My car is pretty noisy at idle, so I took the belt access panel off to listen. One thing I noticed is if I rev the engine up a bit, and let off the gas, there is a screaming noise.
Using a rubber hose to listen, I've isolated it to the alternator - specifically the plastic hub/pulley assembly. Listening with the hose while the engine is idling, it makes a lot of clicking/tapping noises. Then revving it, it sounds almost like it's spinning faster than the alternator itself and slipping. Hard to tell.
I don't know the age of the polyrib belt. I am going to order one and replace it, but I'm wondering if I need to buy new parts for (or refurb) the alternator?
Thanks!
-james