I had the same symptoms you describe.
Took my car to the Ford dealer, though. They replaced every belt they could get their hands on, and that did nothing.

It wasn't until they replaced my water pump that the racket went away.

Seems strange to me, but I'm not even close to being a mechanic...


1998 EO SVT, silver frost, stock
2002 Ashcroft Homes Albany model, that's why the SVT is stock!