TeKKiE, thank you for your thoughtful proposals.
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Originally Posted by TeKKiE
High pitched sound could likely be the PS pump, considering you stated it changes pitch with engine speed. At idle, turn your wheels hard left and hard right to determine if it is in fact the PS pump. If no change is heard, then it might be the other vbelt.
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I did move the steering wheel from end to end to see if the noise would change and it doesn't. Originally I suspected it was the PS pump v-belt slipping. I think we can agree that the high pitched sound is probably coming from a bearing in some accessory that is marginal.
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Originally Posted by TeKKiE
If the sound gets louder (vibrates thru the screwdriver more than other components), then you have a likely suspect. You will definitely notice the difference in sound and vibration from a defective component to a good component.
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This sounds like the mechanic's version of a doctor's stethoscope. Accessing the alternator and the PS pump are easy because they are on top. Below is the water pump and the AC compressor and the idler pump. They are harder to reach. Switching on the AC compressor and loading it up does not change the sound.
I am prepared to take off one v-belt at a time to see which group of accessories is making the noise.
Is there any problem operating a cold engine without the PS pump, alternator, AC compressor, or water pump turning over? All I envision is the red warning light on the dash board turning on. I hope that doesn't cause an OBD-II diagnostic code to be triggered in the engine computer. I don't have a scan tool to reset it.
If I still have the sound after removing both v-belts, then I will assume it is coming from an internal crank or cam bearing within the engine.
I understand the novel way to loosen the bolt holding the crank pulley is to turn on the starter motor with a long wrench attached to the bolt's head. My first reaction upon reading this method here was that a tooth on the flywheel or starter motor pinion gear might break off if the torque generated by the motor is high and the pulley bolt refuses to budge. In a way, this process is like turning the starter motor/flywheel into an impact wrench. I believe the FSM calls for an insertion of a screwdriver between the teeth of the flywheel to keep it from moving, so the manufacturer must believe that the teeth are very solid.
Thanks again