84 240 makes high pitched noise in 5th gear HELP

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 22 Jan 2004, 19:46

I have a 84 240 wagon- its my second one. I've had the new one for a month, and this problem has happened about 5 or 6 times. I'll be driving on the freeway, at least 60 mph, and suddenly there is a high pitched squealing noise, similar to when you're driving on ice and your wheels slip. If I push on the accelerator or take my foot off, the pitch of the noise changes. Each time its happened, I pull over, wait a sec, and keep going. That always makes it stop.

Does anyone have any idea what this is? I had the transmission looked at, and it is fine. The car has 255K miles on it.

Any advice would be helpful.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 22 Jan 2004, 19:47

I forgot to add that it is an automatic.

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 23 Jan 2004, 11:42

Sounds like one of your timing belts are loose.... it just needs to be tightened up again. At least that was my mechanic's solution to a similar problem with my 740..

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 23 Jan 2004, 17:57

Would not be the timing belt!!!
If the timing belt was slipping the engine would not be running.
It could be your accessory drive belts, the alternator, water pump, air conditioning,and/or power steering belts.

A squeeling sound like you are describing is unusual and probably not associated with the transmission, but it could be the center bearing in the driveshaft. A competent mechanic should be able to isolate the sound and source of the problem.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 24 Jan 2004, 06:22

Is it hot outdoor? Are you using the AC? If you are, switch it off while you hear the sound and check if it dissapears.
I had the same kind of sound and actually asked about it here in this forum. When it was hot outdoor and the AC was working hard and the rpm was over 3000 I could hear it sometimes. It came from some by-pass valve in the AC system placed behind the dashboard. The by-pass valve open when the rpm is high and the AC is working with highest pressure because of heat. The AC was newly refilled. If you have the same fault, nothing to worry about.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 24 Jan 2004, 21:41

Thanks for the tips.

The car doesn't have AC, and its freezing where I live anyway.

I just had the power steering belt replaced, so that rules that one out.

Any other ideas?

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 25 Jan 2004, 14:07

Check the belt tension on the power steering pump. There is a good chance that if you just had that replaced the belt may be loose.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 25 Jan 2004, 14:18

It could also be the bearings in the water pump. Check the play by "tilting" the fanblades. A small play is OK, but if you can feel a real play and move the top of the fan blade several mm, the bearings are worn out.