Squealing - I've tried almost everything.
 

Hi guys.

I need some help with a problem. I have the infamous "squealing on start up" problem. I've read no less than 60 forum posts front to back about various descriptions and fixes.

I have a 01' 4.6L F150 with 212,000 miles that has developed a "Chirp", "Squeal" on start up that really sounds like a slipping Serpentine Belt (but its not). I don't have any CEL lights or anything.

This what I've done so far.

1. I've pulled the belt and I am PRETTY SURE that the squeal is not there with the belt off, but I havent ran it for more than 30 - 45 seconds without the belt.
   
2. I've changed the belt to a Goodyear Gatorback belt.. still chirps/squeals
3. *note: I changed it with a Autozone Duralast belt as well..still chirped/squeal
   
4. I've changed the Belt Tensioner (entire assembly - tensioner and pulley)
   
5. I've changed the Idler Pulley.
   
6. I've changed the Alternator (thinking it was the Alternator Pulley cause it sounded rough when rotating it freely)... still chirps/squeals

So... anyway.. here I am 350.00 bucks in and still have the chirp/squeal.

Now I'm finding posts blaming the Camshaft Positioner Sensor and/or Camshaft Synchronizer.

The only thing I have to add is that my Power Steering pump does have about an 1/8" in-out play in it, but I dont have any power steering leaks or problems.

Thanks for any help guys.

I really want to keep my truck in good shape. I plan on keeping it until the "wheels fall off". ;)

Chris

...

88,

I don't see any connection between the squealing/chirps when the engine is running and watching the AC Clutch kick on and off. Would that tell you if it was the AC Clutch?

What do you suggest is a good way of checking it?
I don't have any AC problems, it still blows cold.

Chris

Shut the engine down while in panel or vent mode. Then restart. Does it still chirp?

Hi JBrew!

Just tried that on your recommendation. I still get the chirp/squeal.

Note. I DO NOT get the chirp/squeal with the belt off. That is confirmed.

I'm thinking fan clutch ?


Chris

I've heard them do that in the past, yea, - right at start. Every time it was the PS pump. Not the pulley,- the power steering pump itself.

Have you ever flushed the PS fluid?

Hmmm. Ugh.

Jbrew, do you know of any good "tests" for the radiator fan and clutch and/or the power steering pump?

The truck runs fine with no power steering or overheating problems that I can tell.

I'm really hoping its not the camshaft sensor or synchronizer. That looks like a PIA job to replace or check.

I do get the chirp/squeal intermittently while driving too.


Chris

I'm betting it's the fan clutch.

Wouldn't hurt to suck the PS fluid out with a turkey baster and refill it with a good synthetic ATF.

Guys,
Regarding the fan clutch, should I be able to turn the fan itself without having the fan shaft move?

I.e should the fan be so tight on the shaft that it wouldn't move without the shaft moving? It seems like a loose fan would squeal/ chirp if it was loose on the shaft.


Chris

It's a viscous clutch, and with the engine off you can spin the fan by hand, the amount of resistance varies with temperature. There should not be any fore and aft play and it should feel smooth.

With the fan clutch, there is usually some evidence of leakage. If it's gotten to the point of being bad, you may see stains around fan area where it has leaked in the past. There is fluid in a sealed bearing type deal. I doubt that's it. They rarley go bad, -those things last forever lol.

It could easily be the water pump as well. It's common for propeller to fall apart or bearing to go bad with time and no coolant maintenance.

I just asked if you flushed the PS pump because it's easy to damage the pump when done wrong or reckless. Once the PS pump starts doing that, its to late to save. BUT, it will last a good long while. You just have to get use the noise at start. In fact, I have to work on here in the near future. Doing the same thing. I've already looked at it. Sounds like a belt, but it's the PS pump.

Grab the front of your fan w/one hand, then get behind with the other. Yank real hard in any direction. OR pull and push hard as you if you have to. Attempt to see any play @ the shaft and WP bearing. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to determine a bad bearing there.

Have you had someone turn the key for yuh while searching the noise ? That's all I did to determine where it was coming from. Stuck my head right down in DS engine compartment lol. Yeeup! That's it I'uh Reckon. :thumbsup:

with the belt off, grab the power steering pump pulley and try and move it, my 01 5.4 squealed like this and it was my PS pump.

...

Great ideas guys!

I am going to investigate the PS pump, Fan, and Water Pump more closely this weekend.
Its 40 degrees and raining here now.

I think I am going to siphon out the PS Fluid and fill it with some synthetic though. Is just siphoning out what is in the resevoir enough? Or do i need to drain it out of the downward lines going to the PS Pump?

Chris