Help! cant isolate squealing/chirping noise

[scguru92]

99 4.0 5 speed ranger
I am getting this intermittant squeal. Most of the time it is when I come off the throttle to shift gears, but then again, sometimes just at idle also. I've replaced idler pulley, tensioner assembly, tensioner pulley, serpentine belt.
The water pump pulley has no play in it and isnt leaking, so I dont think thats it either. Nothing has made it even a little bit better and Im tired of blowing $$$. Anyone have any input???
Thanks

 

[woodyedmiston]

Throw out bearing????

 

[samsonitesamsonite]

that would be my thought as well, does it stop when you depress the clutch?

 

[scguru92]

It makes no difference if the clutch is engaged or disengaged. It squeals at idle, during shifting, after shifting. No real specific time, and it sure sounds like its coming from under the hood.

 

[woodyedmiston]

How about the filter housing - is it a moaning sound - my filter housing will make a strange noise occassionally when it's getting dirty.

The only other thing I know that squeaks on an off is bearings, you haven't mentioned the water pump bearing - if it's peeing a little water it will get on the belts when you decelerate and cause the belt to squeak.

Seen your wife's cat lately????

 

[thegoat4]

Remove your belt and run it. Does the squeal stop? If yes, it's one of your accessories. Spin 'em all by hand. Also check the condition of the fan hub. It's rare, but viscous hubs can develop a squeal.

If no, it's something in your drivetrain.

 

[scguru92]

OK, got it narrowed down to the AC compressor or the power steering pump. Anyone know what belt part # I would use to bypass the AC? I'd rather do this first so I know what part it is for sure making the noise.

 

[MAKG]

If it's the A/C compressor, it ought to matter if it's engaged or not. If it's the power steering pump, it ought to matter if you're turning hard (especially at low speed) or not.

And how old is your belt, and in what condition is it? Perhaps it just needs replacement.

 

[scguru92]

If it's the A/C compressor, it ought to matter if it's engaged or not. If it's the power steering pump, it ought to matter if you're turning hard (especially at low speed) or not.

And how old is your belt, and in what condition is it? Perhaps it just needs replacement.

I tried turning the AC on & the defroster so the compressor would cycle. It makes no difference if the cluth is engaged or not for the noise. Same with the steering. I cant make it make the noise, regardless of turning the wheel or not. Seems that most of the time when the noise happens, it is while going straight. & the belt was just replaced with a Ford belt (old one wasnt bad, but a couple years old)
Dunno what else to do, this was my last resort to isolate the problem. Although, I'm getting tired of spending $$ on parts that dont fix the problem.

Thanks for the responses thus far....keep em coming

 

[scguru92]

Well its either the water pump or the fan clutch. How would I check the fan clutch? I'm not that familiar with it. I'm used to electric fans.

 

[MAKG]

Well, the simple thing is to remove the fan clutch. Run the engine cold for no more than a minute or so. Failing water pumps often dribble out the weep hole. Look for corrosion tracks out of it; you don't always see drops.

 

[Bob Ayers]

It could also be your cam position sensor synchronizer......They will make a
squeal noise when they get ready to go out.....

 

[scguru92]

Well, I put the stethoscope on the water pump snout and thats where the noise was the loudest. So I figured it was that or possibly the fan clutch.

 

[JaBradt85]

Does this squeeling occur to anyone when it is damp and chilly out? It usually goes away after a 3 minute ride on the highway except when it is damp like this morning. When I first start it its a squeeling /chirping and a little clicking that goes away pretty quick. I usually start it 5 minutes before I leave for work also. The mechanic I brought it to says he could get it to make the noise and the belt and tensionor were fine. Any suggestions truck is listed in the signiture.

 

[JaBradt85]

Taken care of, alternator bearing and belt.