Could this be a bearing still in its break in period?

[5zigen]

I replaced my idler pulley bearings (from VXB) two months ago and have put on about 1,000 miles since the replacement. One thing that bugs me though is the alternator idler pulley bearing makes an assload of noise on and off. It is a very loud screeching noise, sounds very metallic. The only thing though is that it isn't making the noise 100%, its a very on and off thing.

Inspection of the bearing looks fine. No premature bending or grease leaking out. My question is, is it still being broken in? I find it funny because this is the only one making the noise.

[qship96]

Sounds like a defective bearing to me

[Q451990]

The only time I have heard a terrible screech is when the bearing assembly was put on backwards... spacer and washer on the wrong side... but that was a constant noise. I think I agree that it's a bad bearing.

Heath

[maxnix]

Be aware of bearing grades as they are not all the same. Retail for the Infiniti grade bearing is about $20. TexasOil has a more extensive post on bearing grades in this forum.

[qship96]

Be aware of bearing grades as they are not all the same. Retail for the Infiniti grade bearing is about $20. TexasOil has a more extensive post on bearing grades in this forum.

Seems like a waste of time huntng down proper bearings and then finding and paying to get them pressed in when you can order a new pully for around $50 from Joe and be done with it.....and the quality is known to last for a long time{I had all 3 replaced at 200,000 for the first time and only one was even beginning to make a soft intermittant noise only in extreme cold weather}