Chimaera 450 noisy pulley / waterpump / alternator

[TVR in Rutland]

My 2000 plate 4.5 Chimaera exhibits a screeching noise between 1500 and 2000 rpm. This being irrespective of engine load. Its worse when cold. Pls see https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LXySrBqnwao

Any ideas of a possible solution pls?

The car was refurbished in (I think) 2016, and I think the pulleys were coated with Cermakrome along with the exhaust manifolds which may have something to do with it. Photo below.

[Steve_D]

Try a new belt but i suspect you already have the answer and are in the market for some new pulleys.

Steve

[Roy the Boy]

Could it be the belt tensioner pulley bearing?

[Hedgehopper]

I had the same screeching problem on my 500. I sprayed WD40 on the belt whilst the engine was running and the screeching stopped. I changed the belt and was advised on this forum to buy a Gates belt…. no more screeching.

[Belle427]

As above, sometimes we overlook the belt but it can just be that.
Ive always used Gates belts but im led to believe they are not what they once were, id still probably fit one though.

[citizen smith]

Could it be a noisey bearing in the Alternator.

[TVR in Rutland]

Thank you everyone. I tried WD40 on the pulleys with the engine running, but no improvement. Took the belt off and although the tension pulley has a little play in it there's nothing excessive. Alternator pulley seems fine too and rotates easily with the belt off. So next step is a new belt.

[steviegtr]

I was going to suggest idler pulley. There should be zero play in the pulley at all. Did have this problemm once on my trafic van & it was the tensioner pulley.
Steve.

[portzi]

Hello Rutland, l am based in Stamford so could pop round if you want a second opinion.

Regards
Portzi.

[Johno]

Does sound like it has a rhythm to it, strange to say, but it's not a constant sound and varies with revs. Almost sounds like it's catching somewhere.

The coating has either worn off the main pulley or wasn't applied. If worn off, then it's on the belt perhaps, then spread around the system.

Wouldn't take much of a build up in one area to cause the sound.

I'm thinking out loud of course, but my initial test would be to make 100% sure there's nothing catching anywhere and there's no deviation/deformation in any of the pulleys. Then check all the axis points that they're got no play, those ones which aren't fixed. Then check again no catches and I may also consider to run some fine wet and dry round the pulleys to make sure they're smooth (within reason). Lastly a new belt.

[TVR in Rutland]

Changed the belt this morning (£14.75 + VAT from Tvrsswparts) and all is now well. Squeak gone. Many thanks for all your comments and advice. Thanks too to Portzi for the offer of a visit, but I have now moved to North Yorkshire!