Front end squeal - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

SyracuseP71 · 08-05-2010, 19:55

Since I purchased the car there has been a squealing noise when I shut the car down, like something winding down. It makes no noise when the car is running and the shorter the time it was on the louder/longer the squeal is when I turn it off. I assume it's the radiator fan but the unit has a pretty comprehensive plastic shroud around it and I can't really see the inside. Are there any parts in it I can WD-40 or do I have to replace the whole thing?

SyracuseP71 · 09-08-2010, 19:50

Well after asking around a little it seems like the most likely culprit is the fan bearing. I've been told by a few people that it's normal for the fan to crap out on police vehicles after running continuously for thousands of hours. Does that sound right to you, Bert? Either way I think I'm going to just order a new unit off of rockauto and call it a day.

**Bert** · 09-08-2010, 20:21

Try unplugging it and see if it goes away. Just watch the temp gauge and make sure it doesn't overheat.

Stick462 · 09-09-2010, 08:17

Starting in 2004 Ford put a one way clutch built into the alternator pully.The noise is the clutch pully slowing down the alternator as you shut off the engine.The clutch protects the accesory belt from slipping and burning up and stops heavy loading of the alternator bearings.

**Bert** · 09-09-2010, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stick462

Starting in 2004 Ford put a one way clutch built into the alternator pully.The noise is the clutch pully slowing down the alternator as you shut off the engine.The clutch protects the accesory belt from slipping and burning up and stops heavy loading of the alternator bearings.

That could be the problem. We never had one do that but it's also possible that the pulley is going out.