Seized Idler Bearing, Belt Removed

[NRB]

Hi guys,

I've had a grating/whining coming from the engine bay that I thought was related to my power steering pump. I've basically sealed the hoses running to/from the p/s pump after installing a HICAS lock bar and figured the rear rotor of the pump had finally given up the ghost. After being reassured that driving with it like that wouldn't cause damage, I set about getting all the gear ready for repair - new pump, bypass hose etc.

Anyway, I digress. On the weekend I made a short trip to a local pub for a mate's birthday and when I arrived, there was terrible shrieking and the smell of burning rubber. I figured the pump had seized and was prepared to cut the belt off. When I checked under the bonnet, that belt was fine and it was in fact the air conditioning compressor/idler belt that was red hot. I had the car towed home...

Today I cut off the belt and founf the idler bearing couldn't be turned by hand. I started the car to see if the problem was solved and the noise was gone, but when I revved the engine beyond idle it hesitated first. Why? What else could be going on here?

Cheers,

Nick

[NRB]

Strange - it was fine when I next fired up the car and has been fine since. Thanks anyway people.