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Squealing/chirping from engine on drivers' side?

Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I bought this 2015 GMC Denali. It’s beautiful and runs great. This morning I woke up to this squealing/chirping sound from the engine. It gets louder when you rev up the engine a little but it’s consistent. Anyone have any ideas? I sprayed water on the belts to see if the sound would go away but no luck.

The video is below.

Thanks in advance.
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 AT 3:00 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,270 POSTS
Hi,

I believe there are two belts on this vehicle. One is the accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) and the other runs the A/C compressor. Check that for me. I like your idea with the water. That's a great idea. See if you can locate the other belt and do the same.

If you do and the water doesn't make a difference, then remove the belts and spin the tensioner and idler pullies to see if they make the noise. It would also be a good idea to spin all components.

If you find it is the AC belt, this is an interesting one to replace. There is no adjuster. The belt is cut off and then using a belt stretcher, the new one is installed.

I attached the directions below if this is the issue.

Let me know what you find. Also, see if the sound lessens when the AC is off or worsens with it on.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
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Okay, thanks! Just curious; is there anything else you think could cause the sound? The sound doesn’t seem like it’s coming from the belts. It sounds like it’s coming from behind the engine. Just wanted to double check.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 5:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,270 POSTS
Hi,

It's unlikely, but it could be coming from the transmission. Have you checked the A/C below to make sure it isn't causing the sound?

Also, is the sound you hear louder under the vehicle or at the top?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
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The sound is louder when stopped! It goes away when driving but as you go slow it gets louder. I found the issue today! I used some belt spray and sprayed the serpentine belt and it instantly got quieter, so I think I found my culprit. I’m going to get it to the shop and get a new belt on there ASAP!
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That sounds like the problem. The belt is really simple to replace on this. I attached the directions below if you want to do it yourself.

I highlighted the belt tensioner. Using a ratchet or breaker bar, turn the tensioner in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the belt. Remove the old one, route the new one, release the tensioner to get the belt on the last pulley and release the tensioner.

If you can, let me know if the belt takes care of the issue. Keep in mind, if the tensioner is losing its strength, it can cause this problem as well, so make sure the belt is tight.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
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Well, the belt didn’t fix it. I believe we have a lifter that has collapsed.
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Sunday, August 28th, 2022 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Is there anything that changes the pitch of the noise? For example, if you place a load on the alternator with many accessories or turn the AC on and off? There are three belts on this vehicle. Were all replaced?

Were any of the belt-driven accessories checked to make sure there isn't a bearing failing?

Also, I relistened to your original video. I'm confident that isn't a lifter. I really believe it is one of the belts. Did you pour water on them again to see if it stops? If you look below, I identified the three belts. The belt I identified as number 1 is the one I suspect since it is louder on the driver's side. Try the water trick on that belt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, August 28th, 2022 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
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We changed the serpentine belt. The other two belts and the pulleys were not changed but we did spin them and couldn’t get the sound to recreate. The video is very deceiving because the sound almost sounds like it’s from the front but I’m confident it’s coming from the right side of the engine. I will try the water trick tomorrow.
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Sunday, August 28th, 2022 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Let me know what happens. Also, it may be the video, but it sounds like a belt. I'm hoping it is something simple.

I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, August 28th, 2022 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I did the water test this morning. No luck. I dropped the truck off to the shop and they called me about 10 minutes ago and said the sound is a bad lifter. It’s either collapsed or it’s stuck. Working with my dealership now to see what they can do to help. Sucks it’s not a belt but I guess this engine is notorious for failing lifters.

Thank you for the help though Joe. Your knowledge was very helpful
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. If you have a chance, could you let me know what is found? I've heard lifter issues before and to me, this just doesn't sound like one. However, I could be wrong. LOL

Let me know,

Joe
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
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Absolutely! It’s very weird sounding. I had my transmission fluid changed today to fix a shudder when accelerating and when I got the truck back, the ticking sound was quiet, I could barely hear it. Wednesday is when I’m taking it back to the shop. I’ll let you know what they find.
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I didn't realize you had a shudder issue. The issue may be coming from the torque converter. How loud is it now? If you can hardly hear it, that may be the issue.

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
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The shudder felt like the transmission was slipping when I accelerated. The fix was replacing the transmission fluid with the new improved fluid recommended by GM. The truck would still make that ticking sound when idling so idk if that would be transmission related.
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Honestly, I still feel it is something with the belt. However, I've been wrong before and will be again. LOL

Do me a favor. If the sound has changed, record it and let me hear it now.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
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No problem. Here is a video now. It has gotten much quieter. With the hood closed you barely hear it. They did a scan today because my check engine light came on. There was a misfire on bank 1 cylinder 5. They believed it to be a lifter.
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Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Wow! It does sound better. If anything changes, let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
TYJACK12345321
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Update. The dealership told me today that they found an exhaust leak on the drivers side between the gasket and manifold towards the Y-Pipe. They inspected the lifters and camshaft and all parts are functioning correctly.

Does this sound possible? Could you post a picture of my engine diagram like you did early on so I can understand what they are fixing exactly?
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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

It may have a leak. I didn't hear one, but it may not be noticeable in the video.

As far as the gasket, there are two exhaust manifolds, one on each side. I assume it is the driver's side they want to replace.

If you look at pic 1, I highlighted the exhaust manifold. I have a red arrow showing where the Y pipe would attach. Pic 2 shows the manifold and Y pipe, and the yellow arrow is pointing toward the manifold.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe

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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 7:22 PM

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