pulley squeal

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Mar 11, 2017 | 06:55 AM

96f150

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: In my House

pulley squeal

....So Ive had this new noise at startup that sounds like a dry bearing on the front of the motor...one of the tensioners or maybe alternator.....definietly not belt squeal. Question is, whats a good way to track it down?

Mar 11, 2017 | 08:13 AM

Steven@nd

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From: North Dakota

I would start by removing the belt and starting the engine - if there is no noise then you know for sure it is a pulley or belt driven accessory.

Then turn each by hand to see if one of them is obviously loose or feels rough when turning.

I had an idler go out one time that was an occasional rattle... when I took it apart, the cage that holds the ***** spaced apart was gone!

Mar 11, 2017 | 10:31 AM

alloro

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I use a 2-3' long 5/8" wooden dowel to track down noises like this. You touch one end of the dowel to the center bolt holding the bearing and then put your ear up to the side of the dowel. The noise will travel up the dowel and you will hear a distinct difference between a quiet and a noisy bearing. Do not put the end of the dowel in your ear in case it slips and hits a moving part. No one wants a dowel driven into their ear.

Mar 11, 2017 | 11:12 AM

96f150

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From: In my House

so i ended up using a piece of copper pipe...and it sounds like its coming from the back of the water pump.....I belive its original, so at 155k, I probably got my moneys worth.....Next question.....OEM or aftermarket?

Mar 11, 2017 | 08:06 PM

enriched&beyound

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From: NE Iowa JD Country

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96f150

OEM got ya this far...really doubt if aftermarket will gain ya another 155k.

We had a mini van back when the kids were small....I replaced a water pump 3 times before getting a good, one about every 4-10 months... & yes I started with one that had a lifetime warranty. So I didn't have to buy the last 2 but I still had to replace them

Last edited by enriched&beyound; Mar 11, 2017 at 08:12 PM. Reason: more

Mar 13, 2017 | 11:59 AM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 96f150

so i ended up using a piece of copper pipe?

Hmmm, I'll have to try that and compare it to using the dowel to see if there's any difference in sound quality or response.

Mar 13, 2017 | 07:03 PM

96f150

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From: In my House

....so i ordered the oem pump just about an hour ago......and upon closer examination, I found my squeak to be coming from the fan clutch!! With the engine off, I can spin the blade and it make the same squeak! The bearing must be starting to get dry. It does still have drag on it, but I guess I found my culprit!!