What is this sound coming from the front of the engine?

Gentlemen,

I just picked up a 2007 Sequoia. The body, paint, and interior are in better shape than I could have imagined. She does have some issues, however.

I've attached a very short .mp4 of a squealing sound coming from the front of the engine. I believe it's the fan bearing. The sound changes with engine speed, not mph.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Somewhat sounds like belt squeal ?

https://imgur.com/bT9RjoJ

 

Pull the serp belt & spin each pulley. Was the a/c on? Does the noise change if the a/c is on?

 

Sounds like a pulley. Does it only happen when cold?

Turn off the engine. Pull off the serpentine belt. Start the engine. Does it go away?

If yes, turn off the truck. Go to the front of the engine. Spin EACH pulley by hand. Are any tough to spin? Are any noisy? If yes, can you show us which ones are making noise in a video or photo or whatever, we can help.

There is a TSB for the tensioner pulley squealing specifically, but … can’t recall if your year is included without looking at the TSB again.

 

I haven't had much time to play with it. I was either traveling, or the weather didn't cooperate. I have not had the opportunity to remove the serpentine belt, and probably won't until next weekend.

However, I was able to run it for several minutes today. The sound is definitely more pronounced on the passenger side. It sounds like it's coming from the power steering pump. The sound doesn't change much when the steering wheel is turned. It also doesn't change much when the a/c is turned on, given that the rpm does increase.

 

It's quite possible the alternator pulley is giving up the ghost. It's happened to others. That's going to go out long before the PS pump or its pulley.

 

Alrighty then... I pulled the serpentine belt and started her up. The sound was gone. The idler pulley was too easy to spin, like a skateboard wheel. The other pulleys seemed fine. I thought I'd conquered it, but with the belt back on and a new idler pulley, the sound returned.

 

Downside: Problem not solved.
Upside: You know 100% it’s something on the serp belt route.

When you spin the pulleys, did you also check them for play?

There’s a pulley on the fan bracket known for getting wobbly, did you check it also? And the alternator pulley?

 

Just went through this with my Land Cruiser...check the tensioner/pully. I was able to mitigate the problem by exercising the tensioner back and forth, but I know it's only a temporary fix at best. I ordered a new tensionser (~ $100), but I have to remove a lot of stuff to install it. I put it on the parts shelf next to my timing belt kit so I can do it all at once.

 

I decided to replace the tensioner pulley as it was relatively easy, and not particularly expensive. Problem solved. However, I do believe both the idler and tensioner pulley bearings were bad.

Thanks much everyone for your inputs.

Now, I just need to replace my supply of bandaids...

 

My favorite byproduct from working on the truck.

I forgot how many sharp little plastic bits you get into just changing valve cover gaskets. When I gave @Dakillacore a pair of extra hands to do his recently, was a bad idea to make tacos with fresh lime and chile

My skin is clearly getting thinner with age. I didn't start noticing it until my 40s.