I Think I Might Be On Borrowed Time

[nike333]

Recently my truck has been making a terribly loud deafening noise (I know that sounds redundant) coming from the motor or tranny(not sure). I have a 97 4WD Eddie Bauer 4.0 OHC, V6, 102,000 miles.
While the truck is in drive-automode and I've been on the road for awhile, the engine will all of the sudden start making this whizzing sound like a high speed drill, but 20/30 times louder. The first time it happened it was so loud it scared the crap out of me. It has happened several times as of late only lasting for about 20 seconds or so. Each time it happens it could be 2 or 3 times an episode depending on how long I'm driving.
What could this be an indicator of; has this happened to anyone on the board?

 

[2000StreetRod]

water pump or idler pulley bearing?

Are you familiar with the sound of a failing water pump or idler pulley bearing? Also, the power steering pump can sometimes generate a screeching noise.

 

[nike333]

Sorry I'm not familar with the sound of those failures.. If I could be more descriptive I would reference the sound to that of a hand held power saw or a high speed heavy duty drill.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

or fan clutch. can you spin the fan easily, or does it not move at all (when the motor is not running obviously)

 

[imp]

Alternator bearings can make a very loud, high-pitched screech, since they are turning about the fastest of anything in there........

To check them, remove drive belt, spin alternator by hand, noting any roughness, noise, or scraping sounds, no matter how slight. Good bearings spin silently. imp

 

[nike333]

Ok definetly some good starting points. Will check. I'm more of a weekend warrior time allowing. Probably won't be able to check until next weekend. Thanx

 

[nike333]

It's been hotter than hell lately around here. This is not my everyday vehicle, so I'm not pressed to be working out in the heat. The fan spins freely. As far as the altenator is concerned if the bearings were bad wouldn't I have some type of recharging issues?

 

[SoNic67]

If the alternator bearings are bad, the belt would slip on the alternator pulley, heat up and start slipping on everything. You would loose then also whatever is on that belt (power steering, A/C)...

 

[Lazzman]

My truck had that whirring noise you speak of and it turned out to be the transfer case. It would only happen when cruising on the highway, then all of a sudden the noise would come on similar to what your describing.

Did not know what it was so I kept driving the vehicle and eventually I lost reverse, then took it to the tranny shop.

At least it is worth a look.

 

[Paraphoe]

My truck had that whirring noise you speak of and it turned out to be the transfer case. It would only happen when cruising on the highway, then all of a sudden the noise would come on similar to what your describing.

Did not know what it was so I kept driving the vehicle and eventually I lost reverse, then took it to the tranny shop.

At least it is worth a look.

I also heard that noise and I believe it was also my transfer case. However, it wasn't on the highway, it was in snow in 4x4, in reverse. I lost reverse for a moment or two after i heard it until I shifted out of and back into 4x4. I would lean towards the T-case.

 

[nike333]

My truck had that whirring noise you speak of and it turned out to be the transfer case. It would only happen when cruising on the highway, then all of a sudden the noise would come on similar to what your describing.

Did not know what it was so I kept driving the vehicle and eventually I lost reverse, then took it to the tranny shop.

At least it is worth a look.

What was the outcome when you took it to the shop? Was it costly?

 

[Lazzman]

I have a really good tranny shop by my house.

The guy went ahead and found me a used transfer case with 20k mi on it and installed it, the total price was $800.

I think the dealer would have charged somwhere in the neighborhood of $2500
or so.

It was dead of winter and I did not have the tools to do it myself so I was happy with the price, seeing as a used transfer case alone was around $500.

They did an excellent job sourcing and installing it and the transfer case has been great for two years now.

 

[nike333]

Yeah $2500 that's a major repair. Me attempting to correct something such as that is not even within the realm of reality-lol. Lets just say myself and the mechanicly inlined don't play on the same team. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be watching it very closely. I'm hoping it will hold out till late fall.

 

[Lazzman]

It should be ok, I think mine lasted a couple of months before I lost reverse gear.

 

[nike333]

Well that didn't take long. Lost reverse today precipatated by that damn whizzing sound. The only thing different was the whizzing noise was more consant. I still have forward, but no reverse. Does anyone know what could have caused it to fail?

 

[rhauf]

time for a new trans...

give "americancarz" a call.. (www.americancarz.com) i just bought a new trans for my '93 from them, came out to $1170 after shipping and everything.. plus i did a ton of upgrades to it (shift kit, hd stall, upgraded clutches and bands, cooler, etc) if you dont want to put it in yourself, you can probably find a shop that'll do it for $250 - 300

 

[nike333]

Just a update. Took truck to a shop. They wanted $1700 for a rebuilt transfer case. "BIG TIME OUCH" Took the cheaper route. Mechanic I deal with deals with a couple of "reputable" salvage yards, so I got a used one with a 90 day warranty. $900 installed. That's still a big hit but the lesser of two evils.