high pitched squeal

[Brian Smith]

My sho is making a high pitched squeal when i rev the engine and it is cold. My first assumption was improperly tightened accessory belt(s). Later I checked some old posts and some people have suggested that squeals might be cam bearing related. Now im not sure, and driving the car seems dangerous. The squealing always starts aroun 2500 rpms and continues anywhere above this until the engine has warmed up a bit. Then the squealing stops altogether. Im almost positive this is the belts which i will be replacing in a 60k service really soon (i have all the parts). I just want to make sure this is not a different problem someone else has had: inattention can be fatal and whatnot...Anyway, opinions? (sorry for post length )

 

[sdpatt]

It would be easy to tighten the belts and verify if that is the source. Easy, that is, if you have an 18" long, T-handled, 5mm Allen wrench for the rear tensioner. Remember that you have to loosen the 14mm nut on the tensioners before you adjust the tension and retighten to 25-36 lb-ft afterward.

 

[rangerj]

Check for:
Alternator bearing
Belt tensioner bearing(s)
A/C compressor pulley bearing
These are the most common cause of the noise you describe and the symptoms you describe.

The cams ride in a "bearing surface" and not in a bearing such as a ball bearing, roller bearing, needle bearing, etc. The cam bearing surface is, or should be, always coated with oil and is highly unlikely to cause the noise you describe. rangerj

 

[Brian Smith]

thanks, ill check those problems rangerj and scott. Figured it was related to accessories...

 

[Dan H]

My sho started squealing at random like that a few months back, about 3 days following that my alt went out. When I got the alt swapped out and in hand I found the bearings were completely destroyed. I would say check your accessories bearings and don't wait too long.

Although I do have to give the thing credit for hanging on as long as it did, it was a complete mess.