MOPAR fans, I need your insight...

My 98 Ram, 5.9L, Quad Cab 4x4 SLT Laramie with 73k miles on the clock fires up and runs like a champ.

The issue: There's a click/squeal that is clearly audible when the engine is spun to 3k RPM and beyond. It seems to be coming from the front of the block. I was thinking it may be belt related, but don't know for sure. The noise occurs with the AC on or off.

Situation: Bought an 04 Hemi Ram so the 98 Ram has been sitting relatively idle for the winter. I run her around the block once a week 1/4 mile at best. I put Stabil (fuel stabilizer) in the tank to keep the gas 'fresh'.

During the peak winter months I started the truck and let it run until it hit operating temps while in park. I didn't drive it.

The noise came on the scene after I stopped using the truck as a daily driver.

Any clues, insights, direction to find root-cause would be greatly appreciated!

I would start by taking the serpentine off and then checking all pulleys to see if loose.

Thanks Bleed! I'll pull the belt and check the pulleys today. Will post what I discover. I hope it's something as simple as a loose pulley.

Bleed, I finally had the time to pull the belt on the truck. No clicks or squeals whatsoever when the belt is gone. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

None of the pulleys are 'loose' by my definition of the term. Everything is rock solid with but one exception.

The power-steering pump pulley has at least an 1/8-inch end-play; back and forth along along the shaft axis. Could this be the source of my noise?

How do I correct this? Must I pull the pump from the truck? Or can I do in in situ?

I would just take the whole pump off. Probably a matter of preference though.

I spoke with a very courteous technician at Schaefer & Strohminger, Towson,Maryland, one Mr. Epsil(sp?), regarding the PS-pump. According to him, the end-play is perfectly acceptable so long as there are no leaks. So, I think I'm good to go there as the pump assembly is bone dry.

He suggested a few other things to follow-up on as possible root-cause. To wit:

1. Belt, replace if warranted. It is warranted to a degree but I'm not going to do it; as I'm frugal.

2. Belt tensioner assembly. Seems very robust along full range of motion. No issue.

3. Fan clutch assembly. I think my problem is here. The clicking sound is temperature dependant. The warmer the ambient and engine temps are the less likely I'm to hear the click/squeal.

The bottom-line: I can live with the minor ticks. I'm just glad I don't have any engine issues!

Thanks again Bleed!

My truck would always make a whistling noise when it was extremely cold outside, and it would come from the front too. Everyone always told me they figured it was the fan clutch. I dunno though.

No problem. Let us know if anything else comes up.