Can anyone tell me the name and where to get the alternator pulley/tensioner thing that is on the end of the alternator on my 2003 sxt and if they think that is what is making the cricket sounds that are coming from my belt area when i sit at a stoplight it sounds like i have a giant cricket under my hood.......and im positive it is coming from something in the serpentine belt area and the garage says it is the alternator thing.........and they want alot of money to replace the alternator.please help...........
StandOnCliff
09-07-2008, 11:53 AM
Sounds more like it needs a new belt,maybe an idler or the tensioner pulley. The way to tell on the belt is to look at the top first,is it all shiny? If so it needs replaced. Twisting it and looking at the bottom side of the belt, can you see cracks in the belt? If so it needs replaced. While the belt is removed try wiggling the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley. If they wiggle they need replaced. A new alternator usually comes with the pulley attached if it is that. To hit a junkyard is the way to only get a pulley.
rocketman87
09-07-2008, 10:55 PM
the belt is oem and it was replaced 30k ago so maybe ill try the belt first.....I think my alternator has some special tensioner on the alternator ...any ideas where to get and what kind of belt is the best ?
StandOnCliff
09-08-2008, 09:39 AM
I'm not positive since I don't own this model. I looked up a 2003 with a 3.8 at advance. The belt tensioner assembly is part number 49289(55.99) or 45554(65.99) and it comes with a new pulley. If the pulley on it is worn out and the tensioner seems to operate correctly, the pulley can be replaced seperately for 18.99 (PN:49024). The idler pulley is just a pulley that bolts in place on it's own. It's 19.98 (PN:45019). I've included pictures to help you out. I don't see any tensioner mounted to the alternator, so if it is, it must be replacable. Autozone or others will have different part numbers but they know what a tensioner,pulley and idler are. As long as you give them the correct vehicle information. They will make sure you get the right parts.
Rick99
09-08-2008, 11:52 AM
A good way to isolate the cricket is to get a long cardboard tube, like the one inside a roll of wrapping paper. Put one end to your ear and the other end near each pulley as you listen for where the sound is the loudest. Of course you should be cautious about the spinning belt and pulleys as you do this.
Something to bear in mind though-- I recently had this on my Sebring-- it sounded like it was coming from the A/C compressor, but it turned out the belt was just slipping because it was too loose. Sometimes the automatic tensioners will corrode such that the arm freezes up and no longer puts spring pressure on the belt allowing the belt to slip. You can take the old one off and soak it with penetrant to loosen it up again or you can buy a replacement like the one pictured above that is actually an improved (sealed) design over OEM.
Javert
09-10-2008, 07:59 AM
The pulley on the end of your alternator that may be making the cricket noise is called an Alternator decoupler. Not too many people know about this part - but you are most likely correct about the cricket noise at idle. It is available in the aftermarket through www.iat-usa.com, the dealership or even goodyear. You will need an impact gun with a 17mm hex drive(allen) to remove and install it or you can borrow the special tool from the dealership. The alternator decoupler is a device used to absorb vibration. It has an overruning feature as well as an internal spring (thats the part that absorbs the vibration in the belt drive). It is a wearable item. Check out this website for more info. www.tendeco.com.
