Well, I gave up on the squeal I've had for the last several months. After replacing belts, the tensioner, pulleys, an alternator, water pump, and now the Air Conditioner I've said enough. I'll let the professionals figure it out.

Now, some of those parts had to be replaced anyway, so I don't feel bad about any of the parts I put in. 120k miles will wear out moving parts. I had a leak in my front cover (so I replaced the water pump), I messed up the Air Conditioner compressor when I pressed in a new clutch bearing, and the alternator was definitely going south.

I feel a little defeated that I didn't find it myself, but I'm really looking forward to a trouble free ride. Once this is done, I can work on the cosmetic stuff like the side steps and brush bar. Both of which need refinishing, the Minnesota salt was brutal on them for the past 8 years.

 

could you hear the squeal at idle or just while driving?

 

It occurs at idle and while not moving. The sound goes away during acceleration, and comes back when you drop down to idle. (like at a stop) If I drove it around town for 10-15 minutes the squealing stops as long as I don't let it sit for more than an hour or two.

The sound always comes back after I decelerate from highway speeds.

Oh yeah, and it is loud. Like nails on a chalkboard loud. I just never could locate the source. I put some extensions on all the moving parts but never heard or felt anything that matched up with the sound.

I'm still hoping it is just a vacuum whistle, since that is what it feels like to me. We'll see what the diagnosis is. The only other accessory that I haven't replaced is the power steering. I don't think an engine baring would do this if it was the culprit. (or maybe I just hope it isn't an engine bearing)

 

...and they have no idea... *sighs* The best they came up with was an idler pulley that I've already replaced. I'm going to pick up a mechanic's stethoscope from Northern Tool, maybe it'll help pinpoint this.

 

How about a Harmonic Balancer? If the rubber starts to go bad, could that start squealing? (It seems like a Crank pulley would squeal on acceleration) I'll mark it and see if my mark moves.

 

I realized I never wrote in the final answer to this problem. I hate finding an unanswered thread!

My squeal was actually a whistle from a torn lower intake gasket.

 

Better late than never. Which and where exactly is the gasket? Thanks.