1989 convertible unknown part
 

I need help. There is a component mounted just above the alternator on my 89. It has pully and the belt turnsit. Today it started sounding like the insides were gonna sling thru the housing. Sounds like ragged gears spinning. What is it and what does it do? Any idea what replacement is gonna cost ? Thanks in advace for the help.

RE: 1989 convertible unknown part
 

sounds like the AIR pump. you may consider just deleting it altogether, and just get a free pully to put in its place. (They make AIR delete kits ~$130) The AIR injection system is designed to heat up the cats quickly so that they are more effective when the engine is cold. You can still pass emissions as long as the engine is warm, and it really helps to clean up the engine bay.