1994 Mercury Cougar noise at startup and acceleration

SUSANBEE48

MEMBER
1994 MERCURY COUGAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

When I start my car I have a squeel in the motor. When I accelerate the noise continues until I shift into another gear. I think it sounds like a powersteering pump going out, but it does not make a noise when I turn the steering wheel; only at rest and pressing the gas. I am a female with little knowledge of vehicles.

1 Reply

TIFFANYJ87

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ive had similar noises in the past. Its probably one of the pulleys that the serpentine belt spins. Like a bearing in one of the pulleys.

2 ways ive determined which pulley is squealing is by either removing the belt then spinning each wheel freely. With engine off. U spin each pulley to hear any noise.

Or while engine is running, u can take a spray like silicone spray and just spray the inside of the pulleys where the bearing is. Trying not to spray the belt or anything else. If u spray the bearing and the noise quiets. Its a squeaky bearing and u replace the pulley.

Im sure it could be something else, but the most basic cause of a squeal noise is a idler pulley or tensioner pulley bearing thats gone squeaky. Unless u notice other symptoms that accompany the noise. Also, the noise will get worse in colder weather.

Anyway, just a suggestion because ive had that a few times and it was always a pulley gone bad.
Good luck!