I started up my truck and there was a very loud and annoying squeeking noise. I drove it a couple miles to try to figure out what it was. The squeeking did get a little better, but then all of a sudden it stopped. Exactly when this happened I lost my power steering and a light came on that said "gen" on my intstrument panel. In my owners manual it said this is a failure in my charging system. Does anyone know what this could be?
Thanks

 

sounds like you broke your belt, which would mean your water pump isnt working either, so i wouldnt drive it if i were you and thats what happened....

 

It could be a worn out idler pulley bearing or a bad fan belt, or water pump. If any of these happen the belt will lose tension and the alternator and ps pump will go out as will the water pump, so you will also overheat if you keep it running. Check the idler and water pump pulleys for a wobble after you remove the fan belt. Inspect the fan belt while you have it off , if the surface is shiny or if you see cracks in it replace it before reassembly.

 

Have you looked under the hood? :-) If the belt is still there take it off and check all the pulleys to make sure they spin freely and don't wobble around.

 

Geez , I type too slow! LOL

 

ummm.... when you heard the very loud and annoying squeeking noise, did you ever consider stopping and looking under the hood to see what might be wrong ?

as said above, either its the belt only, or maybe one of the numerous things it turns.