jbdpayne

Hey guys ive had a small chirping coming from my 4.0 that past couple days. It doesnt seem like a belt squeak though (ive had that in the past), but its a light chirp like a chipmunk on and off that doesnt stop. I listened and it sounds like its near the power steering pulley, but thats just from listening so i could be wrong.Im not completely sure if it could be the idler or a different pulley or my belt. Im going to try spraying water on the belt and take a closer look a little later but any inputs great thanks!

RTorrez1

The easiest way to check for a squeaking bearing is to spray some WD-40 or any spray oil behind each pulley on to the bearing. ONE pulley at a time until you find the one that is causing the noise. When you spray each bearing make sure you shut off the engine each time. One last thing Do Not get the oil on the belt.

dogger15

Just take the belt off and check each pulley. It's easy to do takes 5 min

jbdpayne

Sorry about the reply guys ive been trying to get around to it between classes and work, and thanks for the input. Im thinking either belt or idler but im going to take it off and check it out here in the next couple of days since im off!

Radi

Just a word of caution on WD40 - it is actually a solvent, thus dissolves grease, so spray lightly. You don't want to wash the grease out of an otherwise good bearing by soaking it. A small drop of motor oil in the pulley shaft is a workable alternative.
Pulling the belt off and spinning each pulley and idler by hand, feeling for roughness or slop is also excellent. Sometimes you can feel one pulley that's hotter than the others right after shutdown too.