Hi guys.....For about 10 days or so now, my truck has had a squealing noise when started cold in the mornings. It sounds like its coming from the bottom front of the block. It will do it for about 30 minutes till it gets good and warm. It seems to be getting louder when initially started up, it softens until its good and warm. When I start it after work it isnt as loud but is is still there till it gets warmed up good. Could this be a main bearing goin bad? Its got a newer water pump on it so I dont think its that, I cant really tell if the noise is from the water pump or the front of the crank. It really doesnt sound like its the belt tensioner. Thanks.

 

I've never heard a main bearing squeal. How is your oil pressure ? It should be low if you have bad mains. You probably have an accessory going bad such as an alternator or water pump. Try taking the serpentine belt off when cold and start the truck. I bet the noise goes away, just don't run it long enough to get the engine hot.

 

Are you sure it's not the belt? Try spraying the belt with water (or what ever) while the squeal is loud and see i you can stop it.

 

OK I guess I deserve a good greenhornin. Idler pulley makin the noise . Man it sure sounded like it was coming from the water pump or the front of the crank area. I got a pipe (one end to my ear) and held it up to the crank, water pump, then the idler. Sure enough it was the idler. I used a Product called Bike Aid to lube it with. Works great. I use that stuff to lube the throttle and clutch cables on motorcycles, you cant beat this stuff. No more squeal now Thanks for your input. I was actually in the process of callin around for water pumps. You saved me alot of pain and sufferin.

 

No question is a dumb question. We all learn from each other here. Glad to hear you got it going, may want to think about replacing the idler pulley bearing though.

 

My truck is making noise from the front end passenger side belt area as well I can’t tell where it is coming from. I pulled the belt and spun all of the pullies by hand and all turned free and smooth I put the belt back on and the noise went away. For about an hour and now it is back and it is driving me crazy help

 

heykw, what was the condition of the belt. that would be a good place to start.

 

the belt is like new might have 5K on it

 

Get a stethoscope and listen to each accessory. No noise is a good noise.

Check the waterpump for leaks also. If it is seaping from the weep hole, the moisture on the belt will cause squeeling.

 

ok so why did it stop making noise when I removed and reinstalled the belt?

 

I sprayed the belt with water and It stoped so what does that mean?

 

go get some brake cleaner, remove the belt and clean off your pulleys. i had replaced a belt for a guy who had been using belt dressing and the new belt squealed. i pulled the belt off and the pulleys were gummed up and one pulley had a chunk of rubber embedded in it that i had to take off with a razor blade. somewhere to start. clean off your belt with soap and water and let it dry. my ctd chirps for a minute or two when i first start it, but a mechanics car is always the last one fixed....

 

I used staring fluid on the pulleys and it still squeaks how much should the slack adjuster pulley be moving?

 

was the water allowing the belt to slip?

 

what does the belt feel like does it feel sticky? sometimes a belt will feel slippery, not wet but just slippery and like a glaze on it. i have found that gates and razorbaks are both pretty good belts.