84 3.2 howl/rumble noise

[bjohnst0]

In the last few months my 84 3.2 has developed a low howl or rumble noise. More pronounced when under way, can hear it at idle with the lid up. Sounds like it may be from the pulley area. I removed the sound pad a while back due to deterioration.

Car has 63k. Think I should remove belt and check for pulley wobble?

Outside of turning up the radio any ideas.

Bob
84 Cab

[ltusler]

Wheel bearing or CV joint.

Is this thread in the right place?

[nostatic]

moved to tech

[JAR0023]

If you can hear the noise at idle that rules out wheel bearings and CVs. Could be the alternator bearing going bad. Do you have A/C installed? Could be the compressor clutch. You could remove the Alt/fan belt and briefly start the engine to rule out or pinpoint the alternator bearing. -J

[JQ911]

I have the same symptoms pretty evident howling when I use it on long drives or engine is on its normal working temperature for a long period of time and hear it when idling. It only occurs on long drives say 50 mile run or so. The howling is partnered with a slight vibration on the alternator fan so I suspect it has something to do with its bearing.

[kidrock]

alternator bearing. Maybe readjusting the belt (slightly looser) will make it go away.

[bjohnst0]

Time to replace the belts anyway. Will give it a try and see if it effects the noise.

Bob