I have a grinding noise in the front of the engine compartment. Sounds like a bad bearing. I eliminated the p.steering pump by loosening the belt...noise still there. I don't feel the water pump is working as I don't ever feel hot water at the lower hose. I replaced the thermostat. the pdf manual I have shows the pump information as in section 10-11, but it stops at 10-10? I suppose it could be the compressor, but the noise does not change when I turn A/C on or off.

The car isn't running hot, at least by the gauge, but I jumped the switch so the fan runs all the time for now.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

Sorry, I should have included that this is a 96 Civic 1.6L D16Y8

 

One at a time, remove the power steering belt, the A/C belt, and then the alternator belt to see if the noise goes away.

 

does it leak water?

 

I don't see water leaking like the traditional weeping on larger cars. Would that be seen here as well?

 

Found the noise to be in compressor. Definitely will leave that to a certified mechanic in case it has to be replaced and freon evacuated.

While doing this I found a 1/2" vacuum hose that comes off the cruise control that has a plastic end on it that looks like it is supposed to be connected somewhere. Anybody here that can tell me where?

Thanks

 

It could be the water pump or the timing belt tensioner. If the noise is still there with all the external belts removed, you will need to remove the timing belt and find the noisy part, or just do a timing belt job where you replace the belt, water pump, and tensioner.

The water pump will still work even if the bearing is bad. But it will eventually (perhaps very soon) leak and/or seize up. Having the water pump or tensioner seize up will strip the timing belt, likely causing major engine damage. Don't drive your car until you fix it.

 

How would one test the water pump? I get hot water thru the heater hoses, but the return hose to radiator doesn't get hot. But....it is full of water when I squeeze it.

I'm guessing the thermostat is bad...even though it is new.

Would the heater hoses get water if the pump wasn't working?