Hi all. I have a 1995 F150 4.9L I6. I recently heard the truck make this 'ticking' noise. I checked it out by pulling the belt and running the truck for a minute to try to narrow it down. It doesn't make the noise with the belt off. I started to hand turn the pulleys to narrow it down even more and I found out that the alternator pulley and idler pulley bearings were squeaking. Replaced them, put a new belt on, and still makes the same noise. What could it be? Anyone else had this problem. I do not think it is a lifter because with the belt off it does not make the noise. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

I have had this problem some too. Would love to know what it is because it slightly irks me lol.

 

Yeah I don't know. I just dropped it off at the shop. I'm pretty sure mine is the smog pump pulley. The noise comes from the bottom of the engine bay so that's my best guess. Idk, I'll just let the professionals figure it out. I'll let you know what they come up with.

 

You are prolly hearing the smog pump working.

 

But it hasn't always made this noise.

 

Okay update: It was the smog pump making the noise. I took the belt off and turned every pulley I could and the smog pump was really squeaky and grinding. Replaced the pump and had to reuse the pulley. Noise went away completely.