kaskas22

I have a 2003 mountaineer with a 4.6 V8. I now have a noise that sounds like a power steering pump whine, but I don't think it is. The noise is coming from left side upper timming cover area. Seems like just below the valve cover. The noise is rpm related. Im not sure how they're set up inside, if there are chain guides or how the chain tensioner is set up and where. Any info or known issues would be helpful.

360ci

If it sounds like a 'tick' sound, it's probably valve related. If it's more of a hum, or whirring sound then it might be your idler pulley, PS pump pulley or A/C pulley. The idler is generally the first to go. Once way to check power steering noise is to crank the wheel hard over. The PS pump makes a bit more noise when you crank the wheel over to lock. If the noise is a high pitched whine then the pump may be your culprit.

Depending on the mileage, the timing chain should easily last 200K+ without any maintenance. The timing chain tension guide, inside the timing chain cover may be misaligned.

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'00 Durango R/T 360ci 290hp (modded); 138,500m
'06 Pontiac G6 GT 3.5L 220hp; 44,000m
'12 Chrysler 200 Limited 3.6L 283hp; 13,000m
'99 Taurus 3.0L 2V Vulcan 145hp; 154,300m - Traded
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