05 Neon high pitch squeal

[cordes]

So, technically, your strategy of ignoring the issue actually worked.

You post makes it seem as though you would assign a probability of the strategy working as less than 1. That is folly.

[cordes]

This issue is clearly fixed until spring. I'm also happy to report that I've used my first movie clip in a video while taking advantage of fair use.

[cordes]

For a long term update on this situation, I'm still PSless and ACless, but the noise has not come back in months. Now for the real question. Does anyone have experience just replacing the bearing/roller guy on these tensioner arms, or do you guys just replace the whole thing?

[black86glhs]

I have seen just the pulley/bearing replaced as long as the tensioner isn't shot.

[cordes]

I have seen just the pulley/bearing replaced as long as the tensioner isn't shot.

The cursory inspection I gave the arm indicated that it should be good to go. I didn't think the bearing piece was supposed to be replaced separately, but then saw it offered on rockauto.com so I thought I should ask. Do you have any suggestions for a brand?

[looneytuner]

Issue #1 Where is the jack stand!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!??!

#2 My water pump on an 06 took out the belt and bent valves. On the Sebring 2.4's, they sell a timing belt and water pump kit combined.

[cordes]

Issue #1 Where is the jack stand!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!??!

#2 My water pump on an 06 took out the belt and bent valves. On the Sebring 2.4's, they sell a timing belt and water pump kit combined.

It's right under the control arm/K frame area.

[jonnymopar]

For a long term update on this situation, I'm still PSless and ACless, but the noise has not come back in months. Now for the real question. Does anyone have experience just replacing the bearing/roller guy on these tensioner arms, or do you guys just replace the whole thing?

Moons ago when I did my timing belt, I only replaced the pulley (new bearings in it). Still the original tensioner on mine with 186k.

[cordes]

Moons ago when I did my timing belt, I only replaced the pulley (new bearings in it). Still the original tensioner on mine with 186k.

That's right about where I'm at on the tensioner. It seems like it has a ton of life left in it. Do you know what brand of bearing you went with?

[jonnymopar]

I used Gates 36156 for the pulley. Not sure what brand of bearings are in it, but I've trusted Gates stuff for a while.

[cordes]

I used Gates 36156 for the pulley. Not sure what brand of bearings are in it, but I've trusted Gates stuff for a while.

Thanks for the info. That's what I'll shoot for when I do this. I would like to do it once.

[looneytuner]

I'm getting an eye exam soon!

[jonnymopar]

Thanks for the info. That's what I'll shoot for when I do this. I would like to do it once.

Are you close to your next timing belt change? 90% of the work to do a timing belt is required to change that damn accessory tensioner pulley.

[cordes]

Are you close to your next timing belt change? 90% of the work to do a timing belt is required to change that damn accessory tensioner pulley.

I'm nowhere near close to it which is why it's such a bummer.

[cordes]

I replaced the pulley yesterday. I used the gates unit and it wasn't too bad to install since I've done a couple of neon timing belts already. I now have ice cold AC and power steering again. No squealing sounds either.

[INVUJerry]

My wife hit a pothole on a highway around here and managed to break that tensioner arm......about 10K after I did the timing belt on the car. She ended up driving the car without power steering for a few weeks until I came home from travel and took a day to do it.