Something is whining besides me

TJake · October 27, 2003

Hello,

Something is whining on my 2003 Silverado. It sounds like a metal on metal whine at low RPM's from idle up to about 1500 and when I am slowing down I can hear it in the cab. It does is standing still or in gear and I think it is from one of the pulleys up front. Anyone have any problems like that or have it fixed at the dealer? Also, when my truck is parked and idling it also makes an intermittent vibration type chirp from the front as well and was wondering if that was a related problem. I am going to take it in but just wanted to ask. Thanks.

TJake

TJake · October 28, 2003

Anyone? Surely somebody must have a clue about it. I am not new here but am new to posting so hello to everyone and thanks for any info.

TJake

Tommy'Z 6speed · October 28, 2003

OK, I've been reading a while also and this post finally made me register!

Mine does the same thing (I assume). You can hear it change with engine RPM as the transmission downshifts when coming to a stop.

I think it's the fan clutch. The fluid coupling should be thermostatically controlled (ie. the fan engages as temp increases). I had one fail a few years back on a Ranger and it basically made the coupling direct. This means the fan always turns engine speed and can be heard most of the time. It happened gradually and it took me awhile to realize the increased noise level wasn't normal.

I haven't done anything on my '03 yet but I plan to investigate further.

Let me know what you find.

Thanks.

Shaners · October 28, 2003

Another possibillity would be the serpentine belt or the idler pully.

TJake · October 31, 2003

Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to take it in next week and see what the service dept. has to say. I don't know where the whine is coming from but I am almost positive the vibration/chirp is from the belt tensioner pulley/spring mechanism. Other than that the truck has been great. My last truck was a 2001 Ex. Cab Z71 with the 4.8L. Wow, there is a lot more difference than I thought between the 4.8 and 5.3 that I have now. Loads more torque for pulling. My last truck was great but the 2003 is a much quieter ride and I happen to like the new front ends a lot. Some of my buddies did not like it at first but they like it a lot now. Kind of grows on ya like the change in the Ram in 94. Also, not trying to open up a can of worms but I have seen some stock dyno charts (chassis) of the 5.3L and the older 5.7 liter (98) and the 5.3 clearly puts more torque and hp to the ground throughout the powerband. Just an observation I made. Any thoughts? Once again thanks for the replies.

TJake

TJake · November 10, 2003

Ok. Here is the verdict on this. I took it up to my dealership this morning. They got right on it and are replacing my alternator and the belt tensioner. Should have her back tomorrow to see if it is all fixed.

TJake

steve99 · November 13, 2003

Hey TJake, any solution yet on your whining issue? Sounds like the same thing mine does. I've done a few things but no luck yet.

JimG · November 13, 2003

Interesting - I think I may have the same issue. I noticed it about a month or so ago. I thought it was related to my installation of an air-horn in the engine compartment. Haven't had the time to really investigate it.

If replacing the alternator and tensioner is the fix, is there a TSB or something for this issue?

TJake · November 13, 2003

Well, sorry to say they replaced my alternator and my belt tensioner and neither problem is fixed although the vibration/chirp I hear at idle (only in the morning after warming up 5 minutes or so) is less noticeable but still there. I think it is the belt tensioner (spring or whatever) vibrating until it warms up and expands. As far as the other noise is concerned (the whine or whistle--whatever) at 500 to 1500 rpm is still there. Maybe they all do it? Heck I don't know. We have a large fleet of these where I work so maybe I will have to check one of those trucks and see if it does it. Just thought I would post a reply and if anybody gets the solution let me know. Thanks.

TJake