How To Locate A Noisy Idler Pulley

In this video Eric O. shows you an in the shop "life hack" so come along as he shows you a safe way to locate a noisy pulley on your engine with out the risk of injury or expensive equipment using a really simple trick!
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--Eric O.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@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

[@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 ...

[@watchthis9792]

Lol good one.

[@bianbian428]

omg...That's funny right there!

[@grateful1929]

I'm a woman but I had to laugh too. 🤷

[@joeyhdz3435]

😁🤣

[@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

[@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

[@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]

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

[@funny_farm405]

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

[@krisc4578]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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..

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@williamclark1091]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

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

[@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

[@wreckanchor]

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

[@SuperFeargod]

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

[@jessipelfrey550]

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

[@joeW1384]

Awesome! Used this today and saved a bunch of time and money (after replacing a alternator that didn’t need fixed, but kept me from replacing more! Was idler pulley bearings)

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@OzMechanics]

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

[@user-iv2tu4wq7t]

That’s a neat trick that works amazingly well!!! Thanks Mr O. Always a great fount of information and knowledge!!!

[@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!

[@funny_farm405]

You know which one it is now

[@TheComingCurse999]

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

[@SorryIwasntListening]

I love these videos.... SMA channel rarely fails to be entertaining and informative. Great tip, just replaced the tensioner on my Chrysler Voyager (T&C) at 100K as it was wobbly but oddly not noisy... thanks Dr O.. ! (glad you're not called THAT anymore)

[@Fireship1]

Great tip Eric. That amplified the sound quite well!

[@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.

[@dwaynegreen1786]

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

[@chuckgrenci6404]

So simple, so brilliant; learned something new today (again). Keep the hits coming. I know I'm late seeing this video but top-notch tip for sure.

[@wgmskiing]

Wow. I will be using this tip for sure. thanks Eric.

[@pctuterman1]

Nice hack Eric. As usual, you always have something special for us to learn in all your videos. I will try this. I use the stethoscope they sell at Harbor Freight. They work pretty good too. Thanks for the tip.

[@May16Joe]

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

[@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

[@oldhotcars]

Excellent trick Dr. O !!

[@junkinthebrain]

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

[@marcinmorris]

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

[@tobesswind]

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

[@Clodknocker]

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

[@ToXSicK1340]

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

[@samuelbane6743]

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

[@Mr92cadi]

Nice, I'm trying this life hack today. thanks Eric O

[@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!!

[@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.

[@fielding68]

Love the Jug Trick. Clever. Thank you.

[@sorinelmake]

I sooo enjoy these videos.GG for the awesome job.Keep them videos rollin.

[@mrgummboy]

I will be using your method today. Thanks Eric!!

[@MC-ft8zv]

Excellent tip, thanks!

[@judeperalta4799]

Love it bro very helpful and smart and safe thank you

[@dieselman8845]

Great video man, I’ve got a pulley on my truck driving me nuts, I’ll figure it out now, awesome -thank you!

[@morganmcallister2746]

Absolutely awesome video. Thanks!

[@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

[@amped5234]

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

[@rogjackson]

This is extremely helpful information. Excellent video and content. Thank you!

[@63256325N]

What a great trick! Thanks for the video.

[@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 ?

[@joegreen1435]

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

[@timadeus]

Good video Eric. Like the jug idea. You've made an idler pulley interesting!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Great videos !

[@gbouc1536]

Awesome ! Thanks for the great tip !

[@thornbush17]

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

[@alfredomendoza6246]

Thank you sir, I've used just the flat head to this but never with the jug nice work!!

[@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.

[@sanctealphonse4510]

Thanks for the tip!

[@theshovster8505]

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

[@MikeB-lx7nt]

Thank you for this suggestion. I have watched a number of your videos to help me keep my 2011 Dodge Caravan up and running. You are the GOAT! Subscribed and video liked. Man you need some merch brother. I would support the cause. You are doing great things for DIY mechanics.

[@isaacgarcia8904]

Love your vids bud! Keep up the good work!

[@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

[@snw56]

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

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@died4us590]

I like by longer vids, but it's great anyway, thanks Eric.

[@sungyoungkim4382]

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

[@paulabend614]

Awesome idea never thought of the gallon jug. Thanks

[@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

[@peterhol3]

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

[@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! :)

[@maxstafford4007]

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

[@nicopepe7191]

smart. nice one. thank you for this information

[@MYSTEREFLYER]

You're THE Man, sir car engine guru! Excellent trick , merci from France 👋👋

[@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.

[@phillipales1158]

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

[@laloromero6860]

Awesome trick that I plan on trying in the future! Thanks

[@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.

[@gort400]

Thank You!

[@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!! 📣

[@sherriclark392]

Excellent video. Helped for sure .

[@niceguy4928]

Your the man👍

[@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!!!

[@AmanSingh-us5wr]

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

[@delta999999]

Thanks Eric, that's really awesome tip!

[@calebtorres1050]

I dig the Jeep hat brother!

[@ebuzek3648]

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

[@Chris_905]

simple but brilliant , awesome hack thanks for sharing !!

[@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.