Squeal front engine compartment, dissipates as engine warms up.

[ThirdDiv]

Odd thing that at 60K miles, my 2006 Ranger auto w/AC(not working but clutch pulley still on), I have this high pitched squeal from water pump/belt area that goes away when finally warmed up. At first I thought it was a loud air whistling like high wind through some aperture. The pump relief hole on the shaft is dry, and no indicators of leakage anywhere. No dash codes.

FWIW I haven't looked at the serpentine belt yet which I assume is original. From what I could see of it it looks good. I could also try to giggle the fan to check for bearing wear but it's cold out just yet, but at 60K miles, really?

Thanks for the help.

 

[rubydist]

A worn belt can squeal like that, especially if the pulleys are worn.

 

[Dirtman]

60,000 miles is meaningless. Its still 15 years old and rubber degrades over time. If the belt is original it was due to be replaced about 5 years ago at least. At that age it's also possible for a seal on one of the pulley bearings to have failed causing the bearing itself to fail. But, it's almost certainly the belt.

 

[Curious Hound]

I agree with Dirtman. And the weather at your location “Boonies” is well known for wreaking havoc on belts. Time and temperature will wreck belts without them every even moving. Rubber deteriorates.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

And while changing the belt give the idler and tensioner pulleys a good spin. They should spin nice and smooth.

 

[09fx4guy]

Even if it is not the belt making noise, that belt is due to be changed. Get a quality belt and like others have said, while you have it off, check the tensioner pulley, idler pulley, and the other component pulleys while you are at it. It may be cold outside, but it is better to do it when you are prepared to instead of on the roadside or in the parking lot of a parts store.

 

[DILLARD000]

Been running awhile now with GoodYear GatorBack same as Continental Elite. Quality grippy belts.
While belt is off, might as well replace or at least clean+lube BeltTensioner & IdlerPulley bearings.

 

[ThirdDiv]

Thanks all. I'll change the belt soon as I can get warmer weather. Plans for the winter are
manual Warn hubs for the front, and maybe a new shift motor. I really should do the brakes but I'm procrastinating.

 

[adsm08]

Check the crank damper. the SOHC crank damper has the actual balance weight in the middle, and the pulley on the outside. They are connected by a rubber babbit-like section, which can break down and then break away after a while. When that happens it makes an awful squealing noise when you fire it up until the belt drive catches up to the crank.

Take the belt off and see if you can pull the pulley section off the crank damper.

 

[Broosedamoose]

Check the crank damper.

I recently had the same issue and it turned out to be the damper.