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Thread: Serpentine squall

  1. #1

    Default Serpentine squall

    Today a new noise began emanating from under the hood. Thought maybe some grit or gravel from snowplowing had made its way under the hood, but it continually got louder and more consistantly present today. By the time I got home, it was enough to cause me to pop the hood and investigate.

    Its 100% coming from the serpentine belt, near the left (of two dual) alternators, possibly from the tensioner mounted below...but...how to tell which one???

    How about a can of WD-40 with straw engaged, starting with squirting the tensioner? Then...if not the tensioner, a small burst behind the pulley on the alternator?

    What say ye for my test methods to ISOLATE THE SQUEAKER?
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default

    Hi Mark,

    I ignored a similar noise on my '01, and ended up with a fried belt when the tensioner siezed up in the middle of nowhere.

    Given that there were more than 125k miles on it at the time, I think now that I probably should have replaced the tensioner pre-emptively when I did the alternator the week before.

    FWIW.
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
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    CA
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    13,573

    Arrow

    With the belt removed, you should be able to feel the bad one turning by hand. They should turn smoothly with a little resistance (the grease and seal). If it spins freely and/or makes any noise (like metal roller skates), it's bad. It is, however, good practice to replace all the idlers, tensioner (at least the bearing) and the belt as soon as one fails. Keep the serviceable (not necessarily "good") one(s) and the belt for roadside spares.

    If it's an alternator, it should be noisy as well if bad, turning by hand.

    Spraying WD40 in there is not a good idea. It'll lubricate the belt, which will cause issues for a long time coming, and probably not tell you anything. It will also sling the stuff all over.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  4. #4

    Default

    Thanks for the input. I'm on it today. Probably the tensioner - but unusual at only 85K miles?
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Puyallup, WA USA
    Posts
    283

    Default

    I had the same issue with mine, shortly after I picked it up (with 33k on the odo). First, I found that the alternator (single) was squeaking... pulled the plastic cover off the back of it, and a few drops of oil took care of it. Second was the belt, which was looking a little worn. I put on a Goodyear Gatorback when I added the second alternator, and it's been silent since.
    2007 GMC Sierra Classic SLT K3500 CC DRW.
    19.5" Alcoas with 245/70R19.5 Goodyear treads, AFE 5" exhaust, Edge Attitude CTS, AMP Powersteps, Bilstein 5100's

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    683

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    So Mark, what did you do? I've noticed that I hear a squeek anytime I drive in rain and then park overnight. When it first starts up I hear the squeek, but after a while it goes away. I'm suspecting the bearings are going dry and there probably is a very slight overnight corrosion that gets worn away after that little while. It's been that way now for about a year. I wish there was a way to lube those bearings, but I don't know of any. The guys out here used to add grease to their sealed bearings on the John Deere combines by using a syringe and needle filling it with grease and puncturing thru the seal and injecting the grease, my nephews say they have kept old bearings running for many years by doing that, seems the rubber or neoprene seals seem to reclose after you withdraw the needle. I've never tried it, but they swear it works just fine.
    02 2500HD LT D/A SB CC 4X4 BLACK, Westin stainless nerf bars, BW GN Hitch,Racor 60S post oem fuel filter, Oil Guard bypass engine oil Filter. All synthetic fluids. Kennedy boost valve, edge, Modified air intake,EGT & Boost digital gauge,TransferFlow combo fuel & tool box, Air Lift Suspesion Bags Rear & compressor with remote, Bilsteins front & rear, Frontier front replacement bumper.

  7. #7

    Default

    I threw a tensioner at it last weekend before heading out on an 1800 mile trip to Montana and back.

    It fixed the squall but my satisfaction was was short lived. After driving on wet cinder roads in Montana, new serpentine belt squeaks emerged.

    Upon returning home today, during a routine oil change I discovered lots of 'dirt road' under the hood in places I have never seen it accumulating on previous trucks...something just didn't look right with the amount of it, and how wet it looks like things had been underhood....

