Chirping noise

Tiny
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  • 2000 CHEVROLET 2500
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Started with a chirping/squealing noise. I changed the belt. Noise continued so I changed the belt tensioner. Noise continued so I changed the pulley. This time noise was chirping with a high pitched hum (think dog whistle).

Took it to two mechanics and they reported pulleys in-line and could not find problem. I then changed the alternator. I was advised by a non mechanic that he had same issue with high pitched noise and alternator swap fixed it. Noise continues.

Currently the noise is present at start and at acceleration and then noise goes away after 15 minutes when the engines hits it's normal temperature. Took it to another mechanic and confirmed that the pulley, belt tensioner, belt, alternator and water pump are all new and could not find the source of the noise.

At this point the only other two pulleys are the harmonic balancer and the power steering pump pulley. However, I have no issues steering, although the fluid was very low but the dipstick was not completely dry. I refilled reservoir.

Should I change the harmonic balancer given the miles this van has? Should I change the power steering pump pulley? I am at a loss. Three mechanics and still no fix.
Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 7:36 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
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Good morning,

Can you upload a video of the noise for me to hear? I need to try and help you.

No, I would not change yet. Let me hear this noise so I can help you.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 8:13 AM
Tiny
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I uploaded it after I posted my question. Please see video upload in replies.
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
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Thank you.

Try spraying some water on the belt while it is running and see if the noise stops temporarily.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
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I did the water test and the noise temporarily stopped. What's the next step?
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
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You have something in the belt system causing the noise.

What brand belt did you use?

Roy

Diagnostic Aids
A loose or improper installation of a body component, a suspension component, or other items of the vehicle may cause the squeal noise.
If the noise is intermittent, verify the accessory drive components by varying their loads making sure they are operated to their maximum capacity. An overcharged A/C system, power steering system with a pinched hose or wrong fluid, or a generator failing are suggested items to inspect.

Test Description
The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.
2. The noise may not be engine related. This step is to verify that the engine is making the noise. If the engine is not making the noise do not proceed further with this table
3. The noise may be an internal engine noise. Removing the drive belt and operating the engine for a brief period will verify the squeal noise is the drive belt(s) or an accessory drive component. When removing the drive belt the water pump may not be operating and the engine may overheat. Also DTCs may set when the engine is operating with the drive belt removed.
4. This test is to verify that an accessory drive component does not have a seized bearing. With the belt remove test the bearings in the accessory drive components for turning smoothly. Also test the accessory drive components with the engine operating by varying the load on the components to verify that the components operate properly.
5. This test is to verify that the drive belt tensioner operates properly. If the drive belt tensioner is not operating properly, proper belt tension may not be achieved to keep the drive belt from slipping which could cause a squeal noise.
6. This test is to verify that the drive belt(s) is not too long, which would prevent the drive belt tensioner from working properly. Also if an incorrect length drive belt was installed, it may not be routed properly and may be turning an accessory drive component in the wrong direction.
7. Misalignment of the pulleys may be caused from improper mounting of the accessory drive component, incorrect installation of the accessory drive component pulley, or the pulley bent inward or outward from a previous repair. Test for a misalign pulley using a straight edge in the pulley grooves across two or three pulleys. If a misalign pulley is found refer to that accessory drive component for the proper installation procedure for that pulley.
8. This test is to verify that the pulleys are the correct diameter or width. Using a known good vehicle compare the pulley sizes.
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
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Hi Roy. Thank you for the advice. The belt was replaced three times in an effort to stop the squeal and all three times the brand was Dayco. I also changed the tensioner twice. :( Can you agree with me that more than likely it's one of the pulleys that I have not replaced yet? At this point, since I can purchase both the harmonic balancer and power steering pump pulley at the commercial rate, I would rather change it new for less than $200.00. Unless you can confirm that it might not have anything to do with the pulleys. Please advise and thank you so much for your input.
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

You have the water pump, power steering, and harmonic balancer left.

I would remove the belt and spin the power steering and the water pump and see if there is any noise.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
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I replaced the harmonic balancer and a new belt, this time a gates brand. The high pitch noise is still present, so I assume the chirping will eventually return. I've attached a video of the high pitch noise and in my second reply I will attach two pictures of the harmonic balancer I removed.

