Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Squeek / Chirp

[BrandonWright]

I have an annoying intermittent squeek/chirp that has been getting progressively worse for the last few days.



It seems to happen most often when I get on the brakes, but it's not brake squeel (and I already checked the pads... they're fine). It also happens sometimes when the truck is at idle. It will also 'chirp' while driving (not using the brakes). It's a rubber on metal sound seeming to come from the front of the engine. The AC/defrost is not been on when I've experienced the noise.



I was thinking it was the fan belt, but wouldn't it make noise all the time? The fan belt is not new, but it doesn't appear to be worn. The power steering reservoir is full.



I did have the KDP done last week, but I don't see how that could be related.

 

[Howard Durand]

The serpentine fan belt may look good but probably needs to be changed.

It turns the fan, alternator, AC compressor and water pump so it could be squeaking whenever a load change is made by any of those devices.

Mine was making similar noises that my wife could hear but my ears are so shot I couldn't. I replaced the belt and she is happy.

Cheap insurance.

They actually should be changed about every 50K miles.

 

[BrandonWright]

I'm going to go ahead and replace the belt tonight. Even if it's not the problem, it won't hurt to replace it anyhow. It does appear 'glazed' on the top side of the belt.

 

[hsmith]

If it is a belt noise, the Goodyear Gatorback is the only way to go.

 

[BrandonWright]

I put the Gatorback on last night... . the noise is going. It's funny though, the belt I took off appeared to be in good shape. Thanks to all.

 

[tp0d]

Did you thoroughly inspect the belt tensioner when you had the belt off? The bushings on those go bad ALL the time, and could either damage your new belt, or throw it right off. The bearing also could be going on the pulley and locking up slightly causing the sound. .

good luck

-j

 

[xpetecx]

I had this same problem on my 96. I also changed the belt and the noise went away, but returned several days later. It was acutally the alternator bearings that were making the noise. The new belt must have stoped it till it was a little looser, im assuming. Had the alternator rebuilt and the noise has been gone ever since.