Hello all,

I have an intermittent screeching sound that usually occurs when the truck is cold and I rev it up a bit. It is less noticeable--if at all--when the truck is at operating temperature.

I thought it might be the power steering idler pulley, so I removed it and the belt so that the power steering pump was not rotating.

The screech was still there when revving it up, so I would assume that it is either the water pump or alternator. I am leaning towards the water pump, but that is just a hunch. I tried using a mechanic's stethoscope on each component during the screeching, but they are fairly close together and so I cannot tell.

Has anyone had a similar issue? 2wd 86 pickup 22R with about 79K miles on it. I should note that there are no other symptoms (leaks, cooling issues, etc...)

Thanks,
Julian

 

Are you sure it's not your alternator belt? After a cold start, the current draw will be high, and the load increases when you do that revving.

 

It could well be. You know I did not even consider the belt itself!! Thanks.....

 

Even worn belts will squeal. My alternator belt has to be good and tight to not squeal. Belts first, then idler pulley has been my experience in the last 30 years with my '87.