Chirping noise coming from altenator/tensioner only when cold.

[Beauty026201]

So my car has recently developed a chirp..It only seems to occur first thing in morning or after sitting for 6 or so hours. It's coming from the Alternator/Tensioner area, can't tell which yet..The chirp goes away after the engine has been running a few minutes and doesn't return the rest of day if I'm using the car. Also, if I drive it cold while chirping the noise will increase or decrease with engine speed until it eventually " fades " when engine warms to normal temp. My first thought was a bearing in Alternator, but I'm thinking if that were the case it would do it all the time, same for tensioner...I haven't really inspected belt because it's fairly new. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...as it is a little annoying, especially at 6:30 in the morning...the chirp just echo's threw the land.

 

[cerick08GP]

Hehe, I doubt it is your belt. If the belt is in good repair with anything even close the correct tension you should be golden there. The chirp indicates something is momentarily locked up, hence causing the belt to slip. That something could be any of the components. The only way to know is to take off the belt and check every component. Check for smooth rotation, end play, pulley condition, and any obvious damage. The problem in these type cases is usually obvious, or it will be in time when the component finally fails.

Like I mentioned it is really impossible to tell these things for sure without a little hands on, but my pure guess would be the water pump.

 

[Jakegday]

or just buy one of these for cheap as hell.... it definitely wont be the last time you use it either

Mechanic's Stethoscope

 

[Beauty026201]

To my surprise it was the belt...everything else checked out. Replaced the belt, chirping is gone