I started hearing an annoying sound from around my alternator. Before I buy another one, I wanted to see if anyone could confirm I'm on the right track. It's definitely based on the engine RPM's when I get into the higher RPM's I don't really hear it (probably because everything else is so loud). But as I ease up the RPMs from 800-1500 the interval of the noise increases accordingly.

Link to the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4PwPnYL_2U

 

Hard to tell, but it it reminds me a little of when my waterpump went south. The bearing allowed just enough thrust play that the impellers were contacting the housing.

 

I think that makes sense given where it's coming from.
I'll pull the intercooler out and see if i can pinpoint the noise a bit more before I shell out the cash.

Thanks

 

pull the belt off and spin the alternator wheel. Maybe you will feel some sort of wobble or squeak.

 

+1

 

It's a pulsating sound. Sounds like the air-pump. Unplug it to disengage the magnetic clutch at idle. Don’t worry; this won’t cause anything catastrophic during your diagnosis. If the sound stops then the air-pump is the source. Like the others....it's hard to tell from the vid audio.

Steve

 

Turned out it was the water pump. As soon as I pulled the belt I could feel the play on the pulley. I swapped the water pump and all was well.

Thanks