chirping
#1
01-08-08, 02:58 PM
chirping
I have a 1996 Ford Aerostar with about 230,000 miles on it. It has been a great car and is still going strong. However, a couple of days ago, it started chirping. From the minute I start the engine until I reach my destination and shut it off, it chirps continuously. Does the serpentine belt need to be replaced, or is there something else that could be wrong?
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
#2
01-08-08, 03:19 PM
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ive had the same thing just happen to my awd astro...my problem is the alternator...you're lucky if its the belt but the truth is that with your description it could be either...the best way is to turn on the van and let it run with the hood open and listen...
a temp fix that i learned somewhere down the line was to put some chalk on the belt/alternator...this will not solve the problem but at least it will silence the annoying chirp...
a temp fix that i learned somewhere down the line was to put some chalk on the belt/alternator...this will not solve the problem but at least it will silence the annoying chirp...
#3
01-08-08, 05:00 PM
...and what would I be trying to hear? The noise coming from a certain area? If I put chalk on the belt, and the chirping stops, does that indicate that it is the belt and not the alternator?
#4
01-08-08, 07:41 PM
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youre trying to hear where the chirp comes from...
when you find that put the chalk there...there is no point troubleshooting with the chalk unless you know where to put it...
when you find that put the chalk there...there is no point troubleshooting with the chalk unless you know where to put it...
#5
01-09-08, 06:08 AM
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How many miles since the last time you replaced the belt? If you can't remember, it's probably time. Even if the chirping is something else, periodic replacement of the belt is good insurance against a breakdown. Usually a good time to replace the idler and tensioner pulleys as well since the bearings in them eventually wear out (and could also be your chirping). Few people replace these unless they fail, so there's a good chance yours are original.
#6
01-09-08, 07:14 AM
Crayon or belt dressing will tell you if the belt or something belt driven is the source of the noise.............BUT........Also be advised to remove the "doghouse" and use a screwdriver or or a stethescope (sp???) and listen to the oil pump drive (where the distributer used to be) It has the cam sensor sitting on top and they are NOTORIOUS for squeaky noises that have driven many inexperienced techs to many a less than sober night........
