Hi all,

New noise started to develop yesterday on my 03 FX4 5.4. Sounds like alternator squealing but only at take off yesterday. Today ( Thursday ) squealing more prevlant all the time. How can I distinguish whether is it the alternator on the way out or if it is the serpentine belt giving up the ghost?

Of course all this would have to happen prior to a long trip coming up next week.

Thanks.

 

its likely going to be the tensioner or idler pulley

 

Replace the belt, if you haven't yet. That will tell you if the tensioner is working. The last one I worked on , the tensioner was locked up - you can fix that yourself without purchasing a new one.

Yea, check for pulley wobble once belt is removed..

 

Take your alternator off and go to the parts store to have it checked on the machine. You will hear if the bearing is going out when they spin test it. Also when you have the belt off hand check for excessive play of the other pulleys.