Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Squeeling from right front of Engine!

[Dave MacArthur]

Help me out.



I have a loud squeeling that has developed. It is coming from the right front of the engine. I have the original serpentine belt at just over 80K miles. I don't think it is the belt but will replace it tomorrow. In the meantime, can you help me get an idea of what the most likely source is and any info on how to determine where it is coming from? It sounds like it is coming from either the Alternator, Idler/tension adjuster, water pump, or A/C compressor (same noise with A/C on or off). It sounds like a bearing getting ready to go. Kind of like a very, very loud cricket. It can easily be heard over the engine. I keep the engine fairly clean using Gunk occasionally. Is there anything that could need a squirt of WD-40? Anything to lube?



Thanks in advance. Let me know if you need any more info.



Dave

 

[HVAC]

WD40 Isn't Likely Going To Help

When you get the belt off, spin the alt and AC compressor slowly and get a sense for the smoothness of the bearings with your fingers. Also check the water pump for bearing runnout. The water pump would usually puke water if the bearing is going out.



Using the degreaser frequently could have melted all the lube out of a sealed bearing resulting in a squeel.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Also check the tensioner, make sure it spins freely.

 

[sslechta]

Dave,



Based on your description I have had the exact same sound on my '94 Chevy van. The first time it happened I was convinced that something was really wrong with the alternator or tensioner. It sounded likely some bearings were squeeling thier last breathe. The good news is it was only the serpentine belt. Something is not quite right with that van because I have had this happen 5 or 6 times since, but every time I just replace the belt and it's good to go.



Good luck, and hopefully it is only the belt.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Squealing

Mine did that about a year ago, it was the tensioner pulley. Dealer only sells complete assy. #4429254 at $160. 00 plus tax and Cummins #3935819 wanted $106. 00 plus tax. Local Advance auto parts ordered just the pulley, Dayco #3911403 for $19. 50 plus tax. bg

 

[bmoeller]

Probably the tensioner. Had the same thing happen to a tractor that we used to have. It looks similar to the ones on the Cummins. We were able to replace the bearings seperate from the whole assemably. Always wanted to sqeal. Never was the belt, just rough bearings.

 

[swordfish]

My truck developed the same noise. Definitely sounded like a bearing going south. But I couldn't tell which it was coming from, the Alt, water pump, Idler pulley, or A/C pump. So I sprayed WD-40 on the Alt pulley and nothing happend. I did the same on the water pump. Same result. I then sprayed the Idler pulley and the noise stopped, for a few minutes. So I am pretty sure with that being done, that its the Idler pulley.



But what I need to know, is it an easy job. Do I need to remove the fan or the shroud, or just the belt? Anything else?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Pulley

Swordfish, I removed the belt then the tensioner, you might be able to replace the pulley without pulling the whole assy. but since the bolt is in the back I doubt it. bg

 

[Dave MacArthur]

Thanks for all the help. OK; today I went to leave and the noise is gone. The truck has been sitting a fair bit this spring and summer so maybe some rust built up on the idler pulley bearings? In any case, I ordered a Gatorback belt today and will order the HD Idler pulley from Practical Solutions tomorrow. I'll spin the other candidates when the belt is off but feel pretty sure that it is just the Idler pulley.