1999 Chevy Astro Screeching Sounds while Idling

DORANMICHIGAN

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I have screeching sounds while the engine is idling. It is not the belts or pulleys. It sounds like metal to metal or 6 cats caught in the belt.

What can make that sound? Starter, Water pump, my wallet paying for this? There is no smoke, just screeching. No weird smells either. No leaks.

It may last for 5 minutes then go away, or I turn off the van and start it back up and there is no screeching. There is screeching sometimes while driving the van, then it goes away.

I suspect the water pump with the mileage I have. I have seen small drops of antifreeze on the ground. I don't see any increase in temp. On the gauge. The problem is noise is not coming from the water pump though. It sounds like it is under the engine. Could it be the starter?

I will be taking it into the shop for a look see.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Without being there, it's hard to tell. But I did enjoy the description. If you are sure it's not the belt, it could be the pump, ac compressor (if it's on during this time), alt. If you can get the car to make the sound, remove the serp belt and see if it goes away. NOTE: Don't run the engine for more than 10 seconds because there will be no coolant circulating.

Also, check the seep hole on the water pump to see if that is where the coolant is coming from. If it is, replace the pump because the bearing is out of the pump.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe