I am at Wits end! I have myself a very beautiful 98 4runner. haha. I love it to death, but right now I want to drive it off a cliff.

I have been chasing to no avail a ghost sound on the front of my motor.

I have replaced almost everything.

New Timing Belt Kit (This replaced EVERYTHING. Idler bearings, Belt, Water pump, tensioner, thermostat, everything)

New Alternator

New Power Steering Pump

New A/c Idler Pulley

The only thing I haven't replaced is my A/c Compressor. I know thats not the culprit.

Has someone out there found this problem and remedied it?

Btw, the sound is not metallic. Its more like a constant moan. On some days, it sounds like the whine of a supercharger.

Hope that helps.

 

what about your other belts...are they old...to tight...to loose...etc?

 

Does the noise change as your truck accelerates?

 

Every belt on my engine is brand new OEM belts, all tightened to specs. The noise is noticeable mainly at Idle

 

Hey is your rig a 5 speed?

 

sounds like we're playing 20 questions haha

If your rig is not a 5 speed disregard that comment... However if it is a 5 speed, it is pretty common for them to make a whining noise with the truck sitting at a standstill in neutral with the clutch engaged and go away when you push in the clutch pedal....just throwing that out there

 

Mine does this as well, I assume its a belt. I do smell a burnt rubber smell after a long drive, and I'm just waiting for something bad to happen

 

Did you inspect the fan bracket bearing?

 

It is a 5 speed, however it is not the throw out bearing or drivetrain related. I will have to look at the fan bearing...

 

Also take a look at the fan clutch.

A $12 mechanic's stethoscope can go a long way to diagnosing mysterious sounds in an engine bay.