Hey guys I have a 2003 f150 with a 5.4 in it. This morning I went and started it to let it warm up like I always do and I noticed a noise that I though was a bearing on one of the pulleys. When the truck warmed up the noise was almost completely gone. I went and asked the local mechanic and he said that the idler pulley was probably to blame to I took the belt off and spun the pulling and it sounds like a normal smooth bearing. I spun the alternator and it makes a noise but I'm not sure what a good alternator sounds like when you spin it. I need some help, any thoughts on what it could be or what a normal alternator sounds like when you spin it would greatly help me.

 

Ford says its normal to hear some wierd noises on cold starts, as long as it goes away when warm they say its nothing to worry about. I can probably find the article if need be

 

The noise is just very slightly there when warm but I'll keep listening to it for the next couple days. Today was the first time it has done this in the year I've owned it.

 

I changed the tensioner pulley and idler pulley and no noise anymore! We will see how the next couple days go and hopefully that was my problem. Now on to see about the 4x4 tomorrow...

 

Well I started my truck this morning and ****in noise. I put a metal rod up to the alternator and my ear on the other end and found that's its coming from there. My new question is do I need a new alternator or is there a way I can just change the bearings.