Some suggestions if possible.....

89 SE 205K Miles.....

I get a high-pitched chirping/squeal when cold. However, it is not upon start but rather not until I shift into Drive (AT) and accellerate. It goes away after a few seconds and/or when I reach about 10mph and does not seem to appear after car is warm. Seems like only when cold or wet ambient weather. Haven't had opportunity to check belts but if it was a belt wouldn't it appear upon start up?

Any help or suggestions cheerfully appreciated.

Beerguy

 

I'd check bearings.

 

yep, that's what it sounds like. Bearings on your power steering, water pump, or alternator can squeal intermittently. Lots of times, they will stop when it warms up.

 

Thanks for the input. I actually let it cool and then did some experimentation. Actually noise seems to be transmission based. Shift from P into D prompts it, also shift into N from D (same type of sound, but different pitch). Trans. fluid is clean and level fine. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Beerguy

 

Any ideas, Ladies?

Definitely the tranny. From P to D I get it (shimmy, chirping squeal) then into N it goes to a different pitch. Shifting thru it eventually stops.
I am told torque converter would not make any noise in N but don't know is they were filling my head with ****. Anyway, after it's warmed up it's smooth and quiet as a tomb.

Haynes manual no help!

My son Grant insisted on the smiley!!!

 

OK- here's why I said bearings. My Stanza (other car) is doing a very similar thing, and I have traced it to the power steering pump. It also is very quiet in N and P, but as soon as I shift into D or R, I get a grindy, whiny type noise and vibration. Not sure why putting it in gear matters, but it does....

 

Actually finally got a chance to inspect and found my alternator belt loose. Tightened it up and solved problem. I guess the gear only revealed it in terms of chaning the RPMs. Anyway, thank you for your help!

Beerguy

 

Glad you fixed it, and that it was an easy one.