[powerglide]

This morning the car started making intermitten 'groan/light howl' like sounds.....I thought it was related to the steering wheel position (and thought it was steering pump),

But its intermitten so its hard to say, it did make the noise without turning the wheel too....

What does a bad pump sound like?

Also, I did see a check coolant level message come on....but no puddle underneath.


Do you think its the waterpump? How do I check if it is the pump? And finally, how hard is it to change the pump? (special tools?)

Thanks so much!

 

[Ranger]

You really need to isolate the sound with a stethescope or piece of hose to your ear. A P/S pump will groan. Have you checked the fluid level? Water pump is most likely to leak before making any noise. It is pretty easy to change but you do need this special socket http://www.geocities.com/grandolfo

 

[powerglide]

Thanks Ranger,

I guess its time to buy a stethescope finally.....jeez.

BTW does this mean I need to refill the whole cooling system again? (I just did the coolant change!)

PS Yes, I think the coolant was a bit low, I was able to fit about 0.5 liters into the expansion reservoir.

 

[caddeville]

If your caddy is equiped with an air pump above the a/c pump, that sound is the worn out bearings. My 87 deville makes a dull wwwwrrrr type sound, especially when it is cold. Take your belt off and turn all of the pulleys, i also thought mine was the waterpump.

 

[Kev]

The stethoscope will definitely help you to isolate the noise. you should be able to pick one up for less than $20 and it will be well worth it!

 

[Guyz1996deville]

I have the same thing going on with my deville. I just replaced the water pump, and the steering pump, nothing changed either. I did through a code for the egr valve, that may be the case. It sounds like a grind on accelation but nothing on idle. If you figure it out get back to me

 

[Kev]

It may also be the belt tensioning wheel. Remove the serpentine belt and check the tensioner pulley for noise and smoothness. You can also turn the other pulleys then and might hear or feel if the is a problem on one.

 

[powerglide]

OK thanks for the great input, I have lots to go on.
The damned thing is I don't have time to work on the car like I used to, and I have to travel alot for my work!!

I'll try this weekend.

 

[Ranger]

Thanks Ranger,
BTW does this mean I need to refill the whole cooling system again? (I just did the coolant change!)

You will loose some but not all the coolant.

 

[powerglide]

The sound is gone.....dammit? (not sure I'm glad or not)

Finally the weekend and I made time to work on the car and its totally cool now......only wish is it doesn't break down on the 405 or something.

WooHooo?

 

[zonie77]

When Harbor Freight has them on sale a mechanics stethescope is cheap...like under $5. The ability to discern what's generating noise is amazing. Get one for your Thanksgiving present!

 

[Ranger]

When Harbor Freight has them on sale a mechanics stethescope is cheap...like under $5. The ability to discern what's generating noise is amazing. Get one for your Thanksgiving present!

Yup, no DIY'ers tool box should be without one. One you have one you'll be amazed at the things you can hear. Vacuum leaks sound like a tornado, operational injectors are loud and clear, consequently a non operating one is dead silent and a bad bearing is easily located and unmistakable.