blackbanshee

Gents,
I just bought the 2004 in my sig. It was built in October of 2003, so I'm assuming it is an early 04 model. It is quite a machine . When I went to look at it the first time I noticed that the engine belt seemed to be squeaking. The truck had sat for a while, so I assumed the belt just went south. I haven't replaced it yet, but it is beginning to get louder. Is there a chance it is something else? Also, turning the wheel seems to elicit a low shriek from the power steering pump...at least I think it is the power steering pump...any ideas on either problem?

Thanks,

BlackBanshee

rich

check the water pump and the pulley tensioner

92'1stGen

If the belt squeaks when you first start it up, but then is fine after it has run for a while, then it's probably somehow getting water on it and it just burns off when it's run. Check the water pump as "rich" said.

Have you check the fluid level in the PS pump reservoir? is it correct? what color is it?

Being as that the truck you just bought is used, and unless you know when the last time was that the previous owner changes the fluids, I would start going through the truck and changing out every possible fluid. That way you'll know it's all fresh.

blackbanshee

The power steering fluid is at the add line, so I'll put some more in. The squeaking does not get better or go away...it simply squeaks the whole freakin' time the truck is running. I guess the belt needs to be changed? What are the chances that it is a pulley-related problem?

Thanks,

BlackBanshee

blackbanshee

Oh yeah, and the power steering fluid looks faintly red.

92'1stGen

Red is better then brown. Suck as much fluid out of there as you can right now using a turkey baster. Be careful not to push the baster in too far though, there is a screen at the bottom of the reservoir that you don't want to damage. Refill the reservoir with ATF-4+, (I use Valvoline brand since this is what the PS system calls for and it's readily available at Autozone), until it reads correctly on the stick. Disassemble the cap and clean it in a nice dish soap solution. This will clear the vent as people have had issues with the vent sticking and blowing the caps off, mostly on "oversized tire" equipped trucks. Do this again in about 10k miles, this will get the fluid pretty "freshened up". After that do it ever 20k and it'll stay nice and red for you.

Did you check the water pump to see if it's leaking? It doesn't sound like it's leaking but just to be safe, check anyway. Sounds like you really just need a new belt. What does the old belt look like? is it cracked or heavily worn? If so, then yes, you need a new belt.

blackbanshee

I'm going to take care of that power steering fluid first thing tomorrow morning. As to the belt, I haven't really examined it closely. I will...and on that note, is it difficult to replace a belt? Also, how do I check the water pump? 92 and rich, your advice is greatly appreciated!

BlackBanshee

92'1stGen

It's not a hard task to replace a belt, it's just time consuming and bothersome because the hardest thing will be getting the new belt around the fan. Here's a write up that should be of help: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t-t183515.html

Also, take note on the diagram of where the water pump pulley is, that'll give you an idea of where to look for that.

Anytime, glad I could be of help.

rich

the wp will either leak from weep hole or if you have the belt off check it for play. when mine went it never leaked it just fell apart

blackbanshee

Great stuff 92!...Rich, I will check that pulley.

Thanks,

BlackBanshee