I have a 2006 3.3L Sonata. We noticed this week that there were a lot of noise coming from the engine, more specifically around the serpentine belt. Today, I proceeded to take a closer look and found that the noise seems to be coming from the crankshaft pully area. It seems like a crankshaft bearing is on its way out. I'm not sure how to ask this but is there a bearing as part of the timing chain cover that can be replaced? Do I need to remove the timing chain cover to get at the bearing?
I'm mechanically inclined but I don't have a lot of info of the car.

Thanks

 

(2) possibility ----

1 -- constant whirring/whining noise similar to supercharger drive --> Idler puller near alternator (has a black plastic truncated cone cap on it) has a noisey bearing..

2 -- crank pulley separating from the center hub, quite common for the 3.3 LAMBDA, look at the rubber insulator ring between the pulley and center, is it all cracked, pulley flopping around... sometimes the pulley will ride the front cover and leave a wear mark... usual complaint is momentary loss of power steering assist when turning/heavy steering wheel feel..

Either way, both parts is in stock everyday at our place

5yr/60,000 covered part

 

You're the man sbr711, you hit it on the nail. The crank pulley is separating from the center hub and rubbing on the front cover.... tha's a relatively easy fix, I'll change the belt at the same time. Thanks again.