Very recently with my van I've noticed when I'm accelerating it makes a sort of whining noise, like it seems to be having to try harder than it should for low-gear/low-rpm's. I'm not very handy when it comes to cars, but my first thoughts came to the powered steering, because the vibration/noise seemed to increase when turning the wheel or using the brakes rapidly. I checked the fluid and it seemed pretty low, so I filled it back up and still seems to be having the same issue. The powered steering pump went bad a few months ago and there were similiar symptoms then, however I don't think that's what it is this time - the turning of the vehicle (and powered brakes, which are connected to the powered steering on astro vans) isn't difficult at all, it just seems to be making a noise and sort of a vibration feeling.
When the car has been started with the hood up, the only noticable issue is that the top crank along the serpentine belt seems to be having a "sticking issue", but not a bearing problem. The actual crank and belt are moving along it fine, but there's a cover outside the crank that is sometimes turning with the crank, and other times seems to be stuck. When this outer cover is turning it seems to be making an unusual noise, so that's why I bring it up. I THINK this is the alternator, as I know that's usually at the top with the serpentine belt, but even with the Haynes Repair Manual, I'm having trouble figuring out if I'm right. But even if I am, the alternator not working right would show signs of wear/tear on the electrical and A/C, which I'm not really seeing, right? The car starts just fine.
Other than that, when the car is parked I have noticed some leaking. I don't have any idea what the fluid is, but I don't think it's water or anything harmless, I feel like it's not leaking too much but more than it should be - I don't think it's oil either.
Can anyone who really knows cars/mechanics please give me some advice? I'm super broke at the moment and am trying to figure out as much as possible myself before throwing away too much money for a mechanic to tell me the same thing. Please help!!!
When the car has been started with the hood up, the only noticable issue is that the top crank along the serpentine belt seems to be having a "sticking issue", but not a bearing problem. The actual crank and belt are moving along it fine, but there's a cover outside the crank that is sometimes turning with the crank, and other times seems to be stuck. When this outer cover is turning it seems to be making an unusual noise, so that's why I bring it up. I THINK this is the alternator, as I know that's usually at the top with the serpentine belt, but even with the Haynes Repair Manual, I'm having trouble figuring out if I'm right. But even if I am, the alternator not working right would show signs of wear/tear on the electrical and A/C, which I'm not really seeing, right? The car starts just fine.
Other than that, when the car is parked I have noticed some leaking. I don't have any idea what the fluid is, but I don't think it's water or anything harmless, I feel like it's not leaking too much but more than it should be - I don't think it's oil either.
Can anyone who really knows cars/mechanics please give me some advice? I'm super broke at the moment and am trying to figure out as much as possible myself before throwing away too much money for a mechanic to tell me the same thing. Please help!!!