Just got a used motor put into the 7 and it makes an odd squeeling noise that sounds kind of like the creaking sound when your car is flexing in the cold. At first I thought it was the engine but now I think its either a belt or the fan but I'm not sure.

It only does it around 4000+ rpm and it changes sound slightly with variation in rpm. Once its below 3000rpm it always goes away. It doesn't really sound like the belt is squeeling, since it isn't very loud and the belt seems tight enough. I'm thinking it might be the mechanical fan or the fan clutch or something because I listened to it closely and it the engine itself sounds fine but I couldn't pinpoint the origin of the sound. Any ideas on things to tighten up/ lube? Thanks.

 

Creaking sound when your car is flexing in the cold? Huh? I've driven enough cars in the cold, never encountered that ordeal.

The fan clutch is always spinning the fan, it wouldn't squeal. I've never known one to make such a noise. What you're describing, I can only think of is the belt being loose. Make sure that your belts are tight enough by pressing on the middle of it. You should have no more than, IIRC, 1/4 inch of play. Check that first.

 

I meant more like the sound of your suspension creaking and the car rattling when you hit a bump in the cold. My car creaks like a **** in the cold, mostly from the rear hatch. Thats kind of what it sounds like. When I have had belts squeal in the past they were loud and annoying and you could definitely tell it was the belt. This sound was much quieter but if the belt is just slightly loose that might be why.

I only have one belt on the car. no a/c, no air pump.
I remember the belt having more than a 1/4'' of play but it didn't seem loose when I checked it so I'll try just tightening it up. Thanks.

 

Well, I couldn't find the belt tension in the FSM, so I'm stating this from my Haynes manual.

Since you have only an alternator belt, it says the belt deflection should be: 15 +- (plus sign on top of minus symbol) 2 mm. I'm guessing that the deflection should be 15mm, give or take 2mm. Converting that (15mm) to inches would be half an inch. So, more than likely not the belt.

Can you reproduce the noise by moving the throttle by hand when the car is parked? Since you only have one item being run by a belt, that should help pinpointing where the noise is coming from.

 

Yeah I had it parked with the hood up moving the throttle by hand and was listening for the squeeky wheel sound and it was still there. The sound is quiet enough that its hard to hear with the engine noise going but you can definately hear it from inside the car.

 

Maybe your water pump (bearing) is shot? Check to see if theres play on the pulley.

 

Mine did that sometimes, turns out my alternator was too far forward. Thank goodness for the YooHoo belt, or I would never have made it home.

 

I too have an awful squealing noise(sounds EXACTLY like a belt squeal) in my '84 SE that definately comes from my fan clutch. Once the clutch disengages, no more squeal...Anytime it isn't engaged it sqeals like crazy anything >4000rpm. I tried to save some money (a few hundred) and purchased a NON OEM fan clutch at autozon. I guess it works ok, but I do everything in my power to never get on the throttle too much when the fan clutch is engaged, its unbearable. So yes, your fan clutch can EXACTLY mimic a belt squeal. Anyone else have similar problems with OEM fan clutch? Is the OEM one really worth the price? Maybe so.

 

Mine has been squeeling recentkly once it started getting really cold the past couple of days...i know my belt on my wtr pump is kinda loose so i need to tighten it up. IT only does it on start up when its really cold out...after a few seconds it goes away. I hope its just the belt

 

Try putting some belt dressing on the belts. This will give them more tractive grip and may stop the slippage. If you want, you can bring it up to St Joe and I can take a look at it. PM me if if you want to bring it up.

 

Why does everyone insist on getting stuff only from the dealer? It's asinine. And, you'd be better off spending money on installing an e-fan unit in place. Much much cheaper. Most members have been able to do so with $50.

Do a search on e-fans to see what types of fans they've used and how they set theirs up. It's easy.

 

+1 for e-fan.