Ok guys...i seem to be having all kinds of trouble with my ram...Now the problem is a strange chirping/squealing noise from under the hood while the motor is running. Its not consistent but u can hear it in short spurts, and it speeds up with the engine. I have no clue what it could be...possibly a bearing in my pully system or something like that? Im unable to pinpoint exactly where the sound is comeing from, but it seems to get worse every day...the motor is a 318...any input helps, thanks

 

Had similar problem. Was the idler pulley.

 

Its the belt, common noise and problem on pretty much every car made.

Check to see if your belt is bad. Look on the back of it for cracking and such, if it is replace it, they're like $10. Also spray some belt dressing on it. Get it at Wal Mart or any parts store. If it still does it and the belts not bad, its either the idler pully ($25) or tensioner pully. All of them are cheap and really easy fixes.

 

My truck has a fairly loud noise just liek u discribed, but only when it is cold (below 40 degrees outside, and engine is DEAD cold)
Mine only does it for about 30 seconds.

Is yours worse when its cold?

 

idler pully/ belt combination..

replace both.. call it a day

p.s. goodyear's gatorback belts have always been superior to any belt that ive ever purchased.. same running belt for 3 years and no squeks.. stab it with some belt dressing every oil change.. shes golden..

IIRC idler pull/tension pull was like 16 bux from napa brand new.. and buy the WHOLE assembly.. not just the pully.. with the rotation of the engine the tensioner spring actually wobbles a little bit and thats where your noise could be coming from.. just easer to replace the whole unit.. super easer.. one nut on the back side takes it off

 

My vote's for the idler pully. Go one bad on mine now that's progressed to a grinding sound.

 

Ive got the same problem mostly when its cold but every now and then i hear it when its warmed up. i just replace my idler and belt tensioner about 2 months ago and my belt i replaced about 1 month ago. it just started doing it. and i to can not figure out the problem. if you found anythng out let me know.