SuperMotors.net Forums
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 Posted:8/15/2003 11:46 |
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I noticed a loud occasional chirp/squeal accompanied by some sort of grinding sound today so i pulled over and got under the hood. I noticed the belt tensioner jumps as if the belt is being pulled tight briefly then released almost immediately. That is when the noise occurs. Looking at this thing, I wonder if the water pump, air pump or alternator bearing is startiing to go bad. Does that make sense to anyone? It makes sense to me that something is "seizing" however briefly and pulling the belt tight in those short bursts. Has anyone ever experienced this? Any suggestions where to start looking for the cause? Looking at the belt path, it has to be one of the things to the left of the crankshaft (looking at the engine from the front). I really need help on this one guys.
1992 5.0 litre. 119,000 original miles. |
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 Posted:8/15/2003 17:44 |
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yo,
Ck belt tensioner before you replace thos eexpensive parts;
so many tensioners go south;
read this from larry:
yo, by LARRY HAMMER TECHNICAL SERVICES
"One of the first symptoms of a weakening tensioner is belt noise. Once the condition progresses, one of the driven accessories may fail to turn completely. For example, a weakening tensioner may not provide sufficient tension to turn the power steering pump under a load condition.
The result is a loud squealing/screeching sound and a jerk in the steering wheel.
Tensioner noise: With the engine running, listen for any sounds emitted from the tensioner assembly. Any evidence of a clicking noise or any other sound requires further evaluation. If
a noise is present, shut the engine down and remove the drive belt. Rotate the tensioner pulley and look for any indication of resistance to turn, or a noise-related condition. The pulley
should turn freely and smoothly. Freedom of movement: With the belt removed from the tensioner and a pull handle or belt removal tool attached to the tensioner, move the tensioner its full limit of travel. The tensioner should move freely with no evidence of a sticking or binding condition. Tensioner assembly: Perform a visual inspection of the tensioner assembly for any evidence of cracks in the arm or housing. Pay special attention in the area of the tensioner stops,
positioned on the arm and spring housing. Any presence of metal-to-metal contact between
the arm and spring case is an indication of bushing wear, requiring a tensioner replacement.
bushing wear is evident.
Taking these few extra steps and considerations to examine the integrity of the driven
components and their proper alignment can save you and the customer much frustration..."
.
and by fishin':
"...there is a mark on the top of the pully arm that lines up in a certain place in relationship to the tensioner case. this is a wear indicator for the belt. if the the mark is to the left of the reference point, (I think, have to look) the belt is streched and need replaced. Also, remove the belt and tensioner assembly and check that the allignment stud on the back of the assembly has not broken off. I had this problem on a 87 4.9L If you can move it alot with the bolt just snugged, the allignment stud is probably broke, letting tension off of the belt. The stud lines up with a hole in the bracket it mounts to.
The Haynes manual has a good picture of the wear indicator. "
...
look here for serp belt/tensioner info from Chilton on-line:
http://www.cybrrpartspro.com
96 XL 5.0 E4OD, Man Xfer/Hubs
See my partially recovered Bronco web site ...Will need to clean up dead links & add many more new links some day. Thanks to Mr. Schwim
http://schwimserver5.com/?index=1128
THANKS to ALL WHO SERVE!
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Posted:8/17/2003 22:48 |
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| Quote: | I noticed a loud occasional chirp/squeal accompanied by some sort of grinding sound today so i pulled over and got under the hood. I noticed the belt tensioner jumps as if the belt is being pulled tight briefly then released almost immediately. That is when the noise occurs. Looking at this thing, I wonder if the water pump, air pump or alternator bearing is startiing to go bad. Does that make sense to anyone? It makes sense to me that something is "seizing" however briefly and pulling the belt tight in those short bursts. Has anyone ever experienced this? Any suggestions where to start looking for the cause? Looking at the belt path, it has to be one of the things to the left of the crankshaft (looking at the engine from the front). I really need help on this one guys.
1992 5.0 litre. 119,000 original miles. |
Purchase a new Tensioner & belt that should do it.
If the noise continues, check if the power steering pump is going, (you could refill it, which you should not do) or you can get a new rubber o-ring and replace it and then refill it or you can purchase a new power steering pump.
I rebuild my own power steering units, cost to me $1.50 for a new rubber O-Ring + my time to do the job, which is not much. |
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 Posted:8/19/2003 08:16 |
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Thanks for your help. It's fixed!!!! It was both the belt tensioner AND the water pump. The water pump bearings literally disintegrated within sight of my driveway. I'm back in business and running fine now. Just a thought...if anyone needs to change an 11 year old water pump....have a breaker bar and plenty of penetrating fluid handy. I just knew we were going to break a seized bolt but got lucky. |
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