lucky2007

loud grinding sound just while trying to start the truck

geo1

Starter drive?barely engaging or extending too far,worth a look,before you hurt ring gear

David Duffer

I am having a loud high pitched noise when engine is running, I replace Serpentine belt around two years ago... Thought it was Steering Pump going out even though there was no leak... Replace when might have shouldn't replace Steering Pump.... Still have loud sound, took and had Alternator checked at Advance Auto Parts... It checked out ok held a 14 volt charge even with a load on it.... So discussed with Advance guy that maybe its a pulley... So I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and could tell me what pulley was making this sound... Any help at all will be greatly appreciated ok...…
I do have one other problem I get at random times a warning light with a wrench and a line through it and car... When it happens until a shut down vehicle it want let me engage my track control... Someone said they thought it was some sensor in behind steering wheel.. Which cost $200 and $100 more for labor....Again any help with these issues will be greatly appreciated....

Thanks David D. BG KY

countrygirl3

I found out it was the throttle body making noise. Replaced it noise gone.

rgwiz

I currently have the same problem. At first, it didn't make the noise at every start. Now it happens almost every time I start it. As mentioned above what should I look for? Or, should I go a head and take it to a garage? Is ring gear the flywheel gear? Can it be permanently damaged? My Trail Blazer has the 5.3 LS4 with 117k miles and runs great except for the starting issue.

Kazoocruiser

Replace the starter before it burns a hole through the ring gear (flywheel) that it is drilling into.

rgwiz

Thanks Kazoocruiser. Right after I posted, I ran it over to the shop. Wouldn't you know it didn't make the noise when I started it in my driveway. Same when the mechanic tried it. but then second try produced the screech and again the third time he tried it. That was yesterday and the new starter is going in today. He claims 3 to 4 hours work plus price of new Delco starter will total around $740 to $800. That's North Jersey labor rates and a new not rebuilt unit. Oh well, it's well worth it, like you say, before the flywheel gets ruined.
I love my TrailBlazer with the LS4 flex. It's a lot of fun to drive around town but gets decent MPG's on long trips. It has all the additional LT options with NAV, Bose, and the towing package for handling. Black on black, it's a keeper!

Kazoocruiser

Glad it's on its way to being fixed, but I live in the Bronx, so we're almost neighbors. I'm not going to second guess a private garage, but if they have a $15.00 minimum wage guy do the work, you will pay the light bill for the month.. I think the job in this horrible freezing weather is do-able against a warmed up engine.

Methinks a new solenoid could be installed, while the starter is still bolted up. That is a one-cup of coffee A.S.E. technical solution. You might ask them about that option. Be aware they might hate you if you do.

Or, you could send me a PM to explore some options you weren't aware of.

David Duffer

After getting pulleys replaced should quieten down.,, Always have pulleys checked cause when bearing in them becomes dry pulley could seze up....

captainanne

Hi David,

I have had that loud whining sound for years whenever the engine is running. I just replaced the serpentine belt because it shredded. The dealer checked out my car and says the sound is coming from the alternator. Dealer wanted over $700 to replace it. I ordered one online for $117 and watched YouTube video on how to do it. It looks pretty easy. You do not have to get under the vehicle. When I replace the alternator, I can let you know if the noise is gone.
What was the noise for you?