Cold start squeal

Over the last week or so I have had a high pitch squeal from front of motor. I have a short drive to work (10 min) and it’s usually quiet by then.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
2012 5.7L

 

Not a belt noise btw

 

Do you think it could be a pully going out? Like an idler?

 

Nearing 100k so definitely a possibility

 

Power steering pump?

 

I had an f150 that chewed through idler pullys. I tested it 2 ways. One would be taking the belt off and spinning it by hand, good pullys don't spin too much when spun by hand. Bad ones in my experience usually spin like crazy, like 5 or more rotations. Another way is to hit a suspected pully with a small spritz of lubricant like wd40. And if the noise goes away for a second and then comes back that's your problem. I would be careful doing this on like an alternator just because of the electronics.

 

The wd40 method works while running, so be careful of the fan. And the belt has to be on.

 

This is a suggestion I got from a friend, thought I’d share here:
Use a loooong screwdriver, put against alternator and put your ear to it (using screwdriver like a stethoscope) listen around it, near pulleys of other things until you find it

 

That's definitely an option, just mind the fan and belts. There are also likely a ton of videos on YouTube to help you find the source.

 

Water pump, maybe?? I've only had squealing or squeaking after a storm and me running through puddles... I've removed the stock skid plate years ago.. and after 265k miles only thing squeaking was the rear suspension...

 

Spraying water on the belt and it stop squealing would verify belt noise. Mine started out the same way. It would squeal when first started and then quit after a short distance. However it got to the point it would squeal longer and longer until it squealed all the time. It was the belt tensioner bad. I had to replace it with only about 27,000 miles on it at my expense, It was out of warranty due to the age of it.