Front of engine noise, bearings?

[Ralph Gibbs]

Hello, I have a problem with engine noise, yes the sweet sound of my 1992 SVX has developed a gravelly sound. I took it in to an auto electric shop as I thought it sounded like the alternator bearing. The Tech. said to take it to a Subaru dealer since he was sure the noise was traveling from elsewhere along the front up to the alternator.
He said it may be like, the idler or as my 2nd guess, the water pump. I want to remove the shield and put my hand on the water pump this week-end to see if I can feel anything there.
I welcome any information on this problem and thank you for any help I can get.
My SVX LS-L has 194,000 Km or about 116,000 mi. and about a year ago I had all the belts replaced, including the cam belt.
Bye for now.........Ralph