98 B4000 4.0 2WD Engine Area Chirp / Squeak on Start and LOTS While Driving...

[ndccpf1]

When I start the (manual trans) 4.0L 2WD there is a "chirp / "squeak" very brief.
If I stay in neutral in driveway and "stab" the gas pedal I can get the slight chirp / squeak at the end of the rise in RPM
If I go down the road in gear or neutral, the chirping / squeaking becomes much more
Does not have to be a bumpy road... even a regular road produces the chirps / squeak. Like metal on metal.
I just installed NEW upper control arms, lower ball joints and outer tie rods.... (worn not the squeak)...
Something flexing with the engine movement....

Thoughts ?

 

[Dirtman]

Is the chirp effected at all by whether the clutch is engaged or not?

 

[4.0blue98]

Is the serpentine belt tensioner OK?

 

[ndccpf1]

Is the chirp effected at all by whether the clutch is engaged or not?

The chirp will happen on engine start-up so clutch will be pressed. Then while driving the chirp is much more pronounced just riding down the road with normal surface irregularities. Does not need moon crater holes to have the sound.. I can coast in neutral too and the chirp is heard.

Engine stationary and idling no chirp. If I stab the gas pedal I can get a faint chirp to happen

 

[Curious Hound]

Look for squeaky tensioner pulley, idler pulley, alternator pulley, powers steering pulley, etc. Take the belt off. Rotate each item by hand. Wiggle them around and feel for play.

 

[ndccpf1]

Well a bit of inspection today shows what could be the issue . Ordering replacement today. See where it seems to separate from the mount area

 

[Shran]

If you have an OHV 4.0 as opposed to the SOHC, it could also be the cam synchronizer, but I think you're on the right track with the belt tensioner. It does not look healthy.

 

[ndccpf1]

If you have an OHV 4.0 as opposed to the SOHC, it could also be the cam synchronizer, but I think you're on the right track with the belt tensioner. It does not look healthy.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I do have the OHV 4.0 and yes the cam syncro used to makes LOTS of noise.... I used an oil additive stiction eliminator and then no more noise !
Will replace tensioner tomorrow AM

 

[Dirtman]

Dont rely on an oil additive to "fix" things. You just masked a problem... fix it. I'm not a 4.0 expert but if it's like the 3.0s that thing drives the oil pump. Failure means loss of oil to the engine aka boom. Not something to be cheap about.

 

[ndccpf1]

Replaced the tensioner.... old one was noisy off the truck but drove today and the noise is there still.
Like metal rubbing on metal squeak. I can produce the sound in driveway engine on..... in neutral and "stabbing" the gas pedal to increase the revs.
So the engine movement appears to cause something to shift support / chassis wise.
I'd rule out all pulleys on engine as there is noise while engine is idling or at SLOWLY pressing down on gas pedal....
Will have friend stab the pedal as my ears do the searching in the engine area (it is on the front right side.

 

[ndccpf1]

Had assistant listen as I jabbed the gas pedal... found that if he reached under side of vehicle under passenger door..... and held / pushed "up" on the exhaust pipe the squeak will stop.
So there is some metal on metal squeak coming from flex / movement of the exhaust.
Updates to follow...