Well, my '97 is starting to show her age a bit. I have this annoying noise coming from the engine bay. Sort of a worn bearing noise. I changed the water pump, noise still there. Replaced the tensioner pulley, noise still there. When you remove the serp. belt the noise goes away so that means it is an accessory. The noise will go away by itself after about 10 minutes or 5 miles of driving. ANy ideas. Accessories are expensive. No change in the sound with steering load. 1997 5.4L 2wd.
Thanks

 

Alternator?

 

PS pump? glc? trolls?

I would guesss either PS pump or glc. Either one is annoying when they make sound...

 

Another real helpful post from a supreme arsehole.

 

With the belt off turn the accessories, that you have not changed out already, by hand. You won't be able to turn them fast enough to make noise, most likely, but you should be able to feel how smoothly they turn.

 

Pickup a mechanics stethescope at most auto parts stores. They are pretty inexpensive. Then place the probe on each of the FEAD's while the engine is running and the noise is present. You should be able to detect the noisy component. Just be carefull with the probe and your fingers around the moving belt, fan, etc. Good luck