Squeaking sound on cold days.

[rodeo4me]

Hi Guys:
My 99 rodeo with 87k miles makes squeaking sound at startup and goes away after ten or fifteen minutes of driving. I have changed the fan belt and sparyed belt spray but nothing has helped. Any suggestions. It only happens on cold days.

[amigo-2k]

I've got the same thing. I think it is the idler pulley is going.

I've heard some semi bad things can happen if it seizes (sheards the belt, or it rips it from the block).

There is a how to in the FAQ's that detail a 20 dollar part at Napa will replace the pulley.

[rodeo02]

That's the only serpentine belt component you hear about going bad on the 1998+. It's the top most (stationary) idler pulley. The bearing in it drys out & goes bad. You need to remove the belt, Thread out the old one, bolt in the new pulley and pop the belt back on. There is a spacer or washer that goes on first before you thread the new pulley assembly on!

G/luck
Joel

[rodeo4me]

Thanks All!!

[rodeo4me]

Guys:
Last night i changed the idler pully but the noise has not gone away. As usual it went away after 10 to 15 minutes. I think timing belt is making that noise. Any other ideas??

[rodeo02]

Awe man! I'd pull the serp belt again and give everything that will, a spin to see how the feel/sound. It's possible teh p-steering pump, a/c compressor or alternator have bad bearings. There is a stationary idler, a tensioner idler and a waterpump inside the t-belt covers (all with bearings). I've never heard of those making noise though?!?

G/luck
Joel

[amigo-2k]

I wonder if it would be worth you time to buy a auto stephiscope and carefully listen to each part while the car is running?

[Cheaptrick]

Remove the serpentine belt and start the engine. If the noise is gone you know its not your waterpump/timing belt. Replace the serpentine belt and take a length of dowel rod, placing one end near each pulley, the other on your ear. You will likely notice the sound is distinctly louder near the idler pulley. I made a temporary fix of this pulley by soaking it all night in motor oil.

[directory]

that would only reduce friction for a while, but wouldn't fix the issue. plus you get oil all over....

[rodeo4me]

Originally Posted by Cheaptrick

Remove the serpentine belt and start the engine. If the noise is gone you know its not your waterpump/timing belt. Replace the serpentine belt and take a length of dowel rod, placing one end near each pulley, the other on your ear. You will likely notice the sound is distinctly louder near the idler pulley. I made a temporary fix of this pulley by soaking it all night in motor oil.

I can try that but dont you think it will mess up engine? I have already replaced the idler pulley.

[amigo-2k]

I agree that the next trick is to remove the s-belt and start it up and give a listen.

It can't mess anything up. All you are doing is not turning the accessories like the alt, ac, and power stearing pump.

If you continue to hear the sound then it is most likely the water pump.