Hey guys, I have a 2005 f150 fx4 with about 90k on it. Now this only happens when its ten degrees or colder but when i first start driving my truck i get a very high pitch sound coming from the front of the truck. It varies with the rpms and only does it when the truck is colder then the the half mark. My alternator isn't bad i just had it checked and none of the pulleys or the belts are making this noise. Any ideas? Thank you for your help.

 

Who/How was the alternator checked? Just curious because your symptoms are describing exactly the alternator / idler pulley issue.

If you have a chance, take off the serpentine belt and spin the alternator / pulleys by hand and see if you notice any noises.

 

This has been discussed several times before, try searching the topic and you should get some answers. I think most people pin pointed it to the actual alternator itself, and only when its cold out. My 05 does it too in extreme cold, but i just live with it.

 

Same here... I just live with it. Most of the trucks do it. If you ever pass someone whose truck is doing it to... just wave

 

mine does it too. we got bigger fish to fry, let it whine.

 

So that's what that noise is. I just noticed it the last couple of days on my 05 Screw. I figured I would find the answer here (as always).

Thanks again!

 

I had an 02 sporttrac that did the exact same thing. I lived with it one winter then took it to a reputable alternator shop who replaced a thrust washer and 1 or 2 bearings. Cost me like $60, but the alternator was fine otherwise and a new one was close to $300....

 

Good to know there are still alternator shops around. I haven't found one in 30 years. I remember back then you never bought a new or rebuilt alternator. You just got your old one re-wound.

 

My 07 FX4 did the same thing with about 7k the first 0 day a few years ago...
I believe it was the water pump pulley bearing or some pulley bearing for sure...can't seem to find paperwork...warranty covered it...
it was so loud I could even hear it in the house when I remote started it in the driveway!!!...I remember the dealer was not able to hear it the first time I took it because it was not cold enough!!!..they thought I was nuts...

 

Same here.....I have learned to just live with it.....

 

Mine was done under warranty as well. It was the idler pulley.

 

Thanks for your input guys. Ill check out the bearings.
Thank you

 

Mine too... I'll live with the cold whistle until something gives. More anoying is the driver's hand crank window freezing shut (comes loose from the regulator) when cold.

Dan J, That's for sure! A friend helped me rework my wife's old Chevette alternator. We replaced a couple bad capacitors and all the brushes and "VIOLA!", like new.

 

i have an 04 that up until thursday did the same thing. Replaced the alternator with a genuine Ford Reman Alt at the dealership i work at and have since driven it approx 200 miles without a sound. Hope it helps guys

 

good info! But i thought that noise was the engine's hidden turbo haha