    I think possibly some rubber flaps or rubber hood seals were omitted during the reassembly of my truck after the body work last summer.

    Questions for 2009 (or similar) truck owners:
    1. Can you shine a flashlight through your grill and clearly see the driver side battery? Air cleaner box on the passenger side? I can!!!
    2. On the underside of the leading edge of the hood, where the external chrome molding attaches, is there a rubber seal that would contact the top plastic radiator/core support cover? Not on my truck...although there are two rubber seals on the both fender tops where the hood contacts?
    I think the root of the problem squeak/squall problem is too much underhood spray...which is further compounded by snow plow duty which generates its own source of snow/grit mix that is easily sucked into the cooler stack area.

    Sorry I can't post pictures here, or I would show you what I am referring to...
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
    Posts
    6,057

    Default

    OK, I know what a rain squall is and I've even been caught in one, but I'm really puzzled about this "serpentine squall"....

    Do you mean "squeal" (like a pig)?
    The Constitution needs to be re-read, not re-written!

    If you can't handle Dr. Seuss, how will you handle real life?

    Current oil burners: MB GLK250 BlueTEC, John Deere X758
    New ride: MB GLS450 - most stately
    Gone but not forgotten: '87 F350 7.3, '93 C2500 6.5, '95 K2500 6.5, '06 K2500HD 6.6, '90 MB 350SDL, Kubota 7510

  9. #9

    Default

    Obviously an attempt to describe a sound...(But you knew that.) I'll take some license with definition #2 below... LOL


    Definitions of squall (n)


    squall [ skwawl ]
    1. windstorm: a sudden strong wind, often with heavy rain or snow
    2. brief disturbance: a short but noisy disturbance
    3. blow strongly: to blow strongly and suddenly


    Synonyms: storm, windstorm, gust of wind, gust, tempest, shower
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
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    New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
    Posts
    6,057

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Rinker View Post
    Obviously an attempt to describe a sound...(But you knew that.)
    Actually, I didn't. I was pretty sure you meant "squeal" but not positive. You never said "like a squall" but the term "squeak" did come up several times. Never heard it used that way.
    The Constitution needs to be re-read, not re-written!

    If you can't handle Dr. Seuss, how will you handle real life?

    Current oil burners: MB GLK250 BlueTEC, John Deere X758
    New ride: MB GLS450 - most stately
    Gone but not forgotten: '87 F350 7.3, '93 C2500 6.5, '95 K2500 6.5, '06 K2500HD 6.6, '90 MB 350SDL, Kubota 7510

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    73

    Default

    My belt was making noise and I changed the tensioner which solved the problem for a month or so. Doing some investigating, I found that my belt (a Goodyear replacement from NAPA) was too long allowing it to on the tensioner. I bought a slightly smaller belt and it solved the problem.

    YMMV,
    Mike
    Mike
    2001 2500HD
    "Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?"

  12. #12

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnC View Post
    Actually, I didn't. I was pretty sure you meant "squeal" but not positive. You never said "like a squall" but the term "squeak" did come up several times. Never heard it used that way.

    I think I made it up. It was more than a squeal. My brain thought...SQUALL. LOL
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  13. #13

    Default

    By the way, there were two parts omitted/missing from the reconstruction of my truck...on both sides of cooler stack that allowed water and road grit into the engine compartment.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
    Posts
    6,057

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Rinker View Post
    I think I made it up. It was more than a squeal. My brain thought...SQUALL. LOL
    Well, maybe you're a little psychic. I found this secondary definition: "a brief disturbance: a short but noisy disturbance"

    More interesting, though is this possible origin:

    "The word appears to be Nordic in origin, but its etymology is considered obscure. It probably has its roots in the word skvala, an Old Norse word meaning literally, [get this] to squeal."
    The Constitution needs to be re-read, not re-written!

    If you can't handle Dr. Seuss, how will you handle real life?

