# My 2003 F150 Squeals!

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [September 23, 2008, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913 "2008-09-23T14:32:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Shelbygirl](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shelbygirl/32/971_2.png) [@Shelbygirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shelbygirl)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913/1 "2008-09-23T14:32:00Z")

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I got into my truck yesterday and noticed a loud squealing/chirping noise coming from the left front end. After I drove it a while it went away but this morning, it’s BACK! Not sure if it’s in the tires or under the hood but it’s louder on the left end. Any thoughts?

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913/2 "2008-09-23T14:42:31Z")

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Check the tension on the serpentine belt. If the belt is loose or worn it can squeal at start-up.

Another possibility is a brake wear warning indicator, which is designed to get your attention before the brakes wear out completely.

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**Author:** ![Shelbygirl](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shelbygirl/32/971_2.png) [@Shelbygirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shelbygirl)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913/3 "2008-09-23T14:51:11Z")

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If it’s the belt, is this something I can fix? Is there a manual someplace which shows me how to check the serpentine belt? I’m trying to do this myself as I can’t afford right now to take it to a mechanic. I can right a book on my bad experiences with mechanics. No offence to the good honest ones out there. 🙂 I’m hoping it’s something easy that I can do. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913/4 "2008-09-23T15:51:40Z")

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The Autozone guide only goes up to the 2000 model year, but I’m pretty sure the 2003 is the same body style. I usually replace the serpentine belt every 3 or 4 years on my vehicles. A new belt is usually $20 to $30. I prefer Gates or Goodyear Poly-V belts.

Changing a serpentine belt isn’t too hard. This autozone page shows the procedure better than I can explain it.

[http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152800af394](http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152800af394)

Ed B.

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**Author:** ![Shelbygirl](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shelbygirl/32/971_2.png) [@Shelbygirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shelbygirl)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2008, 12:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-2003-f150-squeals/19913/5 "2008-09-24T12:25:32Z")

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Thanks for the info. Okay, something new. The noise went away. WHY would that happen? Could it be even worse?