SureTrack Real Fix: Stop the Squeal!

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Squealing noises in vehicles typically have a couple common causes, such as belts or pulleys. But what if those aren’t the cause? SureTrack community member harristech had a Ford Ranger in their shop that had a squealing noise from the engine at times. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2001 Ford Ranger 3.0L

Title
High idle, squealing noise, replaced intake manifold gasket.

Complaint
Customer complains of squealing noise from engine.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Test drove vehicle and found that it has high idle and squealing noise from engine. Replaced cam synchronizer. Checked idle air valve and it is ok. Checked all pulleys and replaced belt. Checked for vacuum leaks and found no leak. Also checked for plugged PCV valve. Still has a high pitched squeal when you turn truck off. Also found high vacuum in valve cover. Do not know why it has vacuum in valve covers.

Best Answer from Community Member Ericsautomotive
Sound like a intake gasket sucking air from the crankcase to me. I’ve seen that one a few times on these 3.0L engines.

Cause
Checked intake manifold gaskets and found the lower ones were faulty, causing vacuum in crankcase and squealing noise.

Correction
Replaced all intake manifold gaskets, test drove vehicle and idle concern an squealing noise are gone.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.