Dear Lord

hockeypro1411 · April 28, 2009

I guess the past 2 weeks have been especially rough on my truck... About 2 weeks ago I noticed a squeak coming from the front driver's side wheel. As it spun, it would squeak. Not a constant grinding squeak, but like a chirp as it went around. It would come and go, but now it's every time I drive it. This is on top of the 1-2 second belt squeak at startup. I'm guessing it's an idler pulley needing grease or new bearings. The worst was tonight when I turned on the A/C. Good Lord in heaven that thing squealed like a stuck pig for about 20 seconds. Then it would stop, and periodically start doing it again. Any suggestions on what some on this crap might be is appreciated. ...Or tips on how to fix it. I have a strong feeling that taking it to the dealer would be a waste of my time and money...

2000DV4.8 · April 28, 2009

Sounds like you've got a bad A/C belt (and possibly serpentine belt).

hockeypro1411 · April 28, 2009

I gave the belts a good look and checked the tension and everything seemed fine. You think the AC compressor would make it squeal like that?

pm26 · April 28, 2009

The A/C belt has an automatic tensioner, it sounds like the tensioner spring is too weak. Typically, loose A/C belts will squal when the compressor is first turned on and the compressor clutch engages. Sudden loading of the belt causes the belt the slide through the pulley and squeal.

Tsmith · April 28, 2009

Is it as OEM Delco belt? I have twice now tried to use Gates and another manufactures (can't recall name) belts and both squeal loudly when starting the engine, for like 20 seconds. Picked up the factory OEM replacement and no more noise.

mfennema · April 28, 2009

I agree with Tsmith. In my experience (engineer at Cummins), you should always use the OEM belts for a vehicle, because the pulleys were all designed for that particular belt. Even though two belts look the same, they could be made of different grades of rubber which could allow slipping and therefore the squealing. JMO

hockeypro1411 · April 28, 2009

Yep. Everything under the hood is OEM minus the K&N drop in filter. I'm not as worried about the squeaking as I am the squeaky wheel. My intentions were to start cheap and get more complicated. I'm gonna start at TRE's and move onto wheel bearings. If those don't fix it the only other thing I could think of would be CV's.