I have a noise coming from the front of my engine that increases with acceleration. I though it might be the water pump, but there are none of the normal signs of a failing water pump. Could it be a pulley bearing issue?

 

I have the same issue and found it is the water pump. If you can get a stethoscope that's the best way. I took the belt off and turned each pulley separately and the water pump is what is squeaking. No leaks or overheating, just noisy.

 

Many a water pump has given plenty of audible warning long before any other symptom shows up.


Yep.

Or it could be the water pump! Or the alternator, or power steering pump, or AC pump...


Here's how you can tell. You'll be amazed at what one of those things can tell you. Poke it here, poke it there, and enter a whole new world of information.

 

I have had a similar issue with belt squeaking and then finally jumping off of the power steering pump. After looking for a while I found the water pump pulley was wobbling and is missing a bolt. I am wondering if I will need to replace the bolt, bolt and pulley, or the whole pump. Any insight would help. Thanks

 

Remove the belt, remove the pulley. Turn the water pump by hand and feel for any roughness or looseness of the bearing. Replace water pump if necessary. Inspect the pulley, replace if any damage (bends, cracks, wallowed mount holes) are found. Check trueness of the pulley when bolted properly to the pump and turned by hand, and replace if not true.

 

Thank you, I will do that today.
Do you know of anywhere to get the bolts for the pulley?

 

I'm not sure of the size, but you should be able to find a bolt with the same length and thread pitch at a hardware store. Or, you can pull one from a junkyard.

 

In a pinch, if you don't have a mechanics stethascope, you can use a long screwdriver. Just place the driver end to the base of the area you want to listen to and place your ear to the back of the screwdriver.

'Course.. as with anything. Please use common sense and tuck long hair/beards/handlebar mustaches/long nose-hairs/loose clothing...etc. up and out the way of the moving pulleys and belt as you listen for the source of that squeak.