Belt Squeal Or Chirp Noise On Cold Startup

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4.0L ENGINE BELT SQUEAL OR CHIRP NOISE ON COLD STARTUP

2007-2008 Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Mountaineer and 2009 Mustang eBay vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine may exhibit a belt squeal or belt chirp from the front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt near the power steering pulley area.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT, TENSIONER OR PULLEYS HAVE ANY FLUIDS OR BELT DRESSING APPLIED TO THEM AS DAMAGE TO THE BELT MATERIAL AND TENSIONER DAMPING MECHANISM MAY OCCUR.

Visually inspect all related FEAD components for damage and or abnormal wear. If no concerns found, proceed to Step 2.
Inspect for FEAD belt clearance on the idler pulley. A properly aligned belt will have an approximate 3/32″ (2 mm) space behind the belt on the idler pulley. (Figure 1)

Inspect for FEAD belt clearance on the idler pulley

Figure 1

1. If there is not an approximate 3/32″ (2 mm) gap, proceed with Step 3.
2. If there is an approximate 3/32″ (2 mm) gap, proceed with Step 5.

Verify the generator bracket and idler pulley are properly seated and torqued to specification.
1. If they are not properly seated or torqued to specification, after correcting them, remeasure the gap per Step 2.
  1. If the gap is still not 3/32″ (2 mm), proceed to Step 4.
  2. If there is an approximate 3/32″ (2 mm) gap, proceed to Step 5.
2. If no concerns are found with fit or torque, proceed to Step 4.
Replace the generator bracket with updated bracket. Proceed to Step 5.
Replace the accessory drive belt with the updated belt part number.