Hey all,

My ride has recently been churning out a grinding sound when the engine is running. At first, it was minimally audible, however now it has gotten to the point where I don't even want to drive the car because it is so loud. I've determined what part is making the noise, however I am unsure as to what the part is.

It is the unit directly below the alternator on the passenger side (I have an LG4 305). It is attached to the other engine components via a belt, but I'm not sure what it's purpose is? IIRC, the AC, power steering, and water pump are all on the driver's side. WIth the alternator sitting above this part, I am unsure as to what it could be. Regardless, I do not know how/if I can repair it without replacing it, but with only a few more nice weekends left in the year I would like to have it fixed so I can take the car out a few more times.


Wish I had a pic of the engine bay, but I have to believe that there are many on the boards that could chime in and think of what I'm referring to.

Thanks in advance!

 

Im gonna think your talking the smog pump. They are known to go bad. its a emissions system component.

 

Ya, sounds like the smog pump. They progressively get noisier when they crap out. Buy a reman, they're about $75.

 

Ahh, I see - I guess that's why I didn't know what it was...I've never had to replace one!

Guess I'll have a small project to cover this weekend, thank you for the replies!

 

Or just remove the smog system entirely it frees up alot of space under the hood, less drag on the engine, and it makes the engine compartment look alot better. The system isnt essential it only cleans up the exhaust and the car will still pass emissions testing with only the cat. It's not hard to do i did it in my 86t/a and people have been doing it for over a decade. It wont even throw a check engine light with it completely gone thats how inessential the system is.

 

I came back to this thread today to ask that very question. I've done a little reading on the subject, and determined that it wouldn't be too much issue to remove it - I never had to worry about passing emissions in Minnesota, and I already ditched the O2 sensor a few years back for an open element filter. I think I will busy myself this weekend by removing that, and the majority of my non-functional AC components.

 

glad i could be of help. lets see some pics of under the hood with it gone when you finish

 

let it run till it locks up lol,its awsome smoke every where,and squeeling from hell,might need a new belt tho.