Q: On my town & country I was starting to getting a whining sound with the engine rpm. we pulled the cerpenteen belt and the alt

asked by on December 01, 2016

The alt pully seemed to be loose or would spin about 1/8 of way around before it would turn the rotor. We removed it and its tight but is like it has a clutch built in. We popped off the plastic end cap and it was rust, dust inside. Is there some kind of clutch in the pully

A growing trend in the auto industry is the use of alternator decoupler pulleys. These pulleys power the alternator during cruising and acceleration and disengage during deceleration. This helps improve fuel economy by reducing the load on the engine. These pulleys require a special tool for removal once the plastic cap is off. A professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will have the proper equipment to complete this task for you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine mount
Hello. A broken or worn engine mount will cause the engine to vibrate excessively. You may also hear a loud bang when the car shifts gears. A certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, should inspect the engine mount in order...
Alternator draining battery
Hi there. If the alternator is not properly charging then the battery will die over time. The alternator needs to be load tested to see if it is going bad. Bad connections at the alternator and at the battery can...
Check engine, traction off lights are showing
The Check Engine Light is likely still on due to the oxygen sensor faults. The unfortunate thing is that engine computers sometimes cannot detect another problem if they are dealing with one already. That may be why it didn't have...
brake are making a metal loud noise when I brake.
Hello. The price to replace all 4 rotors, calipers, and brake pads is very close to the price quoted when I used the estimating guide that I use for repairs. The calipers are listed at $246 each, rotors are about...
Engine coolant leak - 2000 GMC Savana 3500
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Looks like the coolant is coming from the rear freeze plug on the back of the engine. For this issue, I would recommend putting coolant dye in the cooling system and run the engine...
Saturn Ion 2007 can't get into gears
Hi there: It's possible that either your transmission linkage is damaged, or you have an internal problem with your transmission or clutch that is not allowing you to shift the Saturn into forward gears. It's best to have a mobile...
Won't start after filling gas tank
The most common cause of hard or no start after getting fuel is due to a leaking purge valve leaking vapors into the engine when refueling. This will flood out the engine causing problem. Have the purge valve checked for...
2006 hyundai sonata , every time it rains my trunk and drivers back Seats gets soaked
The water leak you are describing probably originates at the trunk weatherstripping, the rear glass and sometimes even the taillights assemblies will leak at their seal to the body. Of course, there could be more than one leak point, too....
There's like a ticking noise coming from my engine that only happens when I drive on a highway and when stopping at a red light.
The noise that you are hearing from the engine could be one or more lifters ticking. The lifters use oil from the engine to create a hydraulic pressure in them to keep them in contact with the valvetrain. If the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Combining Combining rugged performance with an iconic boxy exterior style, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a hallmark of the SUV segment. It manages to combine true off-road capabilities with luxurious comfort and outstanding on-road performance in a way that most...
How to Buy a Good Quality Cell Phone Car Mount/Holder
Where Where do you set your cell phone when you’re in the car? If you’re looking for a way to have it visible, and not loose in the car, then a cell phone car mount/holder is the ideal option. These...
How to Drive an SUV in the Winter
If If you are from an area with consistently inclement weather, you’ll know the hardships of driving in the winter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-winter-driving). Between the snow, the ice, and the temperature, winter makes for driving at its harshest. Sports utility vehicles (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-before-buying-an-suv)...