I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L with 141000 miles that is currently making a squeaky noise when I start the engine and continues while the engine is in idle. It will also increase in volume noise when I press on the gas. I checked the belt to see if there was any significant ware but there was none. I did also check to see when the belt was changed and it was changed at exactly 75632 miles. Could it be the water pump? I checked the to see if it had been changed but it has not. I did not see any leakage of fluid underneath the right side (passenger side)of the van. I did not feel any play when trying to move the water pump with my hands. Don't know what else to check. Need some advice.

 

Did you removed the fan belt and start and run the engine? And did the squeaking sound quit? If it did, I would start looking at the pulleys, water pump and alternator.

 

Thanks will try to see if I can perform that removal of the fan belt. I consider myself as a novice when it comes to auto repair and by the way how much will a job like that cost if I need to take it to a shop? Both water pump and alternator change?

 

Likely your belt. Remove it and clean it up with mild soap and water. Check for cracks in its ribs. Check any pulleys for looseness while belt is off. What brand belt is it? I stick with Mopar as other belts, being unknowns, can be a problem.

Don't start thinking the worst and don't start throwing $ at it. If it's a pulley, take a look at the idler pulley and tensioner pulley first as they are very prone to wear.

Recent squeaky noise with my Jeep was a loose tensioner pulley plus a belt with many cracks in its ribs.

Replaced the idler pulley on my 2002 last year. It was giving a whirring (bearing) noise for a long time, but no more.

An alternator replacement takes about an hour in a shop but ....... there's a decoupler pulley to consider.