Crankshaft Pulley - Squeak!

[mjanderle]

Greetings,

Looking for a quick fix (if there is one).

When the truck is started my crankshaft pulley squeals like a banshee. After some time it goes away. If I spray some WD down there it quiets up right away, but the WD doesn't last and on the next start-up the squeaker comes back.

My harmonic balancer was replaced about 3 years ago.

Is there a good lubricant that anyone can suggest using that will not involve me tearing the radiator out (I had to replace my water pump two times last summer (didn't buy OEM the first time) and I'd like to avoid that if possible).

I was thinking a good lithium grease might do the job, but I wanted to hear what others had to say.

Thank you in advance.

MJA

 

[Jerry D.]

Where are you spraying the WD?

Jerry D.

 

[mjanderle]

Where are you spraying the WD?

Jerry D.

From the driver's side, I can hit the shaft behind the pulley pretty well. If I get a good dose back there, she is nice and quiet.

 

[saryon7]

Here is my thinking.... Every crankshaft pulley I have ever seen either has a keyway in it, or it is interference fit (needs a puller/installer to put on and take off). They are made this way so that they WILL NOT turn independently from the crankshaft. They should not be slipping on the crankshaft. If your crankshaft pulley is spinning on the crankshaft, there are bigger problems. Maybe a worn balancer, or crankshaft.

That being said, are you sure it just isn't a squeaking belt??? That is the most likely problem. You are probably just getting some of the wd40 on the belt when you spray it. Spray the belt at a different location to test the theory. If it turns out to be the belt:

• Check the tension
• Pull or pry a little on each pulley and look for movement to make sure none of the bearings are going bad. Often a waterpump or alternator bearing is worn enough to allow the belt to slip.
• Is your belt new? If not and everything is tight, just get a new belt.

They do make a specific spray for stopping squeaking belts, but it is still a temporary fix until you get a new belt. Hope something helps.


john

 

[mjanderle]

Here is my thinking.... Every crankshaft pulley I have ever seen either has a keyway in it, or it is interference fit (needs a puller/installer to put on and take off). They are made this way so that they WILL NOT turn independently from the crankshaft. They should not be slipping on the crankshaft. If your crankshaft pulley is spinning on the crankshaft, there are bigger problems. Maybe a worn balancer, or crankshaft.

That being said, are you sure it just isn't a squeaking belt???

john

At this junction, I would not rule out a squeaking belt, but last night when I was taking a closer look I crawled under the truck and shot some oil up behind the pulley from down below. I'm pretty sure none got on the belt. I started up the truck and my squeak was totally gone, running smoother than ever.

I guess I never thought the squeak was generated from a loose pulley on the shaft, but more the shaft and how it interfaces with the face of the engine (I've never had it apart, so I can't speak intelligently on how this goes together / comes apart.)

Back to the loose belt idea, this is a very good possibility as I was reluctant to really tighten this belt down due to my water pump failures. My first replaced pump died right away and I have a feeling it was because A. it wasn't OEM, and B. I cranked down the belt super tight and probably toasted the inner bearing on the pump.

For some reason, calculating belt deflection is an Achilles' heel for me....

 

[ColonelMustardFJ40]

I have experience this before and it was a dry timing cover seal. Best to pull it and replace the seal and when you install the new seal make sure to use a high quality grease (syn Mobil1 is what I used) to lubricate the sealing surface for the crank pulley. Good luck.

 

[saryon7]

You probably didn't overtighten it last time. New belts usually stretch a little after they have started working. Then they don't usually stretch after that.

One last thing too. If any of the accessories like water pump, sog pump, water pump, etc. are starting to freeze up, that can make the belt slip too.

Well, let us know what you find out. I am curious.

thanks,
john

 

[DougAustinTx]

I have experience this before and it was a dry timing cover seal. Best to pull it and replace the seal and when you install the new seal make sure to use a high quality grease (syn Mobil1 is what I used) to lubricate the sealing surface for the crank pulley. Good luck.

Wow! The actual timing seal was so dry it was squeaking?? I have never seen that (not doubting you at all). I wonder if the cam gear spray nozzle wasn't getting enough oil into the timing cover?

 

[crashn]

Look very carefully at where the crank pulley attaches to the crank. make sure it isn't cracked and moving around a little. Probably a belt problem. Was there ever a seal shim installed to take up room on the crank where a grove was worn into the shaft? If so the material may be slipping on the shaft.

Look for the easy stuff first.

 

[sebfj40]

I had exactly the same symptoms. Replaced the harmonic balancer seal and it hasn't made a sound for 10,000km so far

 

[mjanderle]

Thank you for all the input. I'm going to go with the easy stuff first. New belts will be first order of business.

MJA

 

[fj404life]

Easy to rule out the belt(s). Remove them and start it up. Squeeks gone=belts.

 

[mjanderle]

Easy to rule out the belt(s). Remove them and start it up. Squeeks gone=belts.

We have a winner (as well others who mentioned potential belt issues)!
I took off the belts tonight and she runs as quiet as a kitten.

Next question, which is probably much less interesting than the original question :

1. The belts that were on the truck were cogged. Does anyone have an opinion on cogged vs. solid belts? I'd be interested to hear what folks have to say.

Thank you in advance.
MJA