I noticed my 01 F-150 4.6 2wd squeals a bit during shift transitions only at WOT. I thought there might be something wrong with my trans, but a friend of mine has an '02 F-150 5.4 2wd does the same thing and his doesn't even have 10k miles on it either. Anyone else experience this on their 97-03 pickup???

 

My "01 F150 5.4 4X4 does the same squeal. It is the belt. I have not figured a way to prevent it. Belt is adjusted properly and is in good shape. My '66 Mustang with a 5.0 and a serpentine belt does the same squeal.

 

I was thinking the same thing, but wasn't sure which component is the cause. I wouldn't think belt slippage would be an issue being that this an 8rib setup.

 

Yep, it's pretty common on these trucks.

 

I highly recommend the goodyear gatorback belt, totally eliminated the squeel during hard shifting that I had, nice and quiet running also.

 

Also try some belt dressing periodically. Should clear up the squeal for a few thousand miles each time you use it.

 

I don't know about the belt dressing; seems to me that I heard it was not recommended for serpentine belts.

I can confirm that the Goodyear Gatorback belt seems to solve the problem. My 2001 4.6 (purchased new) always squealed when shifting at WOT. Although it appeared good, I replaced the OE belt at 98,000 miles as general maintenance, and it never squealed again. I don't know why the Gatorback might be better (maybe a little softer rubber?), but nothing else was changed.

 

Last time I checked it is not reccomended to use belt dressing on serpintine belts. Put a new belt on and also take a scrubber and srub the pullys that are smooth, sometimes they get glazed by the old belt. the glazing would cause slippage.

Lance