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5.4L Engine Whine

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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 04:22 PM
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5.4L Engine Whine

Hi, this is my first time using this site. I am at wits end with my F-150 and am looking for some help. I have a 2002 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4, 5.4L with 96K miles. I have a whine coming from the engine that seems to be more noticeable on the drivers side. The whine is constant and is consistant with the RPM's. I have replaced the power steering pump, idler & tensioner pullies, and recently replaced the old serpentine belt with a new Gator belt. Still no change. Since I don't have a stethescope, I poked around with a long screwdriver to magnify the sound. No noise noticed by the alternator or water pump. Sounds like it's coming from the left side (from the drivers seat) of the engine by the left side timing chain cover. I'm afraid the noise could be internal. Has anyone ever encountered this? Please help! Thank you in advance for your help.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 05:24 PM
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OK, today I removed the serpentine belt and the noise went away. Now I just need to determine what is making this whine. I've already replaced the factory belt with a new Gator belt which didn't help. With the belt on, I can hear the normal power steering whine, but can hear the other whining noise above this. Any idea if maybe the fluids running through the tranny cooler lines could cause this noise? Again, thank you in advance for your help.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by LT/PM
OK, today I removed the serpentine belt and the noise went away. Now I just need to determine what is making this whine. I've already replaced the factory belt with a new Gator belt which didn't help. With the belt on, I can hear the normal power steering whine, but can hear the other whining noise above this. Any idea if maybe the fluids running through the tranny cooler lines could cause this noise? Again, thank you in advance for your help.
You narrowed it down quite a bit when you ran it without the belt. If it didn't whine with the belt off, it's not the trans fluid lines. I'd say the choices are: alternator, water pump or A/C compressor. You've already replaced the other belt driven accessories.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 01:11 AM
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Take the belt off and spin everything by hand youll hear if a beaing is bad.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 11:24 AM
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I have a 2002 F150 5.4 and am experiencing the same thing. I just got some advice to check the tension and Idler pullys. I have not done so yet, but just wanted to pass that info along. Have you made any new finds??
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 06:52 PM
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Unfortunately not. I will let you know if I find a solution. Thanks for replying.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 12:05 PM
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OK, today I did some more poking around and I am now 99.95% sure that the noise is coming from the recently replaced power steering pump. I'm guessing that the remanufactured pump has bad bearings, or is this a common problem with these pumps (Cardone pump)? Is there a better quality pump out there? Thank you in advance for your input.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 12:31 AM
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I have the same problem. Did you get your issue fixed? I'm at my wits end trying to find a fix.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 01:47 PM
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HEEELP!!! Engine whine '03 5.4

I'm still at a loss with this noise. I've replaced the PS pump and have taken off the serpetine belt and still have the noise. It sounds exactly like a bad PS pump would. When I start the truck, it takes about 5 seconds and then the noise/whine starts to kick in. It almost sounds like its coming from below the throttle body, maybe the intake manifold. Is there anything there that would make this whine?
 
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Old Jun 21, 2010 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by RobbyMartin
I'm still at a loss with this noise. I've replaced the PS pump and have taken off the serpetine belt and still have the noise. It sounds exactly like a bad PS pump would. When I start the truck, it takes about 5 seconds and then the noise/whine starts to kick in. It almost sounds like its coming from below the throttle body, maybe the intake manifold. Is there anything there that would make this whine?
I had the same problem. I went thru all the steps with belts pullys etc. It was my throttle body. I read another post some where to take it off and smooth down all the passages with a dremel and It worked, completly silent. I have a BBK throttle body and K&N cold air intake and I read alot of people having the same problem with both BBK and stock throttle bodys. It was hard to pinpoint where the noise comes froms because it bounces around the engine. but if you put your ear to the air filter ( open the housing if its stock) you should hear it crystal clear
 
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