Questions and Answers

Chevy Blazer Bang And Squeal Q. I have a 1993 Chevy Blazer with 2 concerns: 1. After the truck has been running for about five minutes, an annoying banging sound can be heard. I bought the truck used two years ago with 59,000 miles on it. I bought the extended service plan as well. The service manager said there was a problem with the counter balance shaft and convinced the warranty company to replace the engine.

They did but the banging is still there. I'm concerned that it may be something else that was overlooked.

2. This truck now has 81,000 miles on it. When I start it in the morning there is an annoying squeal. It seems to be lasting longer and getting worse. The serpentine belt was replaced two years ago and I took the idler pulley off and lubricate the bearings as best as possible with 10W40 weight oil. I put it back, but no real change. The pulley seemed pretty free to turn also. Any suggestions. One last thing, recently in the snow, I used 4WD and shortly after that I noted a burnt smell. I used 4WD again and did not smell it. I checked the transmission fluid and it looked and smelt fine. I noticed this while on a highway with traffic and moving slowly. Could it have been another car or truck?

Thanks,
Rob

A. Banging! Did you take it back and complain? Could be transmission related or a cracked flexplate. Exhaust hitting something? Really need to listen with it on a lift if it's under truck.

Squeal? Try starting it without the belt to see if noise is gone. If it's still there you know it's not the belt or any driven components. I never liked putting belt dressing on a serpentine belt. It makes noises worse. Try pulling the transmission dipstick and let a few drops of transmission fluid drip onto the belt, It will soften the rubber and should make noise go away.