Started having a bad "sqealing" noise on my '98 2x4 Supercab 4.0L last week. The noise is constant with the rpms. Sounded like a pulley or tensioner or something. I put a new belt on about 2 months ago, and confident it is not belt noise, more metal to metal or bearing noise. Took it to the shop and they said it was my belt tensioner. I replaced the belt tensioner at home, and this did not fix the problem. A couple of neighbors swore it was my alternator bearings, so I switched out the alternator. No dice. Have tried pinpointing the noise with the hose-to-ear technique and have been unsuccessful since the sound is very intermittent now, not constant. Noise seems to be coming from the passenger side closer to the cab, and low. Does it in park and in gear, and whether a/c is on or off. Also, recent (past month) work done on the truck includes new front brake pads and axle seals, new thermostat and radiator flush, and oil change.

I'm thinking it might be a loose connection at the exhaust manfold or something like that. Anyone else have a similar problem? I don't think it is the water-pump, power sterring pump, or ac compressor, possibly the fan clutch?

 

When I saw it is a '98 (4x4?), I would have guessed the notorious Pulse Vacuum Hub squeal that there is several threads about on here, but you said it happens in Park too.

-Jim

 

2x4

 

Well, that rules that out entirely.

You've named just about everything I would have thought of except the blower motor, but that is passenger's side, near the cab and high up. But you said it happens A/C on or off.

-Jim

 

Huummmmm. my 98 *4x4* has just started the same thing last weekend.

A bad bearing noise that moves around.

Mine appeared out of the blue after a 7 hour run at 3000 RPM in the rain.

So far it has been the alternator brg, the waterpump brg, the belt tensioner brg, the throw-out brg, and it is still on the prowl.

I have eliminated the belt as the culprit, I even scotchbrited the surfaces the belt runs on.


. . I'll be watching this thread closely!

 

P.S. I have closely checked those $%^&^%$ plastic hubs/wheel brgs too - it is not them. . . this time.

 

Mine started last Monday. The previous weekend I was hauling around a pretty heavy boat, so I'm guessing it may be caused by the engine being under more strain than usual.

 

That would displease me greatly.

It's not like I need any more motivation to stick a small block and a solid axle under it.

 

Does it make the noise with the belt removed?

 

Dang. THAT is a good question, Ken.

. . too dark now - tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

Just an FYI for others, don't run it long because your water pump is not wrorking.

 

It was doing it consistently this morning so I broke out the garden hose and tried to pinpoint it. Seems to be coming from the general area around the oil filter, around the passenger side exhaust manifold. Couldn't get under the truck since I had my good close on.

Positive it is not the belt.