Let's Play "Name That Sound!" - Belt Issue?

[bostonbronconut]

I got the Bronco back from the shop after getting a new MagnaFlow exhaust installed. After a day of driving, I started hearing a clicking/chirping; I think it might be from either the alternator or power steering belt(s), but I couldn't replicate the sound with the hood up and hitting the throttle on the carburetor. I have gotten the belt squeal in the past but it would only happen for a second or two when accelerating; it hasn't been consistent like this. The belts look in good condition, and they seem pretty tight; I don't think they are stretched out much.

Here is a link to the YouTube video if the attached video doesn't work:

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Has anyone else had a similar issue like this?

 

[Brush Hog]

Have you looked to see if new exhaust is making contact with something underneath? Or if there is a loose hanger/bracket.

 

[bostonbronconut]

I just went underneath and found that one of the brake cables was resting against a muffler and a tailpipe might be hitting a bracket but there might be a gap. Sorry for the bad photos.

 

[bostonbronconut]

I'm going to go under again to see if the exhaust gaskets moved or blew; I'll also make sure the exhaust manifold is on tight just in case the shop did something to it.

 

[tasker]

will it doing just idling or does it have to be moving?

 

[bostonbronconut]

will it doing just idling or does it have to be moving?

Mostly happens when accelerating. I put in a new gasket on the driver's side, but that didn't resolve the issue. I am going to try to get to the passenger's side this afternoon to see if that will resolve it.

 

[bostonbronconut]

Sorry for the delay; I was on vacation with the family.

I found a small exhaust leak where the x-pipe and muffler connect and was able to tighten it up with a different clamp. I also discovered that the passenger-side exhaust header wasn't tightened, and I also fixed that. I tried spraying some WD-40 on the belts, but the chirping still exists.

So, the problem hasn't been fixed yet. As mentioned, the chirping only happens under load and when driving. I can sometimes replicate the sound when in park and I hit the throttle on the carburetor, but it is hard to distinguish where the sound is coming from. In the meantime, I am going to keep spraying exhaust connections with soapy water to try to find more leaks.

 

[dmoses42]

To me, it sounds like a bearing on an engine accessory starting to go out, putting more stress on it under load. That is kind of like what an idler on a serpentine setup sounds like when its getting ready to go.

 

[bostonbronconut]

To me, it sounds like a bearing on an engine accessory starting to go out, putting more stress on it under load. That is kind of like what an idler on a serpentine setup sounds like when its getting ready to go.

If that were the case, how would you best determine which accessory needs to be replaced? I assume it would be anything with a belt, but that could be the alternator, power steering, water pump, or crank.

 

[Wild horse 75]

Check your u-joints. I had a set go on me and they chirped as I drove.

 

[bostonbronconut]

Newbie question:

Check your u-joints. I had a set go on me and they chirped as I drove.

Yesterday afternoon, I went under the Bronco and gave the driveshafts a good tug and couldn't identify any movement. When trying to find movement in the front u-joints, I was able to rotate the front driveshaft once before it stopped; some liquid came out but it might have been water from when I washed the Bronco a few days ago. I bring this up because the chirping sound that started this post went away on a drive yesterday; the drive was about eight miles.

 

[Wild horse 75]

Mine had no play when it started. They were just dry and chirping. I had a 6 hour drive home and when I got home then I had a bit of play. If you have grease nipples on the joints try greasing them. If you don’t you would have to disassemble the shaft the grease them and at that point you might as well replace them. You can check the caps on the joints at the diff easily enough though. And if they are dry you should look at replacing them.

 

[4xfun]

If that were the case, how would you best determine which accessory needs to be replaced? I assume it would be anything with a belt, but that could be the alternator, power steering, water pump, or crank.

While you are adding grease to your u joints, go ahead and add grease to the other points in the system that need it. See the thread link below for an earlier discussion.

Grease Zerks?????

Anybody know how many grease zerks there are on a 73 Bronco. I was under there the other day trying to hit them all but I don't know if I found them all. Where are the grease zerks that shoot grease into the hubs in the front? Thanks

classicbroncos.com

Harbor freight and auto parts stores have a stethoscope that you place on the bracket or bolt holding on the bearing. You can also use a 3' long wooden dowel, if you put your thumb on the end that you put up to your ear. Be careful not to place the end near anything turning. You do not want the end of the rod or dowel throw into the belt path, radiator, or yourself. If the bearing is bad, the noise will transfer to the mounting bracket or bolt. Anything moving will make a noise, so you have to try it out on several vehicles to get a feel of what a good bearing sounds like. Basically the a bearing going bad has more noise and sounds rougher. Good luck