    Current oil burners: MB GLK250 BlueTEC, John Deere X758
    New ride: MB GLS450 - most stately
    Gone but not forgotten: '87 F350 7.3, '93 C2500 6.5, '95 K2500 6.5, '06 K2500HD 6.6, '90 MB 350SDL, Kubota 7510

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    RAYMOND WA.
    Posts
    108

    Default Serpentine squall

    I Replaced The Tensioner Bearing Not To Long Ago And It Is Good Now I Would Like To Replace The Bearings In The Idlers, Does Anyone Have The Bearing Number For The Two Idlers? Thank You For Your Help.

    2003 2500hd Duramax.
    ORDERED 1-15-03 ARRIVED 2-10-03= 03/2500HD/D/A/EXT.CAB LT/ LONG BOX/4X4/CARBON METALLIC/ONSTAR/ TTT CAMPER MIRRORS/WESTIN BOARDS WITH LITES/HUSKY FLOOR LINERS/PRO FIT FLAPS/ACCESS TONNO/LINEX BED RAILS/ FUMOTO OIL DRAIN VALVE,
    BEDRUG/BILSTEIN SHOCKS/ ISSPRO EGT GAUGE/RED LINE LUBE, BANKS EXHAUST BRAKE. GALAXY 929 CB/ WILSON 1000.KENNEDY LIFT PUMP.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    So Calif
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Diesel / Vette,

    Here you go ... GM part number for idler bearings is 98057284 (2 needed)

    Hope this helps

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,573

    Arrow

    Be careful with your CA part numbers. The 02-03 CA models are different than anything in the universe. Fed emission trucks didn't have vacuum pumps. There are 2 types of idler pulleys, smooth and grooved. Verify the one(s) you need.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    RAYMOND WA.
    Posts
    108

    Default Idler bearings

    I just changed the two bearings on my 03, skf #6005 2rsjem. $22.00 ea.
    ORDERED 1-15-03 ARRIVED 2-10-03= 03/2500HD/D/A/EXT.CAB LT/ LONG BOX/4X4/CARBON METALLIC/ONSTAR/ TTT CAMPER MIRRORS/WESTIN BOARDS WITH LITES/HUSKY FLOOR LINERS/PRO FIT FLAPS/ACCESS TONNO/LINEX BED RAILS/ FUMOTO OIL DRAIN VALVE,
    BEDRUG/BILSTEIN SHOCKS/ ISSPRO EGT GAUGE/RED LINE LUBE, BANKS EXHAUST BRAKE. GALAXY 929 CB/ WILSON 1000.KENNEDY LIFT PUMP.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    RAYMOND WA.
    Posts
    108

    Default Idler bearings

    Forgot to post, both my idler pulleys are smooth.
    ORDERED 1-15-03 ARRIVED 2-10-03= 03/2500HD/D/A/EXT.CAB LT/ LONG BOX/4X4/CARBON METALLIC/ONSTAR/ TTT CAMPER MIRRORS/WESTIN BOARDS WITH LITES/HUSKY FLOOR LINERS/PRO FIT FLAPS/ACCESS TONNO/LINEX BED RAILS/ FUMOTO OIL DRAIN VALVE,
    BEDRUG/BILSTEIN SHOCKS/ ISSPRO EGT GAUGE/RED LINE LUBE, BANKS EXHAUST BRAKE. GALAXY 929 CB/ WILSON 1000.KENNEDY LIFT PUMP.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    NH & Eastern NY
    Posts
    205

    Default

    My 2012 gasser started squeaking after I washed it two weeks ago. It dried and stopped, I washed it again, and started squeaking again. Takes about a full week to diminish. Got an appointment at the dealer tomorrow morning, but some investigation revealed a loose idler. Even with a tensioned belt on it, I can move it slightly by hand.
    2012 Chevy 2500HD ECSB, 6.0L gas, auto, 4x4, LT
    2003 F450, 7.3L PSD, 6 spd stick, 2wd, dump truck
    1983 GMC K2500 pickup - working on a Cummins 5.9L swap
    1987 GMC K3500 Dump, 6.2L diesel, TH400 auto - project plow truck

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