For the last two weeks my S2000 has been making rattley noises under the bonnet after the engine warms up. Initially I thought it was valve clatter but the noise has now started to include a continuous medium pitch whine. Using the old "screwdriver as a stethoscope" trick I have determined the noise is coming from the bearing in the top pulley immediately to the left of the engine block (looking from the front of the vehicle).

From what I can tell, this is just an idler/tensioner. Can anyone confirm this? In addition, has anyone else experienced a failure in this bearing.

I was planning to head off on a 200 mile club drive day tomorrow and am now worried about whether or not the vehicle will make the distance - I suspect a seized bearing could have a major negative impact on the day's proceedings.

 

I dont think that bearing will seize, maybe get hot, but not enough to lock.

May even put a drag on the motor, Ive seen bearings like that one last for years, but also last a month. (that's years after they start acting up)

You might have gotten a bad one to start with, worst case Ive seen with a single row grooved ball bearing is totally wearing out the races to the point you lose the balls . . . errr well then there is ALOT of play . .
This isn't sounding good . . but you get the picture.

 

.......check and make sure your exhaust heat shield isn't loose .

Utah

 

I believe Colin had a tensioner failure so it is not unheard of.