Sqeak / Squeal at start up

[Convict1997]

I have a 98 Sport 4x4 with the SOHC 4.0. When I start it up, usually after sitting for atleast a couple of hours, there will be a loud squeal or squeak coming from under the hood. It last's anywhere from 1 to 3 seconds. Sounds like a belt or a pulley. I've never heard it after the truck is running or driving around. Only at start up. Also, I've noticed that if I let go of the key early, say the truck isn't quite started yet, it'll squeal more. If I hold the key for a split second longer than needed to get it started, it'll squeal less or maybe not at all. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[IZwack]

I think you are on the right path -- replace the belt first and see if that gets rid of the squeal. But while you have the belt off, check the pulleys and make sure there's no cracking, or pulley grooves that are missing a few of the tiny "walls". Also check on the tensioner to make sure its not loose and still straight.

 

[volver]

i have the same thing i think

Happens when its cold. Or after hard braking. squeales like there is a rabbit under the hood. I dont know what it is.

 

[aldive]

A very common situation. Usually fixed by one or more of the following: (1) replace belt (2) replace idler pulley (3) replace tensioner.

Good luck .....

 

[marragtop]

When you have the belt off, spin the idler and tensioner pulleys for signs of too much drag or wobble. I had the idler pulley seize on my 95 and when it spit the belt, the belt got wrapped up in the PS pump pulley and blew the seal. A simple belt and pulley replacement also cost me a PS pump.

 

[IZwack]

My diesel van had a squeel a while back and the way I figured out which pulley was making the noise was by getting a fresh can of WD40 and spraying at the center of each pulley one by one until the noise went away (use the red straw that comes with the can). Obviously, the last one sprayed was the one at fault. Turned out to be the clutch of the A/C compressor.

 

[LethalOpie]

I have the exact same problem.. You figure it out yet? Mine does it only after hard breaking and or when its cold. But it seems to be coming form under the dash like where the break pedal is.

 

[Jroweski]

Having the same squeaking when starting up. Replace the belt and tensioner last summer. So I guess I'll try Idler's step 2?

 

[Convict1997]

I never got around to fixing it. The truck squealed almost everytime I started it for the two years I owned it. I recently sold it and bought an '02, which has more than it's share of noises and issues.