squealing and clacking

[vt_2005tdi]

I have noticed an increasing amount of noise coming from the general region of the serpentine belt tensioner and the alternator on my 2005 PD golf. It started off only being noticeable when turning hard, but it now makes noise at low RPM and while idling with the engine in neutral. Revving the engine to about 1500 or 2000 seems to make the noise go away.

Based on my reading so far I suspect the alternator pulley or the tensioner... I can hear some clacking or clicking associated with the squealing, so something is clearly on its way out.

which should I replace first and what are other things that it might be?

 

[UhOh]

Probably need to remove the belt and check the idler, tensioner, alternator, power steering and AC out as well.

 

[Raweaver_410]

I could almost put money on the alternator pulley is starting to walk off the shaft. But UhOh is right pull the belt and check all pulleys.