A pulley laser alignment tool is a precision instrument designed to ensure accurate alignment of pulleys in belt-driven systems. This innovative device uses laser technology to provide quick, accurate, and easy-to-understand measurements for aligning pulleys. Proper pulley alignment is crucial for optimal belt performance, reduced wear, and improved energy efficiency in various industrial applications.

“It was a ring on the inner joint of the cv shaft rubbing the transmission housing. This ring is basically just a dust boot and can be removed without hurting the vehicle, the seal on the output shaft bearing does a well enough job keeping things out.”

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I think this might be a good time to replace your ATF. Just do a drain and refill using Dexron VI instead of Dexron III. The oil filter is on the top or side of the transmission and is a spin on so it is easy to replace. Transmission fluid should be bright red. Pink indicates it is near the end of its life. It will start to turn brown soon and that would not be good. I would not flush, just drain, change the filter and refill.

Be sure to inspect your axle boots but if they tear, the CV joint will go quickly, but that makes a clicking sound on turns. Do not remove any dust shields. If there is any interference, just bend the dust shield away.

Belt HogPulley Alignment Tool

With practice, most alignments can be completed in 15-30 minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional methods.

The tool projects a laser line onto targets attached to the pulleys. By comparing the position of the laser line on these targets, misalignment can be detected and corrected.

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This depends on your equipment and operating conditions. Generally, alignment should be checked during scheduled maintenance or if you notice issues like increased vibration or unusual belt wear.

I don’t own my Saturn anymore, I sold it after I retired as it became redundant. I wish I still had it, last I heard was about a year ago and it was still on the road then.

Most quality laser alignment tools offer accuracy within fractions of a millimeter, which is typically more precise than traditional alignment methods.

Like I mentioned before, the noise is totally absent when you are giving it some gas but comes back once you let go the gas.

I am wondering if you know what “ring” is he referring to because he also says it is “basically a dust boot”? I am confused.

My Saturn had an intermediate shaft on one side so the axles could be the same length. That intermediate shaft has a bearing in it and that could become noisy. Not sure what it would sound like though.

My car I noticed the shrill noise for a few years. Halfway into a 500 mile trip the wheel bearing went out. Drove it the other half and got it replaced. Not saying it is what you should do, just my story. No sqeak or squeal after new wheel bearing.

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Thanks for replying. I just found this video on the Saturn Fans forums. I am wondering if you can take a look since you also own a Saturn. The noise you hear in this video is exactly the same noise I hear in my car. Link to the video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yof6ggFXKjo

I wanted to record a video at 1 AM and upload it here but my phone’s mic is trash and you can’t hear anything at all in the video.

Transmission and differential bearings make a whistling noise when they are going bad and it is dependent on throttle pressure. If you have a manual transmission, it uses Dexron III as the lubricant. It has a dipstick so you can check the level and color of the ATF. If it is low, add some more. You could probably use a thickener the increase it’s viscosity and mask the noise, but don’t use very much.

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On my 2002 Saturn, the rear wheel bearing that went bad made a noise like a noisy tire, i.e. a mud and snow tire or all terain tire. In fact the original tires masked the noise so I didn’t discover that it had a defective bearing until I put on some premium tires.

Wheel bearing noise shouldn’t change much whether you’re in the throttle or off throttle, as long as you’re rolling. As mentioned wheel bearing noise will change when turning. Generally the noise is more pronounced when turning in the opposite direction of the bad bearing. Since the noise changes with throttle input, I’m not certain it’s wheel bearing related…

While the initial cost of a laser alignment pulley tool may seem significant, it's important to consider the long-term benefits:

Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance. We're committed to ensuring you get the most out of your pulley laser alignment tool.

Usually bad bearings are reported as a growling noise, louder the faster you go. Or as a rhythmic rrrr rrrr rrrr noise, most apparent in parking lot slow-speed driving, often during turning. But a whistling sound is certainly possible, especially as a first sign of a failing bearing. Ask you shop to double check the differential fluid level too; if low that can cause sort of a whirring/whistling noise. On your SL2 checking the differential fluid level is probably the same procedure as the transmission fluid level.

The laser alignment tool works by projecting a laser line onto targets placed on the pulleys. By comparing the position of the laser line on these targets, technicians can quickly identify and correct misalignment issues. This technology represents a significant advancement over traditional alignment methods, offering greater precision and ease of use.

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While the initial cost can be significant, many businesses find that laser alignment tools pay for themselves quickly through reduced downtime, extended equipment life, and improved energy efficiency.

When in doubt, get it checked out. Go to the shop where you buy your tires, get your tires rotated, and ask them to check the bearings.

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When the car was still warming up. I drove around town at different speeds and couldn’t hear the noise at all. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving I started hearing the squealing/squeaky noise.

“It was a ring on the inner joint of the cv shaft rubbing the transmission housing. This ring is basically just a dust boot and can be removed without hurting the vehicle, the seal on the output shaft bearing does a well enough job keeping things out.”

I am sure it is the wheel because the sound seems to swing back and forth. If you accelerate the noise goes away but as soon as you let go the gas the noise comes back, and it gets worse the faster you go. I also tried this on neutral.

Given these benefits, many businesses find that a quality laser alignment tool pays for itself relatively quickly through improved efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

I was going about 10 mph to 20 mph in very heavy traffic when I noticed some sort of whistling noise coming from the driver side wheel as I passed by the cars on my left.

No noise until the vehicle has warmed up. That got me worried about my transmission so I checked the transmission fluid, and it is good. The fluid is pink to almost transparent. No burnt smells.

When the front wheel bearings went out at 275k, they sounded like a airplane propeller but only made an audible noise above 50 mph.

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Most laser alignment tools are versatile and can be used on a wide range of pulley sizes and types. However, very small pulleys or non-ferrous materials may require special adapters.

Transmission fluid level is good. Fluid is very clean, pink of color and almost transparent in the paper towel. No burnt smells.

Choosing and using the right pulley laser alignment tool can sometimes be challenging. That's why we're here to help. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in several ways:

I searched the Saturn Fans forums and found someone with the same problem. Link to the video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yof6ggFXKjo

“It was a ring on the inner joint of the cv shaft rubbing the transmission housing. This ring is basically just a dust boot and can be removed without hurting the vehicle, the seal on the output shaft bearing does a well enough job keeping things out.”

The laser alignment pulley tool offers several key features that make it an indispensable asset for maintenance teams across various industries:

Many laser alignment tools are designed for industrial use and can withstand harsh conditions. However, for potentially explosive environments, ensure you choose a tool rated for such use.

I am not driving this Saturn atm. I am taking it to a shop whenever I have the time. I know it’s difficult to diagnose a problem by describing a noise on the internet.

Yeah I took the car for a test drive at 1 am and I couldn’t hear any humming, droning noise. I have hear wheel bearings going bad before in my previous vehicles, but this is sounds nothing like it.

While laser alignment tools are designed to be user-friendly, some training is beneficial to ensure proper use and interpretation of results. Many suppliers offer training sessions.

Also, I have heard the sound of bad wheel bearings before in the other vehicles I used to own. I had to replace 3 of them. I am familiar with that droning/humming noise, and that it gets worse when turning or at certain speeds but no such thing is happening on this Saturn.

If it’s the inner CV joint slightly interfering with the transmission housing your shop should be able to confirm that by wear patterns on the interfering parts. If that’s the only problem the best path is probably to keep everything installed as-is and just ignore the noise. If this just started for no apparent reason, no work done in that area prior, one has to wonder why it is happening now? That inner CV joint moves with the axle as the wheel goes over bumps, during turns, etc. So there may be a problem brewing with the front suspension or steering. Good idea to have the front suspension & steering parts checked.