Dodge Caliber

2007 Dodge Caliber

There is a strange noise coming from the front of the engine on this Dodge.  Sounds like a bearing in an idler on the serpentine belt.  The problem is the noise is intermittent and every time I'm listening the noise is not there.  The noise always happens right after it leaves me.

I removed the belt and spun the idlers and all the accessories and everything seems smooth.  With the belt back on I ran this thing for three hours at varying speeds with ac on and off, and with a load on the engine.  No luck, no noise.

A week later the car owner comes in while the noise is happening.  Woohoo!  Finally I got to hear it.  As soon at the headlights are turned on the noise starts and it sounds like a failed bearing in the generator.  When you shut the engine off and restart it, no noise, until you turn on the lights.

Picked up a generator and changed it out today.  My arms are tired.  The AC compressor has to be removed and the generator then comes out the bottom of the engine compartment.  Without a lift here it was all laying on my back reaching up.  I'm going to sleep good tonight.