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Supercharger Grinding..

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Old 05-04-2004, 09:40 PM
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Default Supercharger Grinding..

I did a search on this, but didn't have much come up. I have a grinding noise coming from what sounds like the nose of the supercharger, or possibly at the end of the case. It almost sounds like the rotors might be rubbing on the case, but I can't say for sure. I'm almost positive it'* coming from the */c and not the engine itself. The supercharger was replaced about 20,000 miles ago because of a rear bearing.. So I'm hoping it'* not the same thing again. Has anyone else had a grind in the nose and found a solution?
Old 05-04-2004, 09:42 PM
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I don't have a sc but have you checked your harmonic balancer. I just got through replacing mine because it was making a grinding noise.
Old 05-04-2004, 11:18 PM
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nah, the sounds coming from the top of the engine.. its like a dragging noise.. it doesn't sound like the bearing noise it made before.. but it drags faster as the rpms climb and over 2000 rpms the exhaust drowns it out from inside the car. It'* been getting louder, so I'm letting the car sit now until I can do something about it.
Old 05-04-2004, 11:56 PM
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Coupler?

Bearings only fail under extreme stress/power normally. Actually a former member here had his fail on a 1/4 mile pass, he went way rich after it as well and had MASSIVE KR.
Old 05-05-2004, 01:57 AM
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If it'* the SC, this is the first failure of it'* type I've heard of. I'd suspect the alternator rear bearing first.

You need to get a stethescope from the auto parts store, and narrow this down.
Old 05-05-2004, 10:55 AM
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i wish i could let you hear the sound.. its almost like a wind up toy.. it'* not the typical metal on metal sound... i'll try to narrow it down though.
Old 05-05-2004, 11:07 AM
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I can tell you it'* probably not a coupler. They typically only make noise at idle, unless the thing is actually broken.
Old 05-06-2004, 01:49 PM
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ok, its definitely coming from the supercharger! lol. It'* getting much louder now, I drove it last night to listen for noise characteristics, and I noticed it goes away as soon as I go into boost.. but while it'* still in vacuum the grind is still there.. I don't think the */c whine is drowning it out either, I think it just goes away. I want to check the fluid level in the */c, can anyone tell me how? I know I have to crack that plug on the nose, but then what? Thanks.
Old 05-06-2004, 02:41 PM
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Pull the plug out, and the oil should be to the bottom of the threaded hole.
Old 05-07-2004, 09:41 PM
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So, the supercharger is definitely shot I've decided. I'm getting my Trans Am back on the road on Sunday once I get the new rearend in it, then I'll be pulling the supercharger off the bonnie and probably replacing it with a junkyard unit.. Thanks for the tips Will.


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