Random Engine Squeeling on Start up

[ingalls71]

My 02 4.4 squeels randomly at start up for about 3 seconds. Any others hear of this? Alternator, A/C unit, serp belt or ???. Of course when I was at my mechanic it did not squeel.

[Repoman]

Can you pinpoint where exactly it's coming from . . . front or back of motor, driver side or passenger side?

[ingalls71]

It's the front but to close to center to determine left or right.

[Icer006]

Check your serpentine belt, alternator pulley, idler pulley.

Probably of the scariest is the alternator pulley seizing all of a sudden.

Maybe get a new mechanic if he didn't check any of those to begin with.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by ingalls71

My 02 4.4 squeels randomly at start up for about 3 seconds. Any others hear of this? Alternator, A/C unit, serp belt or ???. Of course when I was at my mechanic it did not squeel.

I had squeeling like that at start up, very random but get steady.
Turned out to be WP bearing getting worn out, no leak what-so-ever.

[TrickerZ]

Next time it happens, turn off the car immediately, then remove the belts, rotate all pulleys by hand and see if they move freely (other than crank of course). If all check out and don't wobble or feel strange, then put the belts back on and check to make sure it's tight.

Also, if you haven't checked the condition of the belts, make sure they aren't glazed and still feel rubbery where the belt meets the pulleys. Check for leaks that could be putting oil, coolant, etc. on the belt.