Expedition Squeel

[chasineyes]

Hello,

I have an 04 Expeidition with 90,000 miles. When cruising at 60-70, I generate a faint squeel from the front left side. It goes for about 30 seconds then off for 5 or 10 minutes. I'm guessing it has something to do with the heater system. It only does it when the engine is cold and when running the heater. Could it be the thermostat or the belt running the fan clutch??

Thanks

[jeffreyd]

could be the belt tensioner, if you have 90k and not had to replace it i would think it is about time. that is where i would start, simple one bolt swap. takes either a 13 or 15mm socket to replace. remove the belt, remove the center bolt replace the tensioner with new tighten bolt, replace belt since you have it off, prior to putting belt on, i usually spin all pulleys to make sure the idler is not making noise or the alt. put belt on and check, good luck

[JollyT]

Belt on the alternator or the alternator bearing. You're loading the electrical system with the blower fan.

[jeffreyd]

however if the load is causing more drag on the belt and the tensioner is weak it will also cause it to slip on the pulleys.

[deadeye]

Sounds to me like the squealing is happening when the A/C pump is cycling on.

Hard to say if the belt or the A/C compressor is to blame. It would be worth checking the belt and the tensioner to see if they are worn out. If the belt is shot or the tensioner is not holding enough tension it would let the belt slip making it squeal.

[Scott K]

Does the squeal happen under heavy accel, or just a light accel? These were very common to have a high pitched squeal comming through the idle air control valve (IAC) when the temps get cold. Basically it is caused by ice build up on the IAC, and causing a venturie effect. They have a kit to help prevent it, but it doesnt help much, and if this is what is going on, it wont hurt anything except driving you nutz.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does the squeal happen under heavy accel, or just a light accel? These were very common to have a high pitched squeal comming through the idle air control valve (IAC) when the temps get cold. Basically it is caused by ice build up on the IAC, and causing a venturie effect. They have a kit to help prevent it, but it doesnt help much, and if this is what is going on, it wont hurt anything except driving you nutz.

There is a TSB (1903-01-01) for a permanent repair for that problem. It was never officially released but it covers many noise issues that Ford vehicles have. On the radio there will be a knob or button labeled volume. With the radio on increase the volume until noise can no longer be heard. If noise can no longer be covered by the radio than immediate service is suggested in case the problem is more serious than originally thought! Upgrading your sound system is also on option.

[jeffreyd]

i had a garbage truck driver come in at the beginning of summer complaining his a/c did not work, i asked him if the windows rolled down ok, his reply was yes, my statement was there is your upgraded a/c.

same guy came back in as the heater valves where not turned on i asked him if the city bought him a new winter coat which he replied yes, i went and got him some gloves and said here ya go new type heater. he never really got that i was messing with him but i did get in trouble for it. people cant take a joke anylonger

[Jeremy airjer W]

You would fit in well with the guys I work with Jeff!

[deadeye]

LOL