I did test all the pulleys and they do not feel as though there is any strain or failed bearings. A/C works fine and cold. What are your thoughts?
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
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I will have to post the second picture since it does not let me post more than one.
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 6:45 AM
Tiny
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This of course was removed and replaced with a new one. So far the chirping noise is gone but the high pitched noise continues.
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 6:46 AM
Tiny
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I would remove the belt again and sping the alternator and see if you can hear the noise from there.

Can you attach another video from under the hood with the noise? It was hard to hear on the one you posted.

Roy
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
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Alternator replaced with new a week ago. Will record noise from underneath car and upload tomorrow.
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
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Sounds like a plan.

We will be here to help.

Roy
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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
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Sorry for my late response. I will be sending two videos: one from underneath the vehicle and the other from the top. The noise is better heard from the top. I am starting to wonder if the noise could be from an air leak, although I am not sure if that would cause the chirping noise. As of today, no chirping but the high pitch noise does continue for about 15 minutes. The first video in this comment is from the bottom of the vehicle.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
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Here is the second video from the top of the engine.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
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Thank you.

When you turn the steering wheel left and right, does the noise or whine change pitch or get louder?

Roy
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
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Steering is smooth. The whine remains but I do hear as though there is a strain when turning left or right. Are you leaning towards the power steering pump? As I previously mentioned, the reservoir was completely empty in power steering fluid although not completely dry as the tip was still wet.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I am. It sounds like it could be the pump making that noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

I would suggest flushing the system and adding new fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Roy

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
J 25034-C Power Steering Pump Pulley Remover
J 25033-C Power Steering Pump Pulley Installer

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

1. Remove the upper radiator fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement in Cooling System.
2. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine.
3. Remove the pulley.
Install the J25034-C.
Be sure the pilot bolt bottoms in the pump shaft by turning the nut to the top of the pilot bolt.
Hold the pilot bolt.
Turn the nut counterclockwise.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

4. Place a drain pan under the pump.
5. Remove the hoses from the pump.
6. Remove the bolts from the rear of the pump.
7. Remove the bolts from the front of the pump.
8. Remove the pump from the vehicle.

Flushing

1. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely.
2. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump inlet connector.
3. Plug the inlet connector port on the pump.
4. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to catch the draining fluid.
5. Run the engine at idle while an assistant fills the reservoir with new power steering fluid.
6. Turn the wheel back and forth, fully to the left and fully to the right. Do not hold the wheel at a stop or a sudden overflow from the fluid reservoir may occur.
7. Install all of the pipes and the hoses.
8. Fill the system with new power steering fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
9. Bleed the system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System. See: Power Steering Bleeding > Procedures
10. Operate the engine for approximately 15 minutes.
11. Remove the pump return hose at the pump outlet. Plug the connection on the pump.
12. Refill the reservoir. Inspect the draining fluid for contamination.
If foreign materials are still found, replace all of the hoses. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement (With Hydraulic Boost) or Power Steering Hoses Replacement (Without Hydraulic Boost) or Power Steering Hoses Replacement (Rack and Pinion).
13. Disassemble and clean the power steering components. Replace the components as necessary
Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid.

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
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Hi Roy, I hope all is well with you and that you had a great Thanksgiving! Here is an update on the vehicle: The mechanic changed the power steering fluid which was as black as charcoal (his words) before Thanksgiving. It did not entirely take the noise away. The high pitch noise seems to be gone but the rumbling noise has gotten worse. In the attached video I am in the parked position and I press on the accelerator to produce the noise. When in drive, the noise is slightly reduced and only returns slightly louder when I am at a stop. The other thing that is also happening is that when I turn on the A/C the chirping returns - when I turn it off, the chirping stops. I am truly at a loss here. I really want to give up but being that this is my tiny home, even though I want to through in the towel I can't bring myself to do it. So, please let me know your thoughts and any advice. Thanks so much in advance!
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
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That does sound like the power steering pump.

Roy
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 8:48 AM

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