Leaf_Chaser

1995 F150 XL, 4.9L, Straight 6, Manual Trans

This ticking/chirping noise is usually at startup and fluctuates with the RPMs up and down. Goes away after about 5 or 10 minutes of driving. Anything I need to be concerned about?

Here's a 30 sec video of the sound I'm talking about:

redneckfordf2502002

Could be multiple things. Try opening the hood and see where it might be coming from. I would try all the pulleys. Check the alternator and water pump. My 88 F150 made that noise when the alternator bearings went but my 94 explorer did the same noise right before the water pump blew up.
Trav

fltdriver

Same goes for the AC compressor clutch bearing. Easy way to rule that out is to turn on the ac max at coldest setting while it's chirping, if it stops then it's the clutch bearing. If not then remove the belt and test each one, both the idler and tension pulley should free spin with no resistance or noise.

Whatever it's coming from is in the belt drive system, sounds like it may be one of the bigger components (pulley wise) because the alt would be a much quicker chirping.

billball

My 89 has a very similar noise. I listened carefully, and mine is the power steering pump, which sits up on top of my 4.9 liter six cylinder. After discovering the noise the pump has started throwing out a bit of fluid from somewhere. It's the original, so I guess 25 years is pretty good service!

cyearns

Could just be your belt too. If it hasn't been replaced in a while, replace it while you have it off inspecting the other pulleys.

jayber

Im actually troubleshooting this same problem tomorrow with my 93. Ill report back what I find.

Crownman

Get one of these. http://www.harborfreight.com/mechani...ope-69913.html
It's great for tracing down things like this. It's also great for checking components once it a while to keep an eye on bearing condition.

jayber

mine was the belt. hit it with a bar of soap and it shut up.. guess ill pick one up soon.