jdorp_

i have a grinding noise coming from the front of my car. i have searched a bunch and found that i think it is a secondary air injection pump. in the picture i posted there is crazy vibrations coming from the 'A' part. Would that be cause by the SAIP?
Also, if it is the SAIP, there are no codes that have come up yet. Just a 'service!' sign when i start my car.
It is about 40 degrees here.
I haven't noticed if it goes away once warm, i cant hear the noise when im in the car, just in front when im standing there.
I've read that people drive with this noise for a long time. Is that ok?
I also read that it may be a hose that leads to the SAIP that may be loose. Where does the SAIP get air from? The air box?
Also in my reading i heard that there was a company that rebuilds the SAIP, I could not find them though, anyone know who they are?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/106552/img_0228.jpg">

audikillsbmw

relatively fat rubber hose going to the box that twists on.

jdorp_

would it be possible that a hose is off creating that vibrating noise?

jdorp_

the alternator has an air duct that comes from just underneath the passenger fog light.
I took the tension off of the accessory belt and the bearings in the alternator are just fine.
Are the brushes of the alternator worn?
When i took off the air duct the noise went away a little, so the noise was almost a vibration of that duct, but obviously coming from that alternator.