Smog Pump is Noisy! Should I be concerned???

Will a noisy smog pump cause problems or can I wait a while to replace it? I need to pass emissions, so I've got to have one that works.

Here's the situation:

I've been hearing a strange noise from the front passengers side of the engine bay for a couple days. The noise is kind of mettalic like a mild rattle. Increasing the rpms makes it sound a little different. I've check for loose bolts and nothings loose. Once I crawled under the car, it was real obvious that the noise was from the smog pump. The car runs great and has full power.........nothing unusual at all. I checked stuff like engine mounts and took a good look at the suspension stuff and everything is in order.

I'm sure replacing the smog pum is easy, but I'm having problems finding a place that carries a NEW replacement. Lots of places carry remanufactured units, but that doesn't seem like a smart way to go.

Any ideas?
 
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The bearing are going out in the smog pump, the worst case scenerio would be the pump seizing up, causing the belt to get hot and maybe snap from the rubbing. This can cause all sorts of problems depending on the driving. People toss pumps all the time, get another used one in the for sale section. Really cheap.
 
I dont' mind $100, but you're right, $403 is way too much. I'd rather pay cheap and only replace when needed.

I've been doing several long business trips in my car and have a few more left. The car runs great and sounds great, but I sure don't want to invite a serious problem.

Thanks.
 
I dont' mind $100, but you're right, $403 is way too much. I'd rather pay cheap and only replace when needed.

if that is the case and you cant find one used why dont you pick up a smog pump eliminator from steeda or equivalent for like $60 at most and when smog time comes around just throw on your old pump?
 
VoODoo5Oh said:
if that is the case and you cant find one used why dont you pick up a smog pump eliminator from steeda or equivalent for like $60 at most and when smog time comes around just throw on your old pump?

Yep, that is exactly what I plan to do. Mine makes my exhaust crackle until it shuts off after a minute of two. I know it's on it's way out, and I think the eliminator kit is the way to go.
Scott
 
Got the smog pump replaced.

The old unit was definitely going bad and causing a lot of friction. Now the crackling noise is gone AND the exhaust sounds proper.

HOWEVER, the new belt I put on (Gatorback) is whining constantly and only gets louder with RPMs. No slipping though as the sound is constant. My old belt is exactly the same size and brand, so that's kind of strange. A lot of people have complained about Gatorback belts whining.

Going to pick up a Motorcraft belt today and hope that cures the whine. At least the car appears to be running great and is very smooth at idle and during various acceleration rates. :)
 
UncleLog said:
Had the smog pump seize up on my 85 GT. Belt didn't snap, it was just sliding over the not-turning pulley making a horrible screeching sound. Not good. :D

Yeah, once I thought about that, I didn't want to get into trouble. When I turned the smog pump while off the car, it did not turn easy and made noises inside. Plus it was pretty black......as in too much heat or something.

Well, I just put a new Motorsport belt on and the whine is gone completely. Now all I hear is a bunch of exhaust and some engine. Revs just perfectly and seems good overall. So much for Gatorback belts then.

Glad to know that I just had a belt issue and not more bad parts. :)