Bearing Noise -- the PS Pump or Alternator?

Hi All,

 

I'm getting a bearing squeal from either the Power Steering Pump or the Alternator. I pulled the belt and the squealing went away so it's either one of the two of them. The alternator is about 2 years old, with perhaps 10,000 miles on it. It's a Beck Arnley rebuilt unit I installed myself.

 

Not that I think the Beck Arnley is the absolute best but I'm thinking it wouldn't have failed in less than two years.

 

What's the best way to "hear" which bearing is failing? Get a shorter v-belt and just hook up the alternator?

 

other ideas?

 

The car is a 2005 LGT LTD 5MT Wagon with 55K miles on it.

You can spin the pulleys and see which one makes noise. You could also put the belt back on and use a screwdriver to listen to each component to see which one resonates the sound you are hearing. I prefer using a stethoscope but screwdriver or spinning the pulleys are the next best options since most don't an automotive stethoscope laying around.