Was wondering if anyone has run into this situation.

A few weeks ago I decided to replace the serpentine belt on my 05 F-150 4.6l because the stock belt was beginning to show signs of wear, so I figured I'd knock it out before it became a problem.

I replaced it with a Goodyear Gatorback belt which I have seen really good reviews for from people on this forum, but over the past few weeks I've noticed a ticking sound that seems to be coming somewhere from the belt.

I really don't think its doing anything detrimental to my truck, but it does annoy me a little bit and was wondering what it could possibly be.

I know some might say cam phasers but the sound came after the installation of the new belt, which is why I'm thinking it has something to do with that.

 

any loose threads on the sides of the belt
have you doublechecked to make sure it is aligned in the grooves.
an idlerbearing?

all i got

any other info?

 

I know alignment has been said but check pulley alignment, IE no bearings going bad and causing a pulley to wobble about.

 

yea that kind of thing

 

i just replaced my belt with a gatorback as well. 99 4.6L it is making the same ticking sound you describe. though after 10 minutes of watching and listening to my engine i have deduced two things.

1. the tick only appears when the label on the belt crosses the topmost pulley center of the engine. im guessing something is thicker in that part of the belt and will eventually wear off.

2. the mysterious knocking sound is definatley comming from my ac compressor clutch. it only makes the noise when the compressor clutch is not cycling. (it does randomly cycle even when the AC is not on).