just a little fyi my 2004 dodge ram hemi would wine like the power steering fluid was low,but that wasn't the case.The source of the noise was the lower idler pulley. i replaced it with a dayco idler pulley part# 89007 for $17.00 and it is only held on by (1) 1/2 bolt. this was a nice quick fix .Truck has no more whine to it ,just like new again.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Just had the same thing on mine. $20 idler pulley and I now can hear the hemi tick again.

 

Something is making a light grinding noise in my fan belt, replaced my efan, alternator, idler pulleys and nothing yet. Shop has no ideas either

 

Good tip there! When the pulleys start whining their lifespan is ticking away. They might last another 4-6 months or a couple days depending on how bad the internal bearings are getting. I learned the hard way, mine barely squeaked and not all the time before I started on a cross-country trip TX to NY. It never got loud until the last 20 miles and then the idler pulley completely broke apart and popped the belt off somewhere in Virginia.
FYI these trucks with no power steering assistance is like no steering at all. I think I almost dislocated my shoulders trying to take an interstate off ramp at 30mph lol