I'm getting a crazy loud squeak from the engine compartment. It's hard to tell where it's coming from (tight space + front wheel drive) but I've checked tension on belts and used belt lube to no avail.

I also get random scent of antifreeze, but keep an eye on the fluids and swear over the last month I couldn't have lost more than a cup or two.

So I'm guessing the water pump? Maybe radiator pinhole + squeaky alternator? I'd like to have a good idea because the local mechanic has awesome skills, but orders from the most expensive place in town on parts. I can save who knows how much by getting the parts and just bringing them to him for him to put them on...

3/6/2009 1:02:12 AM

is it on a ford

year make and model would help a little though

3/6/2009 1:06:14 AM

My water pump started to squeak fairly loud about 15 minutes before it shit coolant all over the front of the block. Some can die without a sound. I can't say for certain just from what you've given but that's the first place I'd look.

3/6/2009 1:17:04 AM

'02 Ford Taurus, 200K+ miles . Getting pretty wrench savvy at this point but job + school + no garage any more is crimping my style.

3/6/2009 2:29:19 AM

take the belt off and turn each pulley it connects to. i have a feeling you'll know which one is the problem.

3/6/2009 7:48:22 AM

Quote :

"02 Ford Taurus, 200K+ miles"

3/6/2009 8:42:15 AM

power steering belt perhaps

3/6/2009 9:05:06 AM

if it is a squeak or chirp and not a squeal, you are losing a bearing, pull the belt off and spin all the accesories by hand and feel for free play

3/6/2009 10:07:37 AM