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Old 09-11-2025, 11:05 AM   #1
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Does this rumbling noise sound like the idler pulleys?

I have a rumbling noise that occurs at idle most of the time, moreso when the car is cold. I managed to capture the noise in this video.

Before I order the 2 idler pulleys, am I on the right track here?

Thanks as always in advance!

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Old 09-11-2025, 11:22 AM   #2
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If you remove the belt, you can turn ALL the pulleys one at a time to see which one needs attention..............
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Old 09-11-2025, 11:37 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JFP in PA View Post
If you remove the belt, you can turn ALL the pulleys one at a time to see which one needs attention..............
Ah great! Assume I'm looking to be able to recreate a noise of some description while turning them by hand?
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Old 09-11-2025, 01:05 PM   #4
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Yes, a rumble or similar sound and feel.
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Old 09-13-2025, 04:19 AM   #5
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A bad idler pulley….

….is very bad news.

I have seen three different Boxsters go up in flames after an idler pulley failure.

Belt friction set that thing on fire.
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Old 09-14-2025, 01:09 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by 10/10ths View Post
….is very bad news.

I have seen three different Boxsters go up in flames after an idler pulley failure.

Belt friction set that thing on fire.
I got access to it today while I'm waiting for time to take the belt off. I can hear the noise much better with the access panel off.

Can someone take a look at this latest video that shows the rumble a lot better and let me know if I'm on the right track with the pulleys, or is this loud enough that it could be something else?

Regardless I'll be taking the belt off to check the pulley bearings as @JFP in PA mentioned, but wanted to check in case this is something else that I would need parts for so I can get them ordered.

Last edited by BoxsterInTheSun; 09-14-2025 at 01:12 PM.
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Old 09-14-2025, 08:55 PM   #7
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I also think it is one of the bearings of one of the pulleys. Take the opportunity to renew the belt as well. If the AC compressor might be the culprit, switch it on and off and check the difference -- if there is any.
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Old Yesterday, 02:49 AM   #8
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With all due respect, taking the belt off is about a 30 second operation. Just do it.

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