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Slightly OT: that high and lonesome sound

A

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
The truck I use to pull my tractor (got that legality out of the way) is a 2001 F-150 5.4L. Lately on these cold mornings when I start it, it rewards me with a high pitch whistle or whine. It also does it after it is thoroughly warm, under load, like pulling my tractor up a hill (doubly legal now).

It doesn't sound like a slipping belt, more like a metallic sound or maybe air whistling through a hose. Yes, I do keep my equipment up and recently serviced this vehicle myself, including blowing out the nearly new air filter, changing the oil, etc.

Any ideas? Thanks, fellas!
 
Auto transmission?

Might try changing the tranny filter and fluid if over 50K or so and it has not been done.
 
I had what seems like a similar noise. I thought it was an alternator bearing, so I installed a new alternator. Noise gone......for about five minutes. I narrowed it down to the serpentine belt by spraying a wee bit of WD40 on it as the engine was running. As soon as the WD40 hit the belt the noise stopped. I changed the belt. Noise gone for good.

I hope yours is as easy to fix.
 
My 2000 f150 5.4 does the same thing at start up. Was told it was common for them. Didn't do it at high speed and warmed up though.

Mine has developed the rattle at startup that is associated with the back bolts on the exhaust manifold breaking which is a common problem for the 5.4. Once it get warm, the manifold expands and the leakage and noise quits. Haven't got around to looking at it or fixing it yet. Have to pull the fender wells to even look at it.

I'd probably start with a mechanics stethoscope or homemade one to ID a particular bearing on the alternator, A/C engaged and not engaged, idler pulley, manifold, hoses, etc. Might even have a cracked or bad vacuum hose somewhere.
 
Dad's 5.4 pickup and my 4.6 in a Thunderbird both had that on cold mornings.

Idler pulley was the culprit. Don't remember which one it was on the 5.4 as there are two. Can sound like a whine or squeel on a cold morning, goes away when warm.
 
The wife's 05 Intrepid 2.7 did that if the temp was below zero. Didn't matter if the engine was warm or cold. Traded it off with 45000 miles on the clock after we heard the stories about the 2.7 so we never did find out what it was. Jim
 
Mine makes the same noise, only when cold, soon goes away. I'm sure the truck will die of something else first.
 
I always thought that high pitched whine when bitterly cold was the power steering pump. Always let them run a while before turning the steering wheel. Learn something new every day I guess.
 
I had a Dodge do the same thing, ended up being a water pump. No leaks at first, just the noise and went on for a couple weeks. Drove me crazy till I found the problem and had three mechanics tell me it was nothing, just caused by the cold weather.
 
Mine does too. 6.0L GMC 2500. When it breaks, I will know what to fix. Goes away when warm.
 
In this weather, -5F to -10F, anything can whine even some drivers. Just got 700R4 trans. rebuilt and its talking back to me. Think front pump. Anybody want to guess, will it last or should I take it back now. 18000 miles warranty. Dave. Thanks and watch out for frostbite.
 
Check that everything (wiring harnesses and fuel lines) is secured as the factory intended, to the bell housing bolts, and NOT sticking up and touching the floorpan.

If some of that stuff touches the floorpan, it will "telegraph" a whining noise from the tranny to the floorpan, making it sound for sure like the tranny is failing again.
 
Thanks, guys. Sounds like it could be one of several things. Possible imminent failure or nothing to worry about. Faced with such a dilemma, I will do what most any man would do - nothing.

I appreciate all the input and will report back if something lets go.
 
The 5.4 and 4.6will both do this when the belt tensioner pulley bearing is on the way out
a new bearing is about 5 bucks and abot 30 minutes to change it
 
When the bearing comes apart the belt will fly off power steering will be lost, alternator wont charge,lights will be dim,engine overheats, auto transmission will lose cooling.All this because you didnt replace a 2 buck bearing.Your choice.I saw a fan belt laying in the road last week.
 
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