My Shogun has developed a 'squeal' from the front of the engine, I'm not sure if it's comming from the steering pump, alternator bearings, sepentine belt pullies or even the new water pump <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Simple question
The water pump is driven from the timing belt yes?
so could I remove the steering pump & alternator belts for a short test (just on the drive) ??
this would eliminate all but the water pump, then add the sepentine belt then steering pump belt

would that work??

SteveN

That will work, but first check if any of the belts are too loose. A loose belt can squeal like a pig. Also check the condition of the belts - cracks, frayed edges, etc. It may be time to replace them. If you feel the belts themsleves are okay, than remove them one at a time and run the engine to find out which pulley is making noise. Don't run it for long with the belts off (less than a minute).

The 3.0 V6 does indeed have a water pump that's drive by the timing belt.

Thanks

The timing belt was replaced in August with the water pump, other belts in the spring, when the serpentine belt was squealing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" />
Just needed a second opinion, belt condition/tension was the first check, they appear ok. Hoping its one of the serpentine idler/tensioner.

Any other comments, please jump in

SteveN <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've experienced front end squeels in 2 different vehicles with 2 different fixes. One ended up being the idler pulley bearing that had failed and the other was my water pump, but there were other obvious problems with that one so I didn't single out the pump.

Listen for source with a 3' piece of vac hose in your ear. You can really localize the source that way.

Serpentine idler pulleys are a very good bet, with P/S pump coming in a close second. AC tensioner pulley has a problematic bearing also.

Frank

Thanks guys for all your comments, I hope to nail this at the weekend.

The main reason for removing the belts was just to eliminate the water pump, that was replaced in the summer when the truck was serviced & only from reading this forum did I get the mechanic to replace the pump at the same time as the timing belt 'just-in-case', and you guys were right <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> the original pump was leaking (just a little).

FrankR
I have read almost all of your posts, and totally in ore of your skills & ability.
I can rule out the AC as a source of my problem, the windows work just fine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again guys.
SteveN

quick up-date

was the serpentine belt AGAIN <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

That one lasted just 3 1/2 months <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

This one is a GATES, they get good reports over here, we'll see.

SteveN <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If the belt only lasted 3 1/3 months there is something causing it to fail. Check the condition of your pulleys, and make sure they're all lined up porpperly (i.e. none of them stick out further than the others). If you have a damaged pulley it will likely damage the belt. What kind of shape was the belt in? Did it appear cracked or burnned? I see you're in the U.K. so I guess that'd be 'burnt.' Either way, sounds like something besides the belt is causing your problem. Do you have a spring tensioner or do you have to tighten the belts manually? Maybe it was simply too loose. Gates belts are good. Check all your pulleys closely and the tensioner as well. Make sure there are no barbs/scratches on one ot the pulleys that are chewing up your belt.

The belt looked fine (to my eyes anyway)
Back was a little glazed, part No & manufacturer were still readable (Goodyear from memory, at work now!)

I'll take a couple of pics of the belt/pulleys (idler/tensioner) see what you guys think.


SteveN <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />