1994 Mustang Belt Noise? - Not squealing, but rather roaring?

monkbonk · 09-19-2009

Hello,

My mom's Mustang is on the fritz. The serpentine belt (drive belt) started making a loud noise yesterday.

It's not a whining noise, as if something was loose. Its more akin to a rubbing sound, perhaps a windy-like roar?

Here's what I know for sure.
1) The belt has some cracking in it. (Best seen at areas where the belt is fully stretched on the backside of a pully wheel)
2) The air compressor is bad. (We've been told)

So, as a means of eliminating this problem I'm thinking my first course of action is to replace the belt. If the noise is still present, I could then get either a bypass pulley or a remanufactured compressor (perhaps the compressor is locking up) off of ebay.

What are the symptoms of an a/c compressor locking up on you?

Thanks,
monkbonk (1st post)

Erjan · 09-19-2009

the compressor is likely the source of the problem. they are not cheap, id check ebay for a reman. if you dont have emissions where you live, then eliminate the smog system and install a dead pulley, check ebay for that, they should be around 65bucks.

Erjan · 09-19-2009

infact i still have my smog pump from my 89gt sitting in the garage. if this model works on your car, its yours if you pay shipping. it worked when i took it off. if interested check shipping from 17055.

monkbonk · 09-20-2009

Sweet. Thanks for the offer.

Do I need a smog pump? I'm pretty new at automotive work, especially on this type of car.

I got a video of the car running. I'm starting to lean in a different direction now though. It sounds like the noise is coming directly from the alternator (if that's what this is).

The video may sound a little tin-ish, but that's due to my camera. I believe that the noise is strongest when the car is initially cranked. Then it dials down a notch or two in intensity.' target='_blank'>

Markstang690 · 09-20-2009

im pretty sure v6's dont have smog pumps so thats not something youd have to worry about

Silver J · 09-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markstang690

im pretty sure v6's dont have smog pumps so thats not something youd have to worry about

+1 And if the belt is squealing - it's time to replace. It squeals because it's actually old and stretched, so it's slipping over the pulleys which creates a rubber sliding on metal noise.

Deal with that first, then see if you have another problem.

monkbonk · 09-21-2009

Sweet. That'll be the game plan.

Thanks,
monk

232-K7 · 09-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markstang690

im pretty sure v6's dont have smog pumps so thats not something youd have to worry about

some of the older 3.8's, '00 and down, are equipped with smog pumps.

OP:
your belt is toast. start with that, if you still hear a noise, then deal with your smog pump.

either way, that belt needs to go.

Markstang690 · 09-21-2009

ah well thatll be why i thought v6's didnt have them lol