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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11 |
Here's another puzzler. Now that the weather has turned colder, I've started getting a squealing noise under the hood when I first start the car in the morning. The noise changes in pitch as the engine revs, and after a couple of minutes it stops. It doesn't fade away or become intermittent, it just goes away completely. After the car sits awhile and cools down, the squeal comes back at the next restart and lasts until the engine has run for a minute or so.
I replaced the serpentine belt in the spring of 2001 and had to have the belt tensioner replaced later that summer to fix a squealing problem that happened whenever the car was idling. The car runs fine (just like it did before I had the noise) and the engine warms up and holds the same temperature it always has just between the "A" and "L" in "NORMAL." So I'm completely stumped. Any ideas?
Toreador Red 96 Contour GL
Zetec 4 Cylinder, ATX
Alloy Wheels
No Modifications
"There's such a fine line between stupid and clever." -David St. Hubbins, "This is Spinal Tap"
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 75
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 75 |
Hi,
Assuming your new belt and tensioner are okay, I am guessing the sqealing sound is from the powersteering pump. Whenever I visit my grandmother up north, it gets below zero and when you start a vehicle it often makes the belt slip or just a loud whining noise from the powersteering pump until the fluid warms up a little. I have no guarentees, but check under the hood next time to see if that is what the problem is. As long as it does not repeat after warm up, you should be okay. And while your at it, check the fluid level and make sure it is at max or a little above when warmed up. If the fluid is really low, it may be causing air to enter the system until the fluid warms up and expands enough to fo fill the lines and pump. Hope this helps, if you have any further questions, please email me or post a reply.
Jonathan
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,319
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,319 |
Notwithstanding your prior belt/tensioner replacement you are experiencing classic belt slip & squeal symptom. Power steering pump when cold provides a little more resistance to belt thereby revealing a looseness that is not evident when car is warm.
I would check the ps fluid as per prior post and then the belt tension/tensioner.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11 |
Problem solved! This afternoon I checked the power steering pump and noticed that it was covered with a thin coat of fluid and dirt. I felt the hose clamp connceting the hose from the reservoir to the pump and noticed it was loose, so I tightened it with a screwdriver and topped off the power steering fluid. The noise has not been back since. Thanks to those who replied for your helpful advice!
Toreador Red 96 Contour GL
Zetec 4 Cylinder, ATX
Alloy Wheels
No Modifications
"There's such a fine line between stupid and clever." -David St. Hubbins, "This is Spinal Tap"
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 193
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 193 |
My SVT was doing the same thing.
Dealer replaced all belts, still making noise.
Replaced waterpump, noise gone.
98 SVT Contour #1702 (silver) - traded in & missed alot!
02 SVT Focus #2686 (blue) - beginning to enjoy the 4-banger.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 23
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 23 |
You guys may be experiencing the Mossing effect too so keep and ear out for more noise
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
i saw some stuff at wal-mart that u spray on your belt to make it not squeal and make it last longer or something? will it work? it's supposed to make it hold better.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,319
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,319 |
Originally posted by EO1702:
My SVT was doing the same thing.
Dealer replaced all belts, still making noise.
Replaced waterpump, noise gone.
Good noise gone, too bad you paid for their faulty diagnosis.
Kremithefrog:
"Belt dressing" intended to overcome glazing of belts, a short term fix pending belt replacement IMO.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 193
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 193 |
Originally posted by horseydug:
Originally posted by EO1702:
My SVT was doing the same thing.
Dealer replaced all belts, still making noise.
Replaced waterpump, noise gone.
Good noise gone, too bad you paid for their faulty diagnosis.  In fact, I didn't pay a cent for the repair work. Campbell Ford, here in Ottawa, even waived the $100 warranty deductible. Thing is, they had my car over a week trying to find the source of the noise. They kept on throwing in new parts/belts, and not fixing the problem I'd brought it in with. Had a little chat with the service manager, indicating my displeasure with having to pay for things that may not have been wrong with my car, and without too much armtwisting, he saw things my way and ate a nearly $1,000 repair bill. Every last cent of it. They got me the next time, though, when my AC accumulator failed. 
98 SVT Contour #1702 (silver) - traded in & missed alot!
02 SVT Focus #2686 (blue) - beginning to enjoy the 4-banger.
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