Squeaks when Cold

[asafley]

Hi all. I have been reading this forum for awhile now since I got my Explorer and just today I have decided to register since I just can't figure out what my problem is. All in all this place has helped me a lot to troubleshoot and fix a lot of my problems.
Anyways I have a 4.0L SOHC engine and it squeaks pretty bad when the engine is cold and I am starting it up. The squeak gets pretty quiet (But still there) when idling. But it is really noticeable when I give it gas. When the engine gets to its normal operating temperature everything is fine with no squeaks as long as the conditions are met : (*cough* except for the engine rattling noice *cough* Will tackle that later just because it isn't as annoying ). By conditions, I mean I can't turn on and run the A/C for very long or it can't be raining. The squeaking starts almost immediately when it is raining and I am driving. Although, it does go away about a couple minutes after the rain stops. However the squeaking doesn't go away when the A/C is going. But the squeaking doesn't start till about 5 minutes after the A/C is on.
Now it sounds like it is either P/S or A/C (Leaning those the A/C right now). The alternator, belt, and belt tensioner are brand new so I don't think it is those parts. I don't want to buy anymore expensive parts that might not fix the squeaking sound. Hence, that is why I have a brand new alternator because it was squeaking before the new alternator. Anyone got any answers, theories, ideas, suggestions, or anything? Thanks in advance.

 

[jlsparky7]

Idler pulley is a possibility. Usually the tensioner and idler go at the same time. Power steering usually has more of a hum or whine noise when it goes out and the ac would be more of a high pitched chirp.

Replace the idler and see if that fixes the prob. Cheap and easy.

 

[asafley]

Thanks for the reply. Opps! I forgot to mention that I also replaced the idler. I remember reading on here about the idler and in fact that was the first thing I replaced when the squeak started. Because it was the cheapest solution, which didn't work. Now I call the sound more of a squeak than a high pitched chirp. It is definitely not a whining noise. I can perhaps record the sound and go from there if that would be any help.

 

[jlsparky7]

A recording would be helpful.

Have you removed the belt and started the truck to make sure it is serpentine related?

 

[colintrax]

I've got that some motor and problem, just use belt conditioner, NOT wd-40.