers other than old oil and antifreeze. :)

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

I saved an empty gallon jug from the trash can yesterday, thinking I would soon find a practical use for it. Now I have. Thanks.

[@KEYSTONELIGHT69]

ERIC YOU CAN ALSO JUST A LONG PIECE OF 3/4 HEATER HOSE UP TO YOUR EAR AND ITS A LOT SAFER WORKS GOOD FOR EXHAUST LEAKS TO.

[@5jjt]

GARY C One-Upper?

[@brandonwebb1819]

GARY C how do you use it to find exhaust leaks

[@STREETSTANG07]

That has to be the best check I have ever seen . Always used screw drivers and stethoscope but the jug trick is very unique.

[@fielding68]

Love the Jug Trick. Clever. Thank you.

[@phillully4472]

excellent jug tric Eric, for finding a noisy pulley. I shall remember that one.

[@joefortes9794]

Great trick with screwdriver and jug ! Would love a close-up of contact points of screwdriver end with pulley’s if possible ? ?

[@angeliquevanengelen]

YEAH ME TOO, NO CLUE WHERE TO STICK THE SCREWDRIVER. i ASSUME IT'S ON THE PULLEY, IE THE METALLY THINGIE INSIDE THE BELTS. SWEATING EVEN THINKING ABOUT STICKING THINGS NEAR RUNNING BELTS, BUT HEY, i'LL STILL GIVE IT A TRY. mY PEUGEOT BOXER IS VERY NOISY

[@kitchencone]

@@angeliquevanengelen at 3:22 in the video. Avoid the outer moving part of the pulley. Put the screwdriver tip at the support pt of the inside center axle of the pulley, which is not moving. By touching close to a pulley, you get the sound of that particular pulley more than any other sound.

[@AmanSingh-us5wr]

Came across your video and I must say that is one heck of a trick to identify the problem .... thanks

[@ToXSicK1340]

Wow…. Fantastic Tech-Tip! Thank You Sir.

[@jaywillis3567]

Well, I can say that trick just gave me back my sleep cuz I just had my pump fixex n it was still hummin away but after checking it with this method I now know its the tensioner. Sadly enough I need my lines replaces on the steering pump now but the humming is gone and that is gonna help me sleep better at night. Thanks for this excellent tip brotha!

[@amped5234]

Nice, I'll remember this, thanks for sharing.

[@Trex76us]

Learn something new every day!

[@1995dresser]

I just Bought the Same Tool from Snap on for $ 400.00 Except the Jug doesn't have a Handle and there was still some Washer Fluid inside lol Great Idea I would have never Thought of it. I been just using the Screwdriver method for years I Have to give This a try Cool

[@robertappleyard7053]

Wooden broom handle has been handy in the past, especially when working on jackstands diagnosing driveline noises. I'm adding this one to the arsenal.

[@miltowncorey]

YOU ARE A BEAST!!! THANK YOU!! YOU SAVED ME FROM PUTTING A HOLE IN MY HEAD!!!! ILL BE CHECKING MY HONDA CR-V TOMORROW!!!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

That is a friggin GREAT idea! One of those, "why didn't I think of that" deals. In the past I never used the screwdriver trick. I'd just remove the belt and free spin the pulleys, then put my weight on them & flick my wrist back and forth - I can usually feel any roughness doing that. In my own truck ('07 Silverado), I pried the seals out of the bearings, and gave them a little smear of John Deere Corn Head Grease - works wonders. Made it all nice and quiet again. 90k miles on the truck, and I'm still on the OEM bearings and belt, except for that tiny little 6001 bearing for the A/C - the Corn Head Grease was a little too thick for that little guy - must spin at 18,000 RPM just at IDLE. In that case my grease trick actually made it worse. Live and learn. Would need a NGLI #00 in there, I think. Bearing is only $6, but saves you a trip to the parts store - after all, we don't get paid for wrenching on our own crap! I learned quite a few automotive tricks from my grandfather, but most of those can no longer be applied to these electronic wonders of today. This one is definitely a keeper - thanks! Nice to see Doug's got his channel up and running - just watched his before I came over here. :)

[@thornbush17]

DUDE!!! Thank you....great trick....worked like a charm,

[@stevenclaeys6252]

Thanks for another great video. I find that on most of the idler pullies, I can order the bearing for a tenth of the cost of the assembly. Most of them take 10 mins to swap out. Stay safe out there. Cheers

[@dwaynegreen1786]

Great video, it really gave me a couple of great ideas. Thank you for sharing.

[@coorsman5499]

Thank you I couldn’t find the where the noise was coming from in my truck this saved me a trip to the mechanic

[@upallnight888]

Is that tool available in your Amazon store???

[@rrmech11]

Upallnight hahaha

[@geraldsanford2411]

HOMEMADE LOL

[@HB-yq8gy]

Cheap Harbor Freight tool $ 7.00

[@martinlesso8088]

Great tip ; long screwdriver and cut off jug! Learned something new today. Thank you