High Pitch Squeeling Noise on start of truck

[Kauf]

When the truck is started, a high pitch squealing noise is coming from the engine. When i put the truck in gear, it runs fine. The noise only happens when i start it up or am traveling at very low speeds. Checked the Pullys; they all are lined up correctly and the serpentine belt has good tension in it. Dont know where to go from here, any help is appreciated!

 

[Mark_88]

Could be a pulley is loose but usually it's the alternator or power steering...check the fluid in the power steering and top it up as needed...and maybe try some of that belt soap or spray to quiet it down...

If it doesn't go away and persists (I know people that have driven vehicles for years with the same noise and nothing happened other than scaring or annoying their neighbors) or has been happening for a while it's probably not something you can fix without starting replacing all accessories on the belt...

And it might help to know what year and engine you have in your truck...you can update your profile in the USER CP section and add that information to help clarify your vehicle for others...

 

[scotts90ranger]

most likely a slipping belt, can be from a worn out belt or one of the components that's driven by the belt is dragging when cold.

 

[Julie]

It is a 4 cylinder 1994 Ranger. He has had it since August of 2011. Since then we have done the Fuel Pump TWICE last November, the PS Pump in March, the Alternator in April, the Starter in August... Did the Serp belt with the PS Pump I believe.

Today he says he temporarily lost PS, but it came right back. He did stop at Auto Zone & they sold him some grease to try. That didn't help.

(I am his mom) LOL

 

[scotts90ranger]

Is the belt tensioner automatic or manual, IE is it spring loaded or do you have to pry something then tighten it down? If manual, tighten it some more, if automatic it might need a new tensioner.

 

[Julie]

He replaced the idler and tensioner pulleys - still has the noise.

 

[Mark_88]

I had a squeal in my alternator sporadically and went out and bought a rebuilt one...had the same squeal but worse than the old one so I returned it...the old alternator was just replaced after about 8 years...hardly ever squealed but it did on start up, especially if the battery was low...the new one squeals no matter how tight I make the belt...

So, like I said before...it may be something you just have to live with...as long as it is working and no other problems like hard starting or having to boost the battery...

Edit: Lol...I decided to search for an answer...and found this...it might help you understand why the belt is making noise...and the last part about belt dressing...lol