Hello all, I have had my 97 Diamante since it had 29K on it. When I bought it, it was a demo for a factory rep and the dealer that I bought it from had some things fixed for me at a Mits dealer. After I drove it a few times, a growling would show up but not all the time. I have heard since that it was either an idler or the steering pump. I recently replaced the water pump/timing belt and found no idlers to be defective that I could discern. So, heres the ?, anyone have a clue as to my dilemna? I am seriously on the chase to replace this annoying part on this otherwise fine car. It now has 105K and I still love it. The noise is constant between 1k and 1300 rpms now.
regards,
Kevo

 

Its quite probable its the ac-alternator idler pulley. It may not be failing, but the were deleted around late 99 for just that reason. Its not necessary to have it on the car, but removing it requires a slightly smaller belt.
if you give me an email address, I can send you the TSB regarding this issue. Perhaps its your problem.

 

Did you get my email